Products for Adult acne

[Rose2006]

Hi,
Desperately hoping for some good advice. I realise it's not style exactly, but looking for make up and product recommendations for acne too.

I'm mid thirties, and since having my children my skin has never settled. I suffered from acne as a teenager, in my twenties I was prescribed dianette contraception which was a miracle pill for my skin! When I got married I stopped hormonal contraceptives and everything was ok, even after my firstborn. After my last child my skin got worse, and now 4 years laters it's the worst it's been since I was a teenager. The gp prescribed me tetracycline (the first time it sort of worked) it hasn't had an effect this time round. I feel like it's got so bad I don't want to go outside! I don't want to go back to contraceptives as I don't need to take it anymore, but I don't know there is an alternative. He also recommended sacylic acid as a spot on. I currently use eucerin face wash, witch hazel or clearasil spot on and oil free moisturiser. I use bare minerals make up, and prefer light make up for work rather than heavy foundation.

I'm convinced the acne is hormonal. Does anyone have similar experiences? What medication do you use? What products do you use? What works for you?

Literally any advice appreciated!!!
Thanks

[BumpGoesBumpety]

I followed the same path as you but found acnecide really worked for me, nothing else made a difference and I didn't want to take pills. I bought it over the counter at Boots, they want to see you in person when you buy it, there are two versions - I used the wash on / leave for a few minutes wash off and found it was amazing. They do stain and I didn't want work clothes ruined but used the wash on/off with old pjs and an old towel. I fell pregnant and had to stop using it, but will go back to it.

[taybert]

Go back to the doctor. There are alternatives.

[Ollivander84]

Yes, I sort of followed the acne.org regime and now my skin is better added my own stuff in

La Roche posay toleraine cleanser, massage in and remove with clean warm flannel
Apply 5% acnecide - go easy, small amounts to start with as it can make you peel. Bleaches everything it touches too!
A plain moisturiser, Avene or la Roche posay again

That's it. I did that day and night and it worked. There's a useful set of videos here - if you look at the 3 step approach for acne (it's actually 4 videos but short and simple)
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_f5gGIVD5nt8j9ePCuP9AwK6CWv1Wjtk


After my skin calmed down I swapped the acnecide for azealic acid from the ordinary and started using a retinol at night
Spearmint tea or spearmint capsules can help, also zinc and omega 3 as supplements
Hormonal is typically around chin and jaw area

[Rose2006]

Thanks, I'll defo look that up.
I've always had combination/sensitive skin, however recently the acne is getting out of control. At the same time I don't want to make my skin worse by using something harsh.
At the end of the day, I'll try anything thou!

Has anyone taken spirolactone? Any feedback on it?

[tissuesosoft]

I used to have adult acne- I had an ointment from the doctors that really cleared it up within 6 months. I use Vichy dermablend- great coverage and you only need a small amount, the setting powder on top holds in place and I never get any shine during the day. It's pricey but the foundation (30ml) and the setting powder last me 2.5-3 months and I use it every day

[Theromanempire]

Totally agree with using a product with benzoyl peroxide in - completely revolutionised my skin although all my pj's have bleach marks round the neckline

I followed the acne.org regime linked to earlier but have switched the foam cleanser for micellar water (merely because it is less hassle as doesn't require washing off) and use whatever moisturiser takes my fancy (I am a product addict so change frequently).

4 years ago, I constantly had spots on my chin and jawline but I started this and barely get any now (maybe 1 a month which I assume is linked to my cycle) plus my skin is amazing as I can use proper moisturisers.

[tissuesosoft]

Just remembered the cream- it's called Skinoren. You can order it from the boots online clinic as well which saves you a GP trip.

www.boots.com/CategoryDisplay?urlRequestType=Base&catalogId=28501&categoryId=1599098&pageView=grid&urlLangId=&beginIndex=0&langId=-1&top_category=1593093&parent_category_rn=1598806&storeId=11352

[Missmac84]

I too suffer(ed) with adult hormonal acne/Rosacea. Went to the dermatologist after suffering in silence for 2 years after a doctor! Told me that the reason was because I didn't wash my face properly!!

The dermatologist prescribed acnecide 5% gel. It's revolutionised my skin!! Within 2 weeks there is not a spot to be seen, I still have slight redness but they will treat that with tablets now the acne has gone.

Speak to your doctor about acnecide xxx

[Ollivander84]

Should say I got the acnecide online from a registered chemist, it wasn't expensive

[CMamaof4]

Did your Dr prescribe you the medication for your acne over a long period of time. As you need it over a long period of time for it to work. I have to say I was on it for a few months and within a week of coming off of it my skin broke out terribly. You have to take it over a long period of time.

[IdaDown]

I self referred to a dermatologist.

Was prescribed Roaccutance - no more spots 4 years on.

[Rose2006]

Thank you thank you everyone! This is really helpful, I will look up all the suggestions. My dr has only prescribed tetracycline and only a few months worth, it's just not having an effect. I posted because I don't know what else to ask for.

What tablets did you take from the dr?? (Cmamaof4 did you get prescribed tablets too?)

[MrsMarigold]

Acnecide revolutionised my skin too but I have to use it everyday.

[Chaby]

This could be describing me too, some great advice on here though

[CMamaof4]

I can't remember now Rose it was so long ago! But they will be able to prescribe you something else, I think they gave me four months worth. I don't get it anymore I don't know if that has anything to do with age as well that it doesn't tend to flare up anymore.
Tell your Dr they haven't worked and ask if they can prescribe you another type of medication there will be more then one.

Also it's good finding out a bit of background in your drs surgery to see what qualifications your Drs have as luckily one of my drs was trained in dermatology so was better qualified to recommend me, My experience with some of the drs in my surgery one in particular you are better off seeing the cleaner as she's useless and always misses things
When u ring up just ask if any of the drs are trained in dermatology its worth an ask.

[CMamaof4]

Also if it clears up and comes back again after taking medication they will need to give you another long dose. Acne is a skin infection so the medication has to fight it, I think that's why you can break out so much if u stop taking it, like it comes back with avengence.

[taybert]

You don't have to ask for anything in particular, just explain it hasn't worked and how it's affecting you and they should talk you through the options.

You should see improvement with oral antibiotics within 3 months (it might not be cured but it should be improved at least). If it hasn't worked you need to try something different.

[oldwife]

Me OP. I take Spironolactone. It is a miracle worker for me.

I am now 49 and have had oily skin and varying degrees of acne since teenage times.

The combined pill was good for me, when Dianette came out I was prescribed that- perfect skin.

I then discovered that I had a blood clotting disorder so the GP would no longer prescribe Dianette (although I did used to purchase it over the counter in Spanish pharmacies when on holiday)

So a couple of years ago I visited a private dermatologist to try and sort out my skin once and for all. The NHS derms would happily prescribe me antibiotics and tell me I would grow out of it. Sigh....

The private derm was really nice, and actually listened to me. My skin wasn't too bad but I still didn'twant spots on my face, chest and back in my forties. I requested Roaccutane but she wanted to check that there wasn't another solution. She wrote to my GP and asked that they refer me to a specific NHS Dermatologist who specialised in adult acne. I will give you her name if you pm me.

I went to my appointment and we had a discussion about what I had tried over the years. When I explained that the Dianette worked wonders she said that Spironolactone would probably do the same thing (but without the side effects, blood clotting etc).

A couple of blood tests later and I returned to my GP who prescribed me 3 months supply of Spiro. I am now discharged from the Consultant and the GP manages my prescriptions. I have to get a liver function test every 3 months prior to prescription renewal.

So far, so good. It's working well. My only side effects are a bit of breast tenderness (like pmt ) and I think I have put on weight due to it. However my skin is perfect.

It isn't so well known in the UK for this purpose - and if I see a different GP/Nurse when I go for my prescription renewing I have to explain what and why I am using it for.

[Rose2006]

This discussion has convinced me even more. I'm defo gonna make an appointment to go back to gp.

I'm sick to death of having skin like a teenager in my 30's, something has to change. I'll also try some of the creams recommended here too. The cystic spots are the worst, so painful! And seem to take ages to clear, only to be replaced with more.

Not a great feeling, especially as I work with the public daily. Fingers crossed some new meds will make the difference. Thanks everyone!

[oldwife]

Yes go and see the GP.

There are lots of options for you nowadays. The GP will be limited in what they can offer though - if you don't want anti biotocs forever request a referral to a consultant.

As well as the spiro I use Epiduo gel once or twice a week. Wash with Cetaphil or Dove and moisturise with Nivea soft if necessary. That's all. I don't spend on costly cleansers.

Good luck

[MrsMeow]

I suffered terribly with hormonal cystic acne since having the Mirena, up until last year. Dr prescribed Zineryt topical lotion which is a mix of the Erythromycin antibiotic and Zinc. It has COMPLETELY transformed my skin.

I do still get the little buggers but can stop them in their tracks with this. I'd tried Dianette etc but got side effects and oral treatment was my next step if this didn't work, but its amazing. Might be worth a try?

[MissesBloom]

Following with interest as have the exact same issue except my skin is really oily. 32 and have terrible acne makes me embarrassed to leave my house.
Some great suggestions here might try and get doctor to help me too.

[Missmac84]

I've had zineryt in the past but my skin has flared up within 2 weeks of stopping the lotion. Whereas with the acnecide nothing has reappeared so far.
But I guess different treatments work for different people xx

[Beautifullymixed]

Reading this thread made me order acnecide from chemist direct, two days ago. It came today, and I'm so excited!

I have rosacea, the pustular type, and I'm not sure if the massive cyst type spots around my jaw and also on my cheeks, are because of this, or are bog standard hormonal acne spots. They are so painful, some have massive, inflamed whiteheads, and they leave awful scars.
I have had awful skin since Christmas, and my confidence is so low.
I love nip and fab extreme pads, The Ordinary's 2% retinol and the niacinamide serum. Alongside with The Ordinary's azelic acid (this stings like a fucker though), my skin has improved so much.

I am hoping for great results with the acnecide!

[Boogiewoogiebuglegirl]

I'm the same as you OP! It was doxycycline (sp?) from the dr that helped in the end, although I do still get spots it's not half as bad as it was. Now it's normal skin with the odd spot rather than wanting to hide my head under a paper bag type skin.

I read once you can tell if it's hormonal based on where the spots are - chin and jawline are more likely to be hormonal and cheeks etc may have other causes. I don't know if that's true though.