To be fed up of still having skin like a teenager?

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I’ve had acne since being a teenager. Looking back at photos from when I was in my 20s it looked so much better than it does now that I’m in my mid 30s. I tired a couple of rounds of antibiotics in my late 20s and was on a contraceptive pill (I forget the same) that was meant to help for a couple of years. However, none of these things ever helped.

I have a consistent skincare routine and have tried multiple lotions and potions that are meant to help.

Has anyone else experienced worsening skin with age? It seemed to get even worse when I got pregnant. I’m too embarrassed to go out without makeup and I’m totally sick of it. I hate wearing makeup.

My face is permanently red and when I get out of the shower or go to the gym I look like I’ve got serious sunburn!

Have you tried roaccutane? That was the only thing that worked for me

I second roaccutane. At the age of 35 and after having moderate acne from the age 12 it was the only thing that worked. I took a 7 month course and now maintain my skin with topical retinoid differin.

I feel your pain, late 30s and my skin is awful. I'm on antibiotics for a cough at the moment and I can't go out as my skin is so raw and painful. I've attached a photo of it this morning I think mine is due to allergies as I can't work out what triggers it, I've spent so much on skin care & make up over the years.

Omg @Bunbunbunny please see your GP and get a referral to dermatology. You actually NEED roaccutane.

Roaccutane here too.

Roaccutane all the way too. Absolutely no-no if you're pregnant/trying to conceive but if not please ask for a dermatologist referral.
I look back on my acne covered years as such a period of low self confidence and unhappiness with my appearance, roaccutane is a wonder drug.

No advice to offer but I see people are already helping :-).
Just wanted to say you’re not alone. I had rubbish skin as a teen, 20s not bad and thought yes it’ll eventually get better... then beam my 30s hit and it’s jusy got worse and worse. I blame my hormones as it’s much worse after they changed my contraceptive pill (and won’t let me back on the pill it was better on grr)

Thanks everyone who recommended Roaccutane. I’m not pregnant but I’m hoping to start trying again in the next 6 months. How long a course normally last?

NHS says Roaccutane is not suitable if you’re breastfeeding so that’s me out. Looks like I’ll need to revisit it after baby number 2 and just put up with my skin until then.

Sorry can't help with the specifics re time of course because it's 15 + years ago now but roaccutane did it for me too. Cannot recommend enough. Used dermalogica face products whilst taking it and lots of Carmex lip balm. Best thing ever. Wish I'd done it in my teens instead of my early 30's x

I'm starting ivf later this year so it's not for me as well. I'm going to see my dr about getting tested as my allergies has increased over the years.

I used this face mask from Lush which has calmed my skin down a lot and eased the pain of it, will brave going out today as desperate for some sunshine! (Not on face obviously will cover up!)

uk.lush.com/products/catastrophe-cosmetic

I honestly thought after starting hormone blockers my cystic acne would be gone but nope now it's been worse the past month! I use a Rx topical medication helps tremendously

I was reluctant to go on roaccutane because of the side effects, and contraceptive pills didn’t clear it up. I explained all this to my GP and he prescribed me a cream called duac which has worked wonders. It’s definitely worth speaking to your doctor, acne has such horrific impact on your confidence and mental health.

I had really bad rosacea, my skin was red raw all over my face. Lots of spots and painful lumps under the skin. I’ve been on Lymecycline for over a year now and it’s made a massive difference. I’m not embarrassed to leave the house without makeup anymore.

Bunbunbunny. That looks so sore..you definitely need to see a doctor.

A standard course of roaccutane is 16 weeks

Tretinoin (Retin-a) and azelaic acid worked for me. Dermatica online dermatologist for the tret, £20 for a monthly delivery but I change the delivery date on my online account each time so mine comes every 6-7 weeks and I never run out, I apply a thin layer to face neck and chest nightly.

Azelaic acid I get from Victoria health, garden of Wisdom brand, its a nice creamy serum. I apply a thin layer every morning. I tried to ordinary one but hated it, its so siliconey. The Garden of Wisdom niacinamide is good too.

Also paula's choice bha really helps me with clogged pored and blackheads. I've tried other, cheaper brands because it's pricy but a bottle lasts me 6 months or so, using every morning.

I still have some old atrophic scarring, but my skin is clear now and I have got quite good at disguising the scarring with makeup now.

Same here OP.
I’ve always had spots but in the last year it’s changed to those cystic under the skin lumps which are often 1cm diameter!
I’m 42 this year, so dealing with lines, wrinkles and spots isn’t much fun.
Topical stuff that’s made a difference (all recent finds):
Body Shop charcoal mask - amazing!
Cosrx spot stickers to wear at night
Nip & Fab teen spot roller ball stick
Simple cleansing stick - like a push up solid deodorant that you rub over wet skin to cleanse

Seem to spend a fortune on products!

Oh, and I bought some Estée Lauder heavy duty body and face camouflage makeup this week to cover scarring and red marks. It’s good, but apply VERY sparingly! Teeny tiny amount blended with a damp concealer brush seems to work, but I’m talking minuscule amounts as it’s so pigmented.

I also have this and in my 40s. Something which helps me is Lush Ultrabland. It seems to stop the skin producing so much oil as it is an oily cream. It is nice to use also. I have used things like Retin A / Differin in the past but they made it quite sore.

Its hard when sunny as the sun creams can make it worse also. Finding a non greasy one can help a bit too.

See a dermatologist, go to your gp and request a referral.

Sounds more like rosacea to me op (gym and hot showers making your face red, worsening with age). Treatment is different to acne, so you may be making it worse if you’re using skincare for acne prone skin. Go to your GP to find out for sure.

Have you tried giving up dairy products and cutting out sugar from your diet? Might be worth researching into his a little more if nothing else seems to be working. I had a friend with awful skin and she went vegan and most of it cleared up in a couple of months.

Get your GP to refer you to a dermatologist and don't waste money on ov er the counter treatments.