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Hi all!
So since the age of 17, I have battled acne on and off (I am now 24). At 18, I was prescribed Yaz and Differin- which kept my skin clear and beautiful. At 20, I had an awful reaction to an antibiotic that I was prescribed which forced me to get off of Yaz and eventually the Differin stopped working.
I have been off of birth control and after battling bad cystic acne on & off between the ages of 21-23, I was prescribed Aczone and Niacin - within 8 weeks my skin cleared up and was absolutely beautiful. My old acne scars were fading and I finally gained my confidence back. On May 11th, (after 6 months clear) I experienced a severe break out along my jawline/and on my lower cheeks. I haven't changed my acne regime, but all has failed. Nothing will prevent these break-outs from decreasing it seems! I have a very stressful job (which I'm on my way to quitting) that I feel has contributed to my break-outs. My diet and exercise isn't as good as it once was due to constantly working, which I know can have a heavy impact on my skin. I am trying to get back on track when it comes to my diet & exercise regime, but I am also concerned that I have developed a resistance to my current regime (aczone & niacin).
Those of you with adult hormonal cystic acne, any words of advice? I was tested for PCOS since I have some symptoms- and luckily I do not have it. Have any topicals seemed to work well for you? Supplements? Spironolactone? (I'm pretty intimidated by this med - but I've heard some great things).
Below are some images of my face right now (it has been much much worse in the past, but it's difficult to get use to this type of break out after clear skin for sooooo long).
I'm seeing my dermatologist very soon, so any suggestions/advice/experience is welcome! THANK YOU!
Hey - you most likely have developed a resistance to the medication. Keep in mind that stress and hormones play a large part in acne related issues. Try to stay calm and keep your hands off your face. that might help a little bit. Also try to keep your bedding as clean as possible. Acne can stem from you tossing and turning in bed. a little night time regimen i have consist of washing my face with oil free soap and use oil free make up remover from neutrogena, along with the sleepclean pillowcase becuase i just dont have time to wash my bedding every 2 days. Hope that helps a little !
Hey girlanachronism, have you found any luck with your acne? Mine is very similar and is now spreading to my upper cheek/cheekbone area so now my whole face looks pimply but with cystic acne. Currently using duac which keeps my face mostly clear except my cheeks. How did you get tested for PCOS?
hey acnegoaway!
sorry for the late response.. i've been one busy girl. i was on spiro for a while and it helped keep my acne at bay (though i still had the occasional cystic break out). i recently came off spiro about a month ago though because it was causing hair loss and extreme fatigue. since coming off my skin has been clear... i've been taking zinc, vitamin e and iron and this regime seems to really be working for me. dairy free diet (i cheat..sometimes) watching my alcohol intake, and working out 5x a week (some days it's as simple as a 30 minute walk.. any type of exercise helps keep the acne at bay). whenever i get a little pimple (notice little... no more cystic acne!!) i'll slap some aloe vera on it. as for getting tested for PCOS, my endocrinologist ordered a blood test to test my hormone levels. i'd suggest seeing a endo any day over a derma. i hope this helps?!?!? good luck!!! <3