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Original poster

Lymecycline - acne experiences

81 replies

IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 15:09

I have just started Lymecycline today alongside Epiduo Gel for acne. My acne is not severe but is pretty constant around my chin/jaw area and it has been making me feel down and insecure for a long time. I thought with not wearing make up for 2 months (due to only leaving the house to work) my skin would have calmed down but if anything it has got worse.

I am wondering if anyone has been on this medication or similar and can share their experiences?

I think it takes around 6 weeks before I start to see results but I really hope it works! The information leaflet says it helps with black and white heads but those aren't my problem so fingers crossed it works for other types of spots.

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
goldenshoe · 12/05/2020 15:55

I've taken a few different antibiotics for acne over many years, lymecycline worked while I was using it but the spots came back soon after I stopped.

If you have perisitant acne it will be the same with any antibiotic in my experience, the only thing that got rid of my acne longterm was while I was on the pill, and then roaccutane.

Original poster
IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 16:25

Thank you, is roaccutane GP prescribed?

I havent seen my GP with everything that's going on, I sent photos to Superdrug Doctor and they gave me a few different options, roaccutane wasn't one of them.

OP posts:
goldenshoe · 12/05/2020 18:25

You would need a dermatologist referral for roaccutane or I think you can self refer privately. It wasn't until my late 30s I saw a private dermatologist who was more sympathetic and felt that if I was still dealing with acne at that age something stronger was needed. 3 years on I get a few pimples, but it is just a pimple rather than a massive cystic spot - urg!

The antibiotics might work for you though, especially if it's a fairly new skin problem. Fingers crossed!

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General health Skin conditions
StrawberryBlondeStar · 12/05/2020 18:27

Did nothing for me, but you usually have to try antibiotics before they will move you on to something else. I’m on spirolactone for mine and that has cleared it up. Acne on the jaw is often hormone related.

RubyMonster · 12/05/2020 18:43

Life changing for me (Lymecycline). Went from hard sore lumpy acne, so bad I couldn’t put my cheek on a pillow to glowing clear skin. I went off it for a while and it came back. Back on it again. I love the stuff.

Original poster
IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 18:56

Glad to hear you have both found the correct treatment for you!

Thanks, I do wonder whether it is more hormone related. I get very heavy periods and I feel like i have more hair than is "normal" on my jaw etc. I sent photos to the online doctor who did say acne but when I have looked up photos mine isn't similar. My cheeks never have any spots, it is literally just my chin/jaw and none on my back or chest. I do get painful ones though. I will trial it for three months and then reevaluate, I really hope it helps!

OP posts:
Original poster
IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 18:57

Ruby - wow, thats ace, so glad it has worked so well for you! How long did it take before you started to notice a difference?

OP posts:
MushroomTree · 12/05/2020 19:07

I'm on my second course of Lymecycline, nearly at the end, and this time it's alongside Differin gel.

The last course made no difference but this time it's working so I think it must be the combination with Differin that's making a difference.

I've also seen a difference this week after I dermaplaned my face.

Finally, after years, I might have clear skin!

BirdieFriendReturns · 12/05/2020 20:24

Yes! I love lymecyline! I’m TTC so not allowed it now.

Trying benzoyl peroxide with limited results

WindmillsofmyMind · 12/05/2020 20:33

It hasn’t helped me at all. I’ve been about to start roaccutane a few times but not bern able to due to varying reasons over the years. Lymecycline hasn’t helped. My face has been worse since lockdown. No reason at all. More sleep, less stress, better diet. I started putting rose oil on my face twice a day. I remembered that wounds heal better when they are kept moist and all acne cream does is dry it out. The change in my skin has been phenomenal. I’m still getting a lump every few days on my chin but they are resolving far quicker as is every sore spot on my face.

Original poster
IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 20:56

Very mixed responses here.

Windmill - that's interesting, my skin is already extremely dry and peeling so I am worried how bad it'll be after using the gel. A few years ago I tried a cream from the GP but stopped quickly as it was so bad. I'll give it another try and see what happens. There are some good ideas here if this combination doesn't work for me.

OP posts:
Original poster
IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 21:03

Here are some photos, is this similar to everyone else's? You can see on the chin photo how dry my skin is, thats with daily moisturiser!

Lymecycline - acne experiences
Lymecycline - acne experiences
Lymecycline - acne experiences
OP posts:
Flumb · 12/05/2020 21:08

Lymecycline worked really well for me, started to see a difference after only about 3 weeks. I've always had bad skin but after my 2nd DC was born it became horrendous- big red lumpy spots which were really painful.

Dermatologist changed me to efracea after 8 months and skin is still ok but not as good as before. Was due a review appointment which was obviously cancelled due to covid19 but whenever I do get to see them I'm going to ask to go back on lymecycline.

Flumb · 12/05/2020 21:09

Sorry posted before saw your pics - mine was like that, just all over my face.

AhCheeses · 12/05/2020 21:09

A huge Lymecycline fan! 😁
I've been taking it on and off for about three or four years now. The first time it did take about 6 weeks to notice a difference, I had a 3 month course.
Then I was clear for about three months, then it came back so I started the tablets again. Was clear for maybe four or five months. Then took them again... each time it takes longer for the acne to flare up again. I'm back on them again now, it's only been two weeks and my skin's almost clear, it seems to work quicker and stay clear longer each time I take it.
I really hope it works for you. I've been offered Roacutane but I'm happy with the Lymecycline. I've had acne since I was 11 so to finally find something that works, I'm sticking with it!

AhCheeses · 12/05/2020 21:10

Meant to say I'm on them again now but it's been about 9/10 months since I last took them.

actionpacked · 12/05/2020 22:14

My ds is on Lymecycline and Differin gel, was prescribed them by doctor around January, took tablets and applied gel religiously with fantastic results (his back was covered in acne and a bit on his face) Since lockdown he hasn’t been able to get his prescription and the acne has gradually returned.

I did notice that even when the acne on his back improved he was left with lots of red scarring, has anyone every reduced this type of scarring?

Original poster
IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 22:39

Does anyone moisturise while using this treatment or is that a no-no?

OP posts:
PrinnyPree · 12/05/2020 22:41

I've been on everything OP, various anti biotics (most cleared a little but didn't do much) topical retinoids, and roaccutine made my skin worse and turned it very angry when I tried it at 20 years old (the doctor even took pictures... yay) the only thing that actually helped me was the combined pill Yasmin, so mine must be hormonal (I also suffer from PCOS). I'm 37 years old and 38 weeks pregnant and my acne is a bit of a state at the moment and obvs on zero medication, not sure if they'll let me take Yasmin again because of my age though. X Also stress does effect how bad it gets too.

Also big tip, fresh pillow cases every couple of days, and wearing your hair back when you sleep really does help a bit too. I always notice the side of my face I sleep on the most tends to be worse. (Have to side sleep with the baby bump)

I have also noticed wearing makeup or not makes no difference (as long as you wash it off at night.)

Its so hard to advise though as what works for me might not touch you and I know roaccutine has helped alot of people. Good luck.

PrinnyPree · 12/05/2020 22:43

I also moisturise with clinique (the normal yellow one)

Original poster
IAlreadyHadOne · 12/05/2020 22:50

Thanks Prinny, I will try fresh pillow cases more often and tie my hair back. I really do think mine is hormonal too, interesting that you mention PCOS as I have always wondered if there is "more" to my periods. I do think some of it is stress related, obviously like everyone else I am stressed at the moment!

If they are hormonal will Lymecycline not work?

I have been on contraceptive pills before but not for a while and I can't remember which or whether they helped/hindered my skin! I think that will be the way to go to be honest.

OP posts:
Bagelsandbrie · 12/05/2020 22:55

My dd went on it for several months and it did absolutely nothing at all for her. She is now on Roaccutane and the difference is amazing so far. She has had some side effects with nausea and dry skin but so far that’s the only thing that’s made any difference at all to her severe acne.

bnmc · 12/05/2020 22:58

I have used lymecycline in the past and it does help but comes back when I stop taking it.
GP advised against taking it continually so I've been using Duac gel for the last year or so and it has been effective.

Lightsabre · 12/05/2020 22:59

Cerazette (the pill) worked perfectly for my hormonal acne. No periods as a bonus!

WoahBodyforrrm · 12/05/2020 23:00

I'm no expert but my first thought was PCOS when I saw your photos. It looks very similar to what 2 of my best friends get along their jawline and they both have PCOS.

Good luck, I hope the treatment works for you 🤞🏼