Adult acne - help me!

[MrsHandles]

I came off the pill (Yasmin) in January. Since then, my skin has erupted around my jawline and going down onto my neck. It looks horrendous, exactly as I looked when I was 15 and the reason I was put onto the pill in the first place.

Lovely Style and Beauty people, please help me find a way of at least settling the acne down as it looks so angry and red and is beginning to upset me as nothing seems to be working. I'm a teacher and feel very self-conscious of it (more so since a couple of children have commented on it) thank you.

It can get sore, but mostly itchy! I think that's the dry skin. I'm hopeful the cream will work

Very interesting Liara!

You poor thing. This link is to acne.org and their recommended regimen uses BP. This is their guide in how to use it. Might be worthwhile following as seems to get results for many people.

www.acne.org/regimen.html

I had no results apart from bleach spots on towels and pillow cases with benzoyl peroxide, but it must work for some people as it's still being prescribed, so hope it works for you

Other than the pill, the only thing I found that worked for me is an oral medication called spironolactone, along with an antibiotic gel and a retinol cream - this combination has worked wonders, particularly on the nasty jawline volcanoes

Gin - maybe your skin will respond differently to mine, but I used to use lots of products like those in your post (especially scrubs - I love the clean feeling they give my face), but have realised that they really don't help at all, and simple is the way to go. I use nothing other than warm water gently rubbed off with a clean flannel, with a squirt of Cetaphil if I am particularly grubby

I try and go as simple as possible when I can, but for the week or so before/during period, I really need something! I'm impatient which doesn't help, but the last week I was so sore even chewing dinner (spots on chin) that I had to put something harsher on to try and dry them out quicker. I have really noticed a difference with adding oil to my skin though.

That looks sore OP.

I would see how the BP goes first - keep your skin care simple - nothing too harsh. The BP might cause a bit of dryness too.

If no joy after a few weeks then you should go back. The GP will prob want to try antibiotics as the next stage - but it's not a long term solution. Works for some people - not for others.

I suffer/ed with acne from being a teen until in my forties. Not as severe as some but it's still annoying and embarrassing.

Dianette worked wonders for me for many years - but I can't take it any longer for health reasons. I eventually got referred to a Dermatologist (after visiting a private derm first) who specialises in adult acne. She put me straight on to Spironolactone - it works a treat. I have to get blood tests every 4 months prior to my prescription being reissued just to check that my liver function is okay - but so far so good.

There are options -don't suffer.

Doctor was lovely and said to try the BP but if no joy after 6-8 weeks go back as she has a list of things to try.

I was put on Dianette at 14 for acne and have been taking some form of pill ever since. I definitely don't ever want to go on any kind of pill ever again!

I think the 'keep it simple' method is the way to go for the time being. Gentle cleanser and water followed by moisturiser then cleanse again in evening along with the BP.

fumanchu can I ask specifically which products you use from that line, im 40 and still have acne !!

Too late, just ordered a set !!

I've been using the benzoyl peroxide cream for just two nights, but my acne seems to be less 'angry looking'. I'm hopeful for an improvement over the coming weeks. I'll post a picture on Friday.

Thanks for the support everyone

Good luck, have to say that between the spots you have beautiful clear skin. My skin is finally calming down after 3 pregnancies. I use nip and fab gycolic night fix a few times a week and La Roche Efflucar duo daily. Still get spots but not as bad. Only wash my face with water. I am nearly 40....

For those interested, this is after one week of using the benzoyl peroxide cream. Not much change but I'm still hopeful, after all the doctor did say results will be seen in 6-8 weeks.

OP have you tried Murad Anti blemish cleanser? It's a miracle worker.
Can buy at John Lewis and Amazon.

How is your skin 2 weeks in Mrs?

DUAC gel (prescription only) is the ONLY thing that has worked for me. Took 6-8 weeks to clear my skin reasonably. Now I just use it on my hormonal Acne which appear just before my period. Definitely worth a try, but you'll have to wait 6 weeks before you see results. But they will continue to remain long lasting!

I'm using Duac! Whenever I see the name I sing the 'Welcome to Dulock' song from Shrek. Just me? Ok then.

I've seen a real change in the past couple of days, I'm looking forward to posting an update pic on Sunday

Hastalapasta, the pic above is from Sunday just gone.

Excellent, glad you are doing well. Your writing tone sounds more positive too!

Thank you Hasta. I'll post another pic on Sunday.

If you are seeing a good response then in 6-8 weeks you should be fully CLEAR! It will feel like magic. Just be patient & keep going even if you see interim setbacks. After the clear up continue to use a thin layer all over the acne prone areas for a while. The medication doesn't say this but it worked for me. Do show us the results...

Yes i second Artistic - even once its cleared up continue to use the cream. My skin is more or less clear but i still religiously use my benzoyl peroxide cream. Not every night but most nights and it keeps the spots at bay. I loosely follow the acne.org regimen if you havent already come across it. It makes a lot of sense for me.

I'm going to post a weekly update, no doubt you'll all be thoroughly fed up of me by then. I've definitely seen an improvement using the Duac benzoyl peroxide cream, I really have everything crossed for a full clear up. My DH comes home from a six money deployment in December, so I'm hoping they will have decreased significantly by the time he comes home.

The latest instalment of my saga. I had a microderm facial yesterday, hence why my skin looks a little red. Two weeks now using benzoyl peroxide cream.

Hi Mrs
I also suffer from acne at 36. Im on a waiting list to see a dermatologist.

Are you still getting new spots? I tried the BP but it didnt stop new breakouts.