To think I will just have acne forever?

[coconutdonut]

I’ve had bad skin since I was a teenager which got slightly better during my early 20’s but now at 30 it’s the worse it’s ever been and so sore. I haven’t had clear skin for at least 7 years now.

I’ve tried lots of different skincare routines from cheap to expensive to just plain old water and nothing seems to help. At best I have the odd week here and there where it’s ‘Ok’ meaning I don’t have red, angry spots and just the scars (which I can just about cover with make up)

I’ve been to the doctors and was prescribed acnecide which I ouldn’t use for very long as it made my skin extremely dry and tight and bleached my pillow

Not sure if it’s worth going back to my GP and asking for something else or just accept going to look like this forever.

Unless any one has any ‘miracle’ cures?

[Tawdrylocalbrouhaha]

Roaccutane was the only thing that worked for me - I had tried literally everything else. Nothing worked, and I still have scars from 10 years of cystic modular acne (luckily mostly shoulders).

Roaccutane started working immediately - first my skin began to dry, then I had a week of the worst acne EVER, then the acne went but the dryness got worse, then I learnt to manage the dryness and the acne was gone. Wish I could have done it earlier

[derekthe1adyhamster]

Is it worth while checking ingredients of cosmetics, hair products, toothpaste etc? I have finally worked out my skin breaks out if anything with Castor oil, olive oil derivatives are in it. I'm also wary of other plant oils.
The neutrogena light mask works well for me without drying my skin.
But make sure you find a moisturizer that works for you as most treatments are harsh on your skin. And go back to the doctor if your prescription doesn't work.

[Moanyoldcow]

My best friend had terrible cystic acne when we were at school. She tried antibiotics and washed and skincare.

Eventually the doctor prescribed roaccutane which cleared it all up permanently.

It can make skin very dry and there are other side effects but I'd ask to talk to your doctor about it.

I suffered with adult acne after a reaction to the contraceptive injection and pregnancy sorted my skin out - I look at pics of myself befite having my son and can't believe it's me.

There really are treatments out there but you need to be tenacious with some doctors.

[yikesanotherbooboo]

It’s definitely worth going back to your GO. Acne is usually treatable and acnecude is a first stage treatment.
It is a hormonal condition not well treated by over the counter treatments although as it is characterised by greasiness lotions that dry the skin eg benzoyl peroxide help.

[TyrionLannistersShadow]

Roaccutane, honestly it really is a miracle cure.

[Aquamarine1029]

Have you cut out sugar from your diet?

[HeyRoly]

I wish Roaccutane had been an option for me when I was younger. I would definitely consider that, OP.

[Pebbles1989]

Another one suggesting Roaccutane if it's severe and a dermatologist agrees. It completely changed my life. I went from crying in the toilet before meetings because I couldn't cover up huge, painful cysts (at the age of 25), to having pretty much perfect skin.

[coconutdonut]

Thank you everyone. I haven’t ever really looked at the ingredients that are in the products I use (because it seems i have acne no matter what I’m using) but may be worth me looking. I’ve also not thought much about the foods that I eat although generally I eat a balanced diet and eat a bit of everything in moderation.

I’m definitely going to ask my GP is Roaccutane would be an option for me- it sounds amazing from what I’ve quickly found online and could well be my ‘miracle cure!’

It’s really beginning to get me down not just because of how it looks but how bloody sore it is.

[thefairyfellersmasterstroke]

I developed acne in my thirties and had various anitbiotic courses which worked for short periods but not long term. Tried all the old wives' tales and over-the-counter medications too, but none were any good. The only thing that stopped them was being pregnant, but as soon as my periods came back, so did the spots. Eventually was put on erythromycin which worked as long as I kept taking it, which was for about 12 years, till the menopause kicked in.

Now finally spot and medication free. And periods.

[Imfinehowareyou]

I just read about this clay mask today.

[Popfan]

Have you tried dianette? It's the pill but prescribed for acne sufferers. Worked brilliantly for me. Have thankfully now grown our of it ( in my mid 30s).

[washingmachinefastwash]

Duac bleached my pillow too. You can apply a moisturiser on top of it to help but the first week of using it is grim.

[Butterandsugar]

I can't speak from experience but a close friend tried roaccutane and her experience mirrored that of pp - cleared it up incredibly quickly.

Be warned, it's quite a harsh treatment (I'm sure she had to do something like a monthly pregnancy test as the medicine can potentially harm the foetus) but definitely worth asking your doctor about.

[coconutdonut]

@Popfan The only things I’ve tried that my GP suggested was acnecide and a contraceptive Pill (Jasmin or Yasmin I think?!)

I’ve just had a quick look and it seems that most people only get prescribed roaccutane as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted. Maybe I’ve got a long road ahead of me yet? The only thing going in my favour is how many times I’ve been to the GP and mentioned my skin. They’ll be able to see it’s been an ongoing issue for years so I’m hoping that will count for something.

[derektheladyhamster]

It might be worth checking ingredients. Castor oil is in most cosmetics and toiletries. My skin is no where near perfect, but it is 100% better than it was. I use a lot of Korean skin care especially cosrx bha and ahas.
I can only use sensodyne toothpaste and no lip stick, only tinted vasaline

[derektheladyhamster]

Yasmin is good. I was on it until migraines made it unsuitable

[Popfan]

Tried Yasmin once I think - didn't work. Honestly dianette worked so well for me. Ask your gp about it. I was on it for quite a long time and had totally clear skin. Every time I came off it the spots reappeared until I finally grew out of it. Please ask !

[coconutdonut]

Here’s a photo of my skin (trying not to put myself!) Any thoughts on what the GP might suggest?

[coconutdonut]

Sorry that should have said ‘trying not to out myself’

[Aquamarine1029]

I really do think looking at your diet is well worth the time. Sugar is inflammatory, and while it doesn't cause acne in everyone, obviously, it does affect some. There could be other things such as dairy or wheat that don't seem to bother you, but they could be seriously bothering you skin. My cousin is a dermatologist, and she always has her patients start with diet modification and a simplifying of their cleansing routine. She is VERY careful prescribing certain medications, especially to sexually active women, because of the risks to a baby should the patient become pregnant. I really hope you find a solution very soon!

[Collienova]

I would look into possible underlying issues like a hormonal imbalance. I've had the same problems for years and years until I came across an article outlining the symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and a light bulb went off. Spoke to my GP, had a blood test that showed that my hormones were messed up, which caused the skin issues (amongst other things). Best treatment for me is Dianette as it balances out my hormone levels. I tried so many topical treatments, but they really don't get to the root of the problem and caused other issues like you mention!

[tulippa]

Have you tried Dianette? (Contraceptive pill containing cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol.) This has worked wonders for me followed by the Yasmin pill. Doctors don't like to keep you on Dianette too long due to a slightly higher risk of blood clots but I can honestly say it's changed my life.

[kali110]

I had it well into my late 20's. Like you i tried all tablets from gp, creams, lotions, gels,.
Dianette worked but you cant stay on it long term so my skin went back to how it was.
I ended up throwing out all my skincare items and trying only certain things. (I found out all the spot solutions being sold all contain the same ingredient, however it doesn't work for a lot of people)
After trying new things within months my skin was clear.
Ive had good skin for nearly 2 years.

[Out2pasture]

Request a dermatologist referral. No need for skin issues in this day and age.