My acne nearly disappeared last November, but it has come back with a vengeance. A dermatologist said it was due to hormonal changes - currently 18. Within 8-ish months, my face has looked awful. Here's a personal log to record the progress!
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
AM
- CeraVe foaming facial cleanser
- Aczone 5%
- CeraVe moisturizing lotion
- Cefadroxil 500mg (1x per day - April 9th) Have not used antibiotics since June 2013 
- Minocycline 100g
- Erythromycin & Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel (5% BP, 3% Erythromycin)
- Antibiotic - Ampicillin TR 500 mg
PM
- CeraVe foaming facial cleanser
- St. Ives Blemish Control - Apricot Scrub; every other day two times a week
- Epiduo 2.5%
- Cetaphil moisturizing cream
- Cefadroxil 500mg
‹- Minocycline 100g
- Desert Essence thorougly clean face wash - Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi
- Tretinoin Gel 0.01%
- Antibiotic - Ampicillin TR 500
August 29, 2013 - These current photos are with medication and moisturizer on.
September 14, 2013 - Pictures right after cleansing. Not sure if I see any improvements, but I do see less active acne; more scars though. Scheduled a dermatologist appointment in two weeks. Stopped using Ampicillin because I was told it wasn't the right antibiotic.
October 3, 2013 - Second full day of my new acne regimen. My face feels so smooth right now. I don't feel any bumps/active pimples. Next dermatologist meeting in 6 weeks.
Hi.
It's been 1 full month since my new acne regimen, and I am COMPLETELY shocked by the results. It's finals week almost and I've been getting 4 hours of sleep per night, drinking coffee, not exercising, etc. Anyways, the only active pimples I've been getting are usually by my chin and on my nose.
Still using the regimen described on Page 1, but Minocycline 100mg ONCE per day.
Dermatologist appointment Friday, December 18th.
December 4th, 2013 - Pictures right after a shower.
April 23, 2014 - Dermatologist appointment = waste of time. Of course my skin looks better sir, but let's do something about my oily skin and scars? Thanks. Anyways....
Still using the same routine for six weeks (1x Cefadroxil + 2x Aczone in the morning, Epiduo at night). Then, 1x Cefadroxil for four weeks (2x Aczone in the morning, Epiduo at night). Follow up appointment in 8-10 weeks.
No need for any pictures, but I do have a inflammatory pimple near my right eye. It'll mostly go away within a 3-4 days.
January 31, 2014 - This is the best my skin has looked in about two weeks. Combination of St. Ives Exfoliator and Epiduo was drying out my skin severely and causing some irritation when applied at night. Starting Cefadroxil 500mg 2x day and using the exfoliator 2x a week. Really annoyed with my skin right now, but I know it will get better.
April 18, 2014 - I haven't had a breakout in a while, just pesky pimples in the usual spots - nose, chin, temples, and forehead. Switched to one pill in the morning for Cefadroxil (April 9th). Next dermatologist meeting is on April 23.
April 23, 2014 - Dermatologist appointment = waste of time. Of course my skin looks better sir, but let's do something about my oily skin and scars? Thanks. Anyways....
Still using the same routine for six weeks (1x Cefadroxil + 2x Aczone in the morning, Epiduo at night). Then, 1x Cefadroxil for four weeks (2x Aczone in the morning, Epiduo at night). Follow up appointment in 8-10 weeks.
No need for any pictures, but I do have a inflammatory pimple near my right eye. It'll mostly go away within a 3-4 days.
Hi, forum! I'm back with an update for everyone that has been supporting me. This will most likely be my LAST post on this thread, but I will be bumping it up to show people that acne does get better after time.
I do get the occasional pimples near my mouth, chin, and nose; but I haven't had any severe breakouts. The only problem I have now is OILY SKIN - hoping it'll get better as I get older. Once again, thank you for all your help and support!
Current Regimen!
AM
- CeraVe foaming facial cleanser
- Aczone 5%
- CeraVe moisturizing lotion
- Cefadroxil 500mg (1x every other day; will be stopping soon, hopefully!) --> Next dermatologist appointment = September
PM
- CeraVe foaming facial cleanser
- St. Ives Blemish Control - Apricot Scrub; 3 times a week
- Epiduo 2.5%
- Cetaphil moisturizing cream
Hello all!
My acne has nearly disappeared from my face, but the oil still remained. I still had the occasional break outs here and there, but I attributed it to my extremely oily face. After going to a dermatologist, we decided that the best course of action for the both of us would be Accutane. I told her about my blood condition, thalassemia, and was assured that Accutane wouldn't be an issue, but monthly blood tests were needed to be conducted. I will now be starting an Accutane log within this post.
Strength will continue to increase each month depending on my blood results and weight; I am currently 5'7" and 140 pounds.
November 2, 2017 = 20mg 2x per day.
December 5, 2017 = 30mg 3x per day
i'm not sure, but i think i'm seeing improvement on your skin. In that short amount of time? wow. good for you.
I'm no doctor but i kind of think your condition is hormonal? girls have their birth control pills for that , bummer right? . (i feel lame just saying that). goodluck and keep us posted!
May i ask why you didn't try Accutane ?. It seems that you are still taking pills after pills,and keep having issues with oily skin.
Anyways your skin looks amazing.
I have a blood condition called Thalassemia which may cause problems if I take Accutane...My parents didn't want me to take the risk.
May i ask why you didn't try Accutane ?. It seems that you are still taking pills after pills,and keep having issues with oily skin.
Anyways your skin looks amazing.
I have a blood condition called Thalassemia which may cause problems if I take Accutane...My parents didn't want me to take the risk.
Oh god,excuse me for talking shit without knowing.
Your skin looks flawless.
wow, at first, by looking at your first pics of your acne, i thought you were going to be left with severe scars. i am shocked and glad they didn't pit scar or anything. keep us updated, good luck!
I actually had a small pit scar on my forehead that disappeared! But, currently I'm just dealing with scars that I hope will disappear soon. Thanks!
your skin looks amazing - congratulations.
can i ask - what type of oil wipes do you use to control oil during the day?
I wouldn't say amazing, maybe an amazing improvement from what I started from..
I use any oil absorbing sheet (not Clean & Clear b/c too expensive).
Wow, great improvement! So happy for you!!!!!!
I use oil sheets, too! ELF has some for $1 and I find them from time to time. Anyone on a budget, you can snag free ones (though they won't be in nice little rectangle shapes) from restrooms-- toilet seat covers. They do work wonders, and yeah I've been known to use one if I run out of blotters in my purse. lol I always use a couple behind the first one, though, because the risk of germs, but works better than the paper towels or toilet paper because it doesn't take off my makeup. They do work every bit as good as regular blotters in my opinion.