Complexion Conundrum

Yessss I used to have horrible acne

My doctor put me on clindamycin and it helped so much!!! But what really cleared my face completely was micropen resurfacing!!! Recommend completely! I was always self conscience about wearing my hair up and now I wear t up all the time! Good luck!!

Awesome! Thanks!!

Have you ever considered Accutane? I have never used it myself, but I have heard many stories about its miracle working powers.

Pretty sure I've discussed it with the various dermatologists I've met in my quest... don't think anyone thought it was viable for me. I mean on the spectrum of acne, mine isn't "the worst"

It's not good, but I'm not sure it's bad enough for accutane .

I've always had issues. I spoke to my doctor about PCOS and one of the ways they treat it is with birth control, so it sounds like you're already doing what should work. That, and I have used Proactiv religiously. It was the only thing that has helped me. Also trying to be careful with nutrition.

I'm completely in love with Nature's Cure--you can order it on Amazon. It's a pill you take twice a day and comes with cream (I don't use the cream). I then use gentle cleansers and a good night moisturizer (Dr. Wexler's). Nature's Cure has helped my skin so much!

@Nicole S.

What do you find that your "trigger" foods are?

I took doxy for a week while I was sick and it made my skin look amazing. Maybe you have to give it a while? I've heard that sometimes acne treatments sometimes make your skin worse before its better

Yes, drink lots of water. I find when I get off the no pop bandwagon I tend to have drier and more acne-prone skin. Mostly on my back but also on my face. When I eat healthier and drink more water my skin is much nicer.

Sometimes with new acne products, your skin gets worse before getting better.

Have you tried seeing an aesthetician or cosmetic dermatologist for microdermabrasion or peels? That's what helped me most. I try not to use antibiotics.

I haven't done the microdermabrasion or peels, but I've had laser peels done a couple of times.

Nope.

It's just keeps coming back.

So frustrating.

@Randi I find that limiting sugars and refined carbs helps. And like others have said, increasing water is always good. Some people find dairy to be a trigger, but I personally haven't seen a huge difference between having it and not, but that could be different for someone else.

I never believed it would work but I use the Neutrogena light therapy mask. It's definitely worth a try! Read reviews online. I love it.

I had fairly clear skin until I turned 26, then had some pretty bad adult acne. My dermatologist gave me tretinoin, and later prescribed metronidazole to deal with what she called "rosacea-type adult acne." She also instructed me to wash twice daily with Neutrogena oil free acne wash, and to use Cetaphil oil control moisturizer with sunscreen, which I do. I manage to stay mostly acne free, unless of course I slack off my routine or am particularly stressed/hormonal.

I actually use Apple Cider Vinegar with equal parts ACV and water as toner. My skin has cleared up a ton!!!

Antibiotics won't work quickly when it comes to your skin.

Cutting dairy has helped me immensely. Clean your pillow and makeup brushes often! At least once a week.

Rodan and fields has worked wonders for me!

Have you looked into Rodan + Fields? I'm not sure which of their regimes would be best but I'm sure the website would help you figure it out. I wouldn't recommend waxing or any type of facial hair remover. My skin always breaks out when I try that and I barely get acne. Rodan + Fields has this tool that you roll over your skin with dozens of little tiny needles (they don't hurt at all) that help the product seep into your skin and cause you to produce anti-aging cells.

Accutane can have horrendous side effects, as do other medications, so if meds aren't helping then I would probably nix those because aside from them not clearing up your acne, you don't want to have bad side effects on top of that before your wedding!

Honestly all of those acne products are so so harsh on your skin. All they do is strip your skin and dry it out, which then causes your skin to compensate and produce extra oil to attempt to hydrate itself, and then you have oily skin which makes it acne prone. Vicious cycle!! Have you tried more natural products?? Products that are alcohol free, sulfate free, paraben free, ect?? Ever since I stopped using "acne products", my skin has never been clearer!! I use all natural products called Perfectly Posh, they are made in the USA, and are organic. None of their products are over $25 either which is awesome. But there are other brands that have more natural face products that you can look into as well. Just be sure to read the ingredients so you can make sure there aren't hidden chemicals or alcohols in the products. Good luck!

Anytime you start an acne treatment it can get worse within the first 6 weeks. I don't see a patient back for their follow up visit for 2-3 months due to the fact that It draws everything out first, then slowly starts to clear up. Accutane would have been something good to start a few months back. If you get them big ones around the time of your period you can talk to your doctor about Spironolactone. It helps for hormonal Acne. Also make sure your cleansing your face twice daily, and wearing a sunscreen to prevent scarring and discoloration.