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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want clear skin?

95 replies

meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 09:40

Had hormonal acne that started when i was 12, disappeared during my late teenage years when i took antibiotics for it, but now back with a vengeance. Seems to be especially bad the week before AF. Tried every skincare product I can get my hands on. Anyone got any miracle products that can help with adult acne? I’ll try anything!

OP posts:
portugalq · 16/05/2022 10:56

I also had amazing skin turnaround from a subscription to Dermatica.

I had tried all the solutions the Dr suggested and was pushing for Roaccutane as they are so reluctant to give it to you because of the harsh side effects. It look me so long to persuade them to give me the dermo referral, then ages to get an appointment and it was originally cancelled. Then the dermo refused to give it to me and palmed me off with something else that didn't work.

I was in the arduous process of getting the Dr to re-refer me again when I read about Dermatica on here and thought fuck it. When I look at photos of my skin a year ago I can't believe I put up with it! I now don't bother wearing skin makeup most days.

Let me know if you want my code - it will give both of us 25% off!

KyaClark · 16/05/2022 10:57

This has stopped me from getting a massive cystic spot on my chin every month.

Revitale Salicylic Acid Scrub Soap, Pore Exfoliating, Softening Skin, Anti-Blemish https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XW6GCD6/ref=cmswwrcppapiiiTKKE0EFQWP00VX2FXFF0?encoding=UTF8&psc=1

TempName01 · 16/05/2022 11:03

I’m using dermatica which I am liking but it’s it’s not got rid of the cystic acne yet, I am also reluctant to try roaccutane so i think i will try another course of antibiotics along with the dermatica. I’ve always had bad skin but this is the worse it’s ever been ☹️

HairyBum · 16/05/2022 11:04

Zinc vitamin

TyrannosaurusRegina · 16/05/2022 11:12

Dermatica is fantastic, I've used it for acne when nothing else worked and my skin is looking great. It's prescription stuff that you get after an online consultation with a dermatologist. Something like £23 a month, but we'll worth it.

I've got a referral code if you want it...

www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/NHQTP

TyrannosaurusRegina · 16/05/2022 11:13

*well worth it

Beetlewings · 16/05/2022 11:23

Inkey List succinic acid always helps me. I get those frustrating lumps that don't come to a head. I've learned not to squeeze them however tempting it is! Now I just slap the cream on and it dries them up

toastfiend · 16/05/2022 11:30

I had hormonal acne for years.

I started Skin+Me in desperation after a very bad month and I have to say that it's made a phenomenal difference for me (not a single spot this month, even before and during my period, which used to cause terrible, large spots all over my chin). It's also helped to reduce some of the old blemishes from previous spots. Not a quick fix, though, I'm 4 months in and would say this is the first month I've really noticed a massive difference. I think simplifying my routine when I started Skin+Me helped, too. I just use La Roche Posay cleanser and sunscreen, plus moisturiser during the day and a night cream at night after the Skin+Me. A couple of times a week I use Ren rescue balm overnight to sort out any peeling or dryness from the Tretinoin in the Skin+Me.

A big thing for me has been getting the cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen right, too. Any cleanser that's too harsh brings me out in spots (so nothing with salicyclic acid etc.), so gentle cleaners are best for me and nothing with oil in (double cleansing makes me spottier). I've tried loads of suncreams and all make me spotty, but the La Roche Posay Anthelios mattifying one works for me as it's not greasy. Their moisturiser feels too sticky for me, though, and also brings me out in spots, so I use Neal's Yard now.

I feel into a bit of a trap on here of assuming that because lots of people on here raved about a certain product it would work for me too (some suncream brands, moisturisers, cleansers etc) and then would stubbornly keep going with them even when my skin was awful. Really stripping it back to basics and testing and changing one thing at a time has been helpful for me in terms of determining what I need, what I don't need, and what is actively bad for my skin.

ErickBroch · 16/05/2022 11:49

I am on isotrenitonin/accutane right now. Private as NHS too long for me. No bad side effects - dry lips and skin, that's it.

ErickBroch · 16/05/2022 11:50

I have always had acne and tried every single subscription/advice in this thread and it never did a thing. Saw dermatologist and she kindly explain why they would never have helped Grin thankful for accutane.

meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 15:56

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 15:59

minipie · 16/05/2022 09:58

YANBU OP, I’ve had acne since age 12 and it’s depressing. Now in my 40s and I’m dealing with ageing alongside acne. Yay.

If it’s hormonal then the main options that are likely to work are Dianette and Spironolactone. Roaccutane also but that’s not suitable if you are wanting to get pg any time soon, also not available on the NHS unless you’ve tried other things first. Epiduo cream is also helpful (it’s a mix of benzoyl peroxide and adapalene which is a retinoid).

Dianette makes a huge difference for me, still not 100% clear but 80% better.

Will certainly ask GP about Dianette! Seems to have helped a few people!

OP posts:
meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 16:03

toastfiend · 16/05/2022 11:30

I had hormonal acne for years.

I started Skin+Me in desperation after a very bad month and I have to say that it's made a phenomenal difference for me (not a single spot this month, even before and during my period, which used to cause terrible, large spots all over my chin). It's also helped to reduce some of the old blemishes from previous spots. Not a quick fix, though, I'm 4 months in and would say this is the first month I've really noticed a massive difference. I think simplifying my routine when I started Skin+Me helped, too. I just use La Roche Posay cleanser and sunscreen, plus moisturiser during the day and a night cream at night after the Skin+Me. A couple of times a week I use Ren rescue balm overnight to sort out any peeling or dryness from the Tretinoin in the Skin+Me.

A big thing for me has been getting the cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen right, too. Any cleanser that's too harsh brings me out in spots (so nothing with salicyclic acid etc.), so gentle cleaners are best for me and nothing with oil in (double cleansing makes me spottier). I've tried loads of suncreams and all make me spotty, but the La Roche Posay Anthelios mattifying one works for me as it's not greasy. Their moisturiser feels too sticky for me, though, and also brings me out in spots, so I use Neal's Yard now.

I feel into a bit of a trap on here of assuming that because lots of people on here raved about a certain product it would work for me too (some suncream brands, moisturisers, cleansers etc) and then would stubbornly keep going with them even when my skin was awful. Really stripping it back to basics and testing and changing one thing at a time has been helpful for me in terms of determining what I need, what I don't need, and what is actively bad for my skin.

Yes, I have the same issues with various sun cream and moisturisers, I think that trying not to overload my skin with products and starting from scratch is sensible!

OP posts:
meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 16:07

ErickBroch · 16/05/2022 11:50

I have always had acne and tried every single subscription/advice in this thread and it never did a thing. Saw dermatologist and she kindly explain why they would never have helped Grin thankful for accutane.

That’s so reassuring!! Glad it’s working so well for you, definitely considering it more now!

OP posts:
Overtherainbowwayuphigh · 16/05/2022 16:08

Drinking more water has massively improved my skin recently.

MatildaTheCat · 16/05/2022 16:08

Dianette did work for me but killed my libido.

ultimate cure has been the menopause. Which probably doesn’t really appeal either.

I did go through a phase of regular trips to a good facialist and that did help a lot despite the hormonal element.

Overtherainbowwayuphigh · 16/05/2022 16:10

Also agree with zinc vitamin. I took hair skin and nail supplements which contain zinc and it seems to help too.

meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 16:10

TempName01 · 16/05/2022 11:03

I’m using dermatica which I am liking but it’s it’s not got rid of the cystic acne yet, I am also reluctant to try roaccutane so i think i will try another course of antibiotics along with the dermatica. I’ve always had bad skin but this is the worse it’s ever been ☹️

Sounds like we’re in a similar boat- I hope yours starts to get better soon❤

OP posts:
ComDummings · 16/05/2022 16:11

You need a derm. Skin+me and Dermatica are good, I know a few people who have had success with them.

SpaceshiptoMars · 16/05/2022 16:11

The model's trick is to eat sauerkraut every day. Well, you did say you'd try anythingSmile

SpaceshiptoMars · 16/05/2022 16:12

Has to be the naturally fermented, from the fridge stuff. Get it in health shops.
Start small - a teaspoonful with every meal. Changes your gut bugs.

ComDummings · 16/05/2022 16:15

Just wanted to add I know of 2 people who had very bad acne and the only thing that worked was roaccutane. They still have scarring but their skin is absolutely transformed from the bad acne spots, it is amazing. I know it has some heavy side effects but they had regular appointments with their derm.

Whentheboatcomes · 16/05/2022 16:15

@meanmrmustard Best of luck with your course of Roaccutane. It was best thing that I ever did , I only wish that I hadn't suffered through my twenties. It didn't just clear my skin it totally rejuvenated as well.

I hope it's as successful for you . Xx

meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 16:16

SleeplessInEngland · 16/05/2022 10:43

It's effective but the trade-off is you get really dry, flaky skin and chapped lips. I'd try other treatments first before that last resort.

Yes, that does seem sensible. I already have patches of dry skin, so don’t want to potentially cause more discomfort by making that worse. I think maybe I’ll look into more holistic treatments before taking the plunge.

OP posts:
meanmrmustard · 16/05/2022 16:20

Whentheboatcomes · 16/05/2022 16:15

@meanmrmustard Best of luck with your course of Roaccutane. It was best thing that I ever did , I only wish that I hadn't suffered through my twenties. It didn't just clear my skin it totally rejuvenated as well.

I hope it's as successful for you . Xx

Thank you! The referal will probably take a while, so I will try other methods until then-but I am hoping that discussing it with a dermatologist will at least give me options- fingers crossed!! Xx

OP posts: