troubling acne

I am a 25 year old female with moderate acne.  It started in my 20's and I have tried microdermabrasion, OTC treatments, Proactiv, topical gel, birth control along with Spirolactone and nothing helped. Is there any other treatment to get rid of my acne especially the painful cystic acne?

[loiloi]

The birth control pills you should use to help acne are either Diane35 or Yasmin as they're anti-androgen so if you're not already on one of those, switch to them. Do not use progestorone only mini pills or get the Depo shot as this will make acne worse. The best topical lotions are Differin or Dalacin-T available from your doctor. You could also take a course of  anti-biotics such as oxytetracycline or erythromycin. If these don't work you could go to a dermatologist for accutane (Roaccutane in the UK) Loiloi xx

[babysteppeon]

Thanks for the help.  I have tried anti-androgen birth control before but I don't think Yasmin was on the market yet.  Currently I am on the mini pill because I am breastfeeding.  I have been investigating Accutane but I don't know if it is what will work for me.  

[loiloi]

The mini pill is probably contributing to the acne and so is the fact that you just had a baby (congratulations!) so hopefully it will settle down on it's own. Otherwise try the things i mentioned when you finish breast-feeding. xx

[babysteppeon]

I have been on minocycline(tetracycline) and Differin for a month now and haven't noticed a difference.  How long does it take to get a result?

[loiloi]

Dermatologists have found that Differin is the most effective topical lotion available, especially when used in conjunction with an oral treatment like you're doing. It is also possible to use an anti-androgen contraceptive pill at the same time as anti-biotics, but you'll have to use a condom as tetracyclines may interfer with the contraceptive properties of the pill. Given the recent hormonal changes you've had i would expect your skin to respond to your medication within about 3 months. Continue investigating accutane, it will give you a complete break from your acne and in about 80% of cases, a total remission. Loiloi x

[babysteppeon]

I have officially been using minocycline in conjunction with Differin for 5 months now.  My skin is cleared up with an occassional pimple but I still have some redness from the acne.  The nurse at the dermatologist office said I will be on it for awhile until my face is completely cleared from acne.  How long should I expect this?  Will this redness eventually fade?

[brunettebarbie107]

Hi

I have suffered from acne for most of my teenage years and have tried just about everything, i purchased a BeautySkin acne lamp around 3 months ago and cant belive the difference! My acne has virtually vanished and its even help reduce old acne scars. It really is a miricle product! And you only have to use it 15mins a day so it does not take up to much of my time. Ive attached a link to the site i purchased it from. Hope this helps!

Good Luck
x

http://www.beautyskinuk.co.uk/acne-information.php