What to do about adult acne (face + body)

[EllaBella41]

I'm in my early thirties and I have had acne ever since I was a teenager. When I was younger, the pill helped somewhat but I now can't have that after starting with migraines. I got sick of it recently and went to the doctor, who put me on antibiotics.

Whilst I was actually taking them, my skin improved dramatically. I barely had any spots on my face, chest or back. I was hoping that this would continue once I finished my course but it is now back worse than ever within the space if a week.

I have spots all over my face, chest and back and quite frankly, after having such a good run on the antibiotics it is depressing. The doctor did say I may have an outbreak on stopping them but this is almost worst than what I had previously.

I have the option to go back onto the tablets for another course but I'm now wondering what the point is. I'll just have another couple of months of reduced problems and then presumably back to square one. I realise I may well have to go and see a dermatologist but I just wish there was something else I could do. I'm getting married next year and all I can think about is everyone seeing what a state my skin is in.

Just posting to see if anyone has had the same thing and what might have worked for them?

Is there a reason you can just get a repeat prescription and take it indefinitely?..

Pressed send too quickly there!

How severe would you say it was at the moment?

Roaccutane really is your last resort if you have exhausted all options. It is only prescribed by a dermatologist.

Have you looked up Skin and me, they're supposed to be good too.

I feel for you. I had horrendous hormonal acne and the pill cleared it up, I'm on Yasmin now which still keeps my acne at bay, but can see in your thread the pill isn't an option.

I had hormonal acne . I started off with niacinamide. Now this is going to make your skin purge for 6-8 weeks but it worked for me. I then swapped to tea tree oil (just because it was easier to get my hands on locally) and still use it to this day and not a spot in sight. I use neat some people advise to mix with a carrier but honestly I would bathe all day long in the stuff if I could as we have found it has solved many a skin issue.

I think I would get one more course and then I have to look at other things apparently. I know I cant just have antibiotics forever

Roaccutane! I took it I’m my late thirties after a lifetime of problematic skin and it was life changing. I haven’t had an issue since. No side effects other than dryness which as an acne sufferer you will know is a walk in the park compared to spots. If you can afford it see a private dermatologist, explain how long you have had this issue and ask for roaccutane. Best thing I ever did. It will probably cost you around the region of £300 if you don’t want to wait for a NHS referral. All those years and within 6 months the problem was sorted. I should have done it earlier

Thank you for the suggestions - will take a look. I'd just like to be able to manage it to be honest, I am quite accepting of the fact it will never be perfect.

Thanks will definitely have a look. Is there a reason you have to get it via a dermatologist?

Roaccutane, nothing else for it, but yes prescription is restricted to dermatologists. You have to be heavily monitored when you're taking it, pregnancy is a huge risk and liver enzymes need to be watched

@EllaBella41 yes because it’s dangerous if you get pregnant. You have to sign a pledge that you will use reliable contraception. I wanted to take it forever. My hair was shiny and only needing washing once a week and my skin was literally was glowing. I had tried everything prior to visiting the dermatologist, I took antibiotics for years and they all stopped working eventually. The dermatologist explained that some people never grow out of acne and roaccutane really is the only drug that will make a difference. I never even think about my skin now and it’s such a relief. Acne is bloody awful.

Roaccutane does work for most people but comes with a lot of side effects and is not for the faint hearted.
Maybe try a prescribed skin care regime first like skin and me if you want something a little more gentle - might take a while though.

Good luck op!

Thank you - a good first step is likely the Skin and me route it seems. I would definitely prefer to not have to take medication if I could but then I would absolutely take a miracle pill also!

My 14 year old dd had all the treatments available via a GP so antibiotics x2 different types for 3 months each, she had topical antibiotics and tret topically. These didn't work so she was referred to NHS derm who started her on roaccutaine, she had spots on her face/back/chest with scaring that's why they started this.

The side effects she had were dry skin/nose bleeds and painful joints, she had regular blood tests/pregnancy tests and phonecalls to check in on her mental health.

My dd had the highest dose for the maximum possible time, her skin is amazing now. The drug can have lots of side effects but it was worth the risk as her skin was having a huge impact on her mental health. With the best skin care in the world, some people will only respond to roaccutaine.