Non hormonal acne treatments

I have tried treating my skin topically (Differin, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid) and haven't had much success until I treated it hormonally with birth control.  I've attempted several kinds (Ortho tricyclen, Ortho Lo, Levora, and currently Nuvaring), and they've kept my skin very clear but the other side effects aren't very desirable.  Self-esteem can do a number when you have acne but I'm also not feeling my best when I've gained weight, have water retention, breast increase, etc.  I'd love to go off of the hormonal birth control, but I'm not thrilled about a return of acne.  Do you know of any other alternatives that would successfully treat my seemingly hormonal acne?  Thanks in advance!

[MTan]

Hi,

I'm 27, and started to have cystic acne at the beginning of this year.  I had clear skin up until January and then something happened.  I get really bloated easily, have water retention, hot flashes etc. I'm wondering if you know how acne is hormonal? I went to get my blood tested, but the doctor said everything was normal.  Could it be that my  hormones were normal at the time he did the test.  I'm really considering going on the pill if that gets rid of my acne.  I'm not trying to get pregnant anytime soon, but having adult acne really does make you feel horrible.  My twin has no acne, and i'm so envious of her.

Anyway, if you have any idea how you know your acne is hormonal, please let me know.
  

[ham21]

I'm not positive; my derm at the time suggested birth control as a method of treatment as nothing else was working.  The acne seemed to be worse around my period and he thought it might be hormonal.  When the birth control did improve it I assumed that it was indeed hormonal.  I would definitely give it a shot; it's helped my skin the most.  I am just so unhappy with the other side effects that I'm wondering if it's worth it for me.  

[loiloi]

Acne is made up of a triad of problems: oil, bacteria and hormones. To reduce the acne we need to remove one or more factors from the triangle. We can remove the oil by applying drying lotions to our skin such as differin or more effectively, by using accutane  (Roaccutane here in UK) We can reduce the bacteria by taking antibiotics or by having laser treatment like N-Lite, which kills the bacteria on the skin. We can remove the hormonal factor by using anti-androgen birth control pills. ham21 you don't say if you've tried Diane35 (Dianette in UK) or Yasmin. I've taken Dianette without side effects and Yasmin is the newest anti-androgen on the market. If these don't work for you, discuss accutane with your dermatologist or get back to me if you have any questions. We don't know exactly why some people get acne and others don't (i have a sister identical in every way expect acne too, but my son has acne so maybe some genetic link?) MTan, even though you didn't have an excess of androgens in your system, you may be more sensitive to the effects of androgens than people without acne. Loiloi x

[ham21]

Thanks so much Loiloi, that was informative!  I had considered Yasmin or Yaz but neither was covered by my insurance.  I have not heard of Diane35 but I'll definitely do some research.  I've just gotten a little fed up with the yoyo effects of going on and off various birth control pills!  I don't know if my acne is severe enough for accutane, but it's getting to the point that I'd rather try any other method than the pill.  Perhaps there's a way to negate the androgen without massive amounts of estrogen.  (I know all pills are different and all people react differently with them, but after being reassured that the Nuvaring is the lowest dose and still having side effects I'm a little wary. :)  Anyhow, thanks again for responding!
h

[loiloi]

As with all medical treatments, the expected benefits have to outweigh the potential side effects for it to be worthwhile. Side effects often wear off once your body gets used to the treatment, so do give them a chance before changing to another brand. With regards to accutane, severity is based on how much the acne is upsetting you rather than the number or type of lesions (Who's to say which is worse: ten big spots or twenty small ones?) Accutane will give you a holiday from your acne and in many cases, a total remission. Loiloi x

[heyang]

I completely agree with Loiloi - and the Yasmin. I hear your reasoning with the estrogen vs. androgen/testosterones, but, alas, it isn't so simple.

First, how old are you? I'm assuming 20s b/c of previous birth control use.

Try the Yasmin, also, try a prescription of Spironolactone - is works on virtually every female (sorry guys). You can get it from your doctor, a derm or gynecologist.

Keep us updated and let us know how it works out.