Anyone got rid of long term acne and if so, how?

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So, I'm in my 30s and have had acne for over 20 years . Not "the odd spot" but full on, need to wear concealer so as not to scare small children type acne. Probably related to PCOS and my picking habit doesn't help.

I haven't really been using any treatment for it for the past few years due to ttc/pregnancy/breastfeeding. However I'll soon be done with all that and can start on some treatment. So I'm looking for ideas. I've tried most things but some a very long time ago (eg Roaccutane in my teens) so willing to give them another go.

If you had a similar long term acne problem and sorted it, what worked for you please...?

Roaccutane. Very low dose over longer period of time than most. The Dermatologist was so helpful and told me that everything I put on my face is essentially an irritant. He also said that human skin does not need to be repeatedly exfoliated, toner and facials can do more harm than good, and it is best to leave skin bare overnight. Obviously not everyone would agree with these things, but I try to remember them when I'm being swayed towards a £50 facial

Giving up cow's dairy products and seeing a herbalist, taking various herbal mixtures prescribed by the herbalist that rebalanced my hormones and gave my sluggish liver a boost and it went forever.

OP, my dermatologist was in Reading and it was a number of years ago now so don't think it would be of much help sorry

I had acne until age 34 when I finally convinced my GP to send me to a dermatologist and was prescribed Roaccutane. Not a drug to be taken lightly and not suited to everyone, but it worked fantasically well for me (and got rid of a few wrinkles in the process too).

Duac here too. At night I cleanse with cetaphil, tone with la Roche posey effacleur, the clearasil pads with salycilic acid, then LRP AI cream on any pimples. Then Duac.
In the morning a also use LRP Effacleur duo.
Only just got clear skin at 40!

Thanks everyone, plenty more ideas!

Roaccutane is still top of the list it seems. I'll also be going back on the pill at some point anyway so will try to get a skin friendly one.

Bit reluctant to go on long term antibiotics, especially as they never really had much impact in the past iirc, but has come to the point where I will try anything really!

I've been using Duac off and on for years, it definitely does help but not enough by itself.

very encouraging to hear of so many people who had acne for so long but still managed to get rid of it!

Sorry Ridingthegravytrain I went AWOL from the thread its the Lush one I use and its really cleared me up a treat

Spironolactone which I take, isn't an antibiotic.

Spiro

It's actually used for things such as oedema, and heart issues, but has the handy side effect of controlling androgen production in women. (much like some of the combined pills, Dianettte for example).

I had tried everything, bar Roaccutane, and still had mild acne, but v oily skin. Not just confined to my face, but chest, back and shoulders too. Greasy hair also.

I visited a couple of NHS derms, then a private derm who suggested a particular NHS derm who specialised in acne. I had to travel quite a way - over an hour's drive (as opposed to my local hospitals) but straightaway she had the answer for my problem.

So far, so good.

Of course, it's not ideal taking any drugs long term - I have to have blood tests every few months just to ensure that my liver function is okay. Which, so far, it is.

Hoping that it will tide me over until post menopause, when fingers crossed, things might calm down naturally. (although some women still get acne issues into old age)

I have no side effects. It is a diuretic, but I haven't noticed any increase in having to go to the loo. I do drink a lot of water anyway though.

It's not such a well known treatment - but is worth considering if oiliness is the main issue for causing your acne.

I was on antibiotics for 20 years, made not a jot of difference. Roaccutane sorted it out in 6 months and I've had clear skin ever since.

thanks again all

sounds very interesting gin

now... Anyone got a good acne dermatologist in London to recommend??

I saw Dr tony chu at Hammersmith hospital but that was years ago. And not sure if he is classed as an acne dermatologist

I used to see him! I had laser treatment in my 20s with him (didn't work). Yes I think acne is one of his specialisms. I could try him again, Hammersmith is a bit of a pain from me though, SW or Central London are better

Double cleansing, acid toners and retin A has completely stopped my cystic acne :)

I just wish I had known about it all 20 years ago.

He was so lovely!

Roaccutane did the majority of it for me, but in order to keep it in check I'm on permanent Dianette. Nothing else works.

notsodesperate - Dianette was the only thing that kept my skin clear too, until I tried this latest method.

It's even better actually. I have had one proper spot since March.

One.

Had a couple of little pimples on hols, but was using too much greasy sunscreen.

With the Dianette i had the side effects of the pill too, sore boobs,bit of bloating etc. None of that now.