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Hey guys, so it's been maybe about a year and a half that I have suffered with acne, before this I had pretty much clear skin. Over the course of this time I have tried multiple over the counter products aimed at acne to help treat, though these only either did nothing, minor difference or in some cases made my acne worse. I've also used other over the counter treatments that were not aimed at acne but I thought or read about that could help, also tried many home remedies.
The regime I'm on now has been the most successful out of everything I've ever used and I think it has lessened my acne, however I'm still getting pimples (which mostly consist on my cheeks where there's no bone) this leaves awful red hyperpigmentation and a bit of scarring here and there... So I need to prevent them completely, because what's left behind is awful and stays for ages! 
Current regime: Washing face with oatmeal twice a day and I use witch blemish stick.
Nothing has cured my acne and it's really becoming an emotional struggle within my life now, I cannot leave the house without make up, even with make up you can see the acne and the awful hyperpigmentation from old acne, and I see people staring directly at it whilst I'm talking to them. It's really taking a toll on my life, most of my friends have clear skin so I find it difficult to talk about with them and also my boyfriend a non-sufferer though he says it shouldn't bother me (v sweet) - but this is easier said than done especially from someone who's a non-sufferer.
I have been thinking, maybe all these treatments are not working because it's a problem within causing my acne... Hormonal I thought. As it would make sense I'm a 16 year old female, nearly 17. So hormones are running wild at this age.
So this is where I'm at, considering the contraceptive pill to help with breakouts, I've done some research here and there, and seen many mixed reviews on it... some say its cured their acne whilst some has said it's made it worse...
I would love to hear your guys' opinions AND experiences with the pill and acne!
Thank you all, I shall post some pictures (taken today) of my current acne.
Thank you all, I shall post some pictures (taken today) of my current acne.
Photos didn't post for some reason... here they are.
Personally it served as an effective quick fix for me. I was so desperate for a break from my bad skin.
The pill halted my breakouts for awhile then stopped working so well after about the 2 year mark..
Then I spent a lot of time worrying about coming off the pill because of the horror stories I've read all over the Internet .. That's when you start to feel like a prisoner because you're trapped by the pill .. I have since quit the pill cold turkey in April 2015 and so far so good nothing I cannot handle ! Hopefully it stays manageable this way but I'm also watching my diet and I'm on a barrage of supplement to help promote clear skin
Good luck & all the best to u
Your story is similar to mine. I went on Ortho tri cyclen Lo when I was 18 dealing with moderate to severe acne all over.
I have been on OTC lo for 8 months. I am 90% clear. It worked well for me.
However, I would STRONGLY recommend looking into supplements for hormones such as DIM, Vitex, Calcium D Glucarate, and Saw Palmetto.
I am having bad side effects on this pill now, and I really want to get off.
Taking Birth control for acne is more just a quick fix and isnt healing the true issue. And when you get off of it, it breaks you out like crazy.
Definitely look into those supplements first. Try them for at least 2 months.
It can be tempting to want to jump on birth control (I gave in) but I wish i hadnt. It feels terrible taking synthetic hormones! It is unnatural and does not really fix the problem.
Saw palmetto works by decreasing androgens. Calcium DG works by breaking down toxic estrogens. Vitex and DIM help the estrogen/progesterone balance. Do some good research and youll probably feel hopeful. I plan on going on these supplements after birth control (its my last pack).
If you need to go on the pill, be aware of the health risks, big and small. I had a few blood clot scares that put me in the ER twice. I did not have clots, but the pill gave me such major anxiety that I had chest pains. It is a serious thing to be taking hormones, and i recommend looking at all your supplement options before diving into it. It helps a lot of people, but sometimes alternative methods can be even better!
I wish you luck!