Skin Experts- Cystic spots help after being on Retin A for a while

[Sallystyle]

I always had bad acne. A good few months ago it cleared up beautifully with following Caroline Hirrons advice. I also started Retin A around 4 months ago IIRC. My skin never looked better and apart from the odd tiny one my skin was clear.

I started a new job in the hospital and for the last few weeks I keep getting huge cystic spots again. I have one on my chin and one on my cheek right now and I never got them on my cheeks before. There is no other acne and little spots like I used to get, just these cystic ones.

I have not changed products at all. I am not eating differently etc. The only thing I'm doing differently is getting up early and being around a lot of germs, but I doubt that would cause it?

Has anyone had experience of Retin A stopping working after a few months?

Sympathies. Your Retin A isn't working. You could dickie about with your skincare but really, what you need is a GP appointment. This is medical. Cystic acne causes scarring and you need to prevent this. See your GP.

I have seen my GP loads, unfortunately. I have been on everything the GP can prescribe. It sucks as I spent months knowing the luxury of having no spots!

I also have scars, some of the new ones faded nicely with the Retin A, but I certainly don't want any more. I'm going to give it another week just to see if it's short lived then push for an appointment with the derm.

I doubt very much I would be allowed roaacutane (spelling?) as I suffer with my mental health. So not sure what else that leaves me, maybe the pill?

There's always options. Yasmin is very skin friendly if you're considering a pill, and if it's suitable for you. And if you've tried everything available from your GP, ask for a referral to a dermatologist. S/he will have more options.
Don't wait tho. Cystic acne is a bit shit.

Hibiscrub (about a fiver from Boots) has transformed my chin. I had cystic acne despite everything the GP could throw at it for over 20 yrs.

It is strong stuff (meant for scrubbing up by surgeons), and it must be kept away from eyes, but I couldn't be without it.

Def try hibiscrub. Also, could it be hormonal, perhaps exacerbated by the the new job (tiredness, stress etc)? My current "normal" is two potential flare ups a month, around ovulation and just before my period. Agnus castus and vitamin b complex seem to help me.

I am similar to you, finally had my skin under control, started a new job and I think the associated (sub conscious) stress, commuting etc has made it flare up, plus the change in seasons so my morning walk to the station is a bit nippy. It's settling down again after a month..

I think it's stress too as cystic acne is hormonal. Give the hibi scrub a try. I've recommended it loads on here and it does seem to work for a lot of people. Worth a go.

Vitamin b breaks me out massively btw.

I know what you mean about being clear for months and then flaring up again. Feels worse somehow. You think you've finally cracked it and then... But I do think it'll be stress. Make sure you're drinking more water than usual too as the hospital environment will be drying. Good luck.

I am reading this with interest as I suspect my pill is causing cystic breakouts on my chin. I don't want to stop my pill mid way through a pack and have a smear test due and holiday... so am intrigues that hibiscrub might help. Is this available behind the counter or off the shelf?