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Products for Adult acne

64 replies

Rose2006 · 05/04/2017 21:38

Hi,
Desperately hoping for some good advice. I realise it's not style exactly, but looking for make up and product recommendations for acne too.

I'm mid thirties, and since having my children my skin has never settled. I suffered from acne as a teenager, in my twenties I was prescribed dianette contraception which was a miracle pill for my skin! When I got married I stopped hormonal contraceptives and everything was ok, even after my firstborn. After my last child my skin got worse, and now 4 years laters it's the worst it's been since I was a teenager. The gp prescribed me tetracycline (the first time it sort of worked) it hasn't had an effect this time round. I feel like it's got so bad I don't want to go outside! I don't want to go back to contraceptives as I don't need to take it anymore, but I don't know there is an alternative. He also recommended sacylic acid as a spot on. I currently use eucerin face wash, witch hazel or clearasil spot on and oil free moisturiser. I use bare minerals make up, and prefer light make up for work rather than heavy foundation.

I'm convinced the acne is hormonal. Does anyone have similar experiences? What medication do you use? What products do you use? What works for you?

Literally any advice appreciated!!!
Thanks

OP posts:
Babyiwantabump · 08/04/2017 09:22

Those who have had good results with the acnecide- is it the wash or the gel that you use?

I'm 32 and since having my youngest I have terrible spots .

Had a course of roaccutane 10 years ago and skin had been amazing up until I had my DS. So frustrating!

Missmac84 · 08/04/2017 09:33

Babyiwantabump:
I was exactly the same. I used the acnecide 5% gel whilst pregnant (on the advice of the dermatologist) as a wash just once or twice a week. Was told to continue this way if breastfeeding.
It turned out I couldn't breastfeed so I ended up using it as a gel twice a day. After two weeks all spots and rosacea have gone, now I just use it first thing in a morning xxx

Babyiwantabump · 08/04/2017 09:49

Fab thank you will order some

witwootoodleoo · 08/04/2017 10:07

Having had acne all my life and having tried roaccutane, dianette, antibiotics etc in sheer desperation I signed up to a website called Acne Einstein two years ago. I was worried it was a bit of a scam as I had to pay about £30 I think it was for the ebook but it was surprisingly totally worth it. He goes through all the various studies and properly explains what causes different kinds of acne and what can be done to treat it. He also explains very well why you shouldn't be scared of using benzyl peroxide when used properly.

I used all the information to decide which supplements, topical treatments and products should work for me (his site doesn't sell them- you can just get them from a local health food shop, chemist, Amazon etc). It took about 6 months for everything to work properly but for the first time in over 20 years I actually have clear skin with the very occassional spot so it was worth it for me. I actually got complacent about 6 months ago and dropped the benzyl peroxide and some supplements but it started to come back so I won't be trying that again any time soon!

Truckingalong · 08/04/2017 11:35

Everyone is going to tell you something different that has worked for them but that means you'll get lots of different ideas to try. I had hormonal cystic acne for years but what has finally helped me after trying everything is blue light therapy.

Rose2006 · 10/04/2017 15:32

Let us know your results @beautifullymixed !! Good luck

OP posts:
Rose2006 · 19/04/2017 10:31

So I have been back to the doctor. I asked about spironolactone, but she says they are not allowed to prescribe it for acne. She has given me epiduo cream and Yasmin contraceptive pills. Although I did tell her I am apprehensive about going back on the pill, as hubby has had a vasectomy so don't need it for birth control, and I know acne is a lot worse when you come off it. Plus the info says only give to under 35's, I am 35yrs. Confused!!!

OP posts:
Rose2006 · 19/04/2017 11:22

Also - she did say a dermatologist may be able to prescribe spiro, but to try Yasmin first. As I said I'm apprehensive.

In the meantime I have ordered some of the acnecide recommended here

OP posts:
Missmac84 · 19/04/2017 11:56

I've used the acnecide for a month now as a gel and I saw my brother for the first time since Christmas....... I didn't wear any make up and he was amazed at the difference in my skin.

I know different products work for people but this gel has transformed my skin in such a short time. I just wish someone had told me about it earlier xx

Rose2006 · 19/04/2017 12:12

@missmac84 did you use the wash or spot on gel?

OP posts:
musicmaiden · 19/04/2017 12:26

OP as you are reluctant to take Yazmin and it will not be a long-term option for you anyway, given your age, maybe you could try the Acnecide on its own first for a month or two to see if it is the product for you before you try the doctor's idea. You should see some improvement fairly quickly.

FWIW I was given Doxycycline and azaleic acid cream (Finacea) for my awful acne. It's done wonders so far and my skin is clear and glowing for the first time in years. The cream doesn't bleach like Benzoyl Peroxide apparently does (not tried it). Might be worth a go as well if Acnecide doesn't crack it. Good luck :)

MissesBloom · 19/04/2017 12:33

Sorry to jump in on this thread but just wanted to thank op for posting this and also to everyone else...ive just bought myself some acnecide to see if it'll help me. I could have written your post myself op have always struggled with my skin and now after having my youngest lo it's the worst it's ever been. I too believe it's hormones. Anyway thanks everyone hoping this gel will work for me too Smile good luck op

Missmac84 · 19/04/2017 12:41

@Rose2006 - I use the gel as shown in the picture. Now I only use it once a day instead of twice.
I rub a thin layer into my cheeks, chin and forehead.
When I first started using it I noticed that if I used too much I had white marks left on my skin.
I hope you have such good results xx

Products for Adult acne
Dorje · 19/04/2017 13:02

Rose, you'll be fine on Yasmin, try the acnecide cream also. No doubt you feel it's overkill as your DH has had a vasectomy, but I'd give it a few months at least as it might reset your hormones to a level where you aren't making or being sensitive to the testosterone you're making naturally.

Dianette and Yasmin are specially designed to stop your body making testosterone. They're especially made for acne sufferers. I'd definitely give them a few months. If Yasmin doesn't work, you could try cilest.

My advice about your regime...
Use moisturiser first all over your face, then a layer of acnecide cream on your t zone, or where you get your acne. I get mine on my jaw line now I'm peri menopausal.

Get a white towel to dry your hands after using the gel, and make sure your face is dry before you start to dress. Try not to pull any tops over your face: use your hands to keep your tops away from the skin on your face, or they can end up bleached!

I have oily congested skin, some cysts on jaw line, no major breakouts anymore since on hormones, but still get sebaceous filaments on nose, chin and forehead. No wrinkles.

My twice daily regimen is
Wash face with oily skin cetaphil
Pat dry
Use clearasil toner with salacyic acid
Use moisturiser DrOrganic royal jelly if skin feels tight, or snail gel
Acnecide cream over t zone and jaw twice daily.

I use a body brush to physically exfoliate in the shower, and use head and shoulders shampoo for oily roots with salacylic acid. If I use a heavy conditioning shampoo and conditioner I get spots on my shoulders.

I wear breathable cottons, linens, silk, and soft wool, and try not to wear scratchy clothes with fancy seam details as this can irritate and give me spots

I dont drink or eat any dairy milk at all. I do eat Greek yoghurt with probiotics.

Hope this helps

angelfacecuti75 · 19/04/2017 19:31

Hi but og a random answer but because I am weird I watch a lot of dr pimple popper on you tube. She prescribes retin* a.

oldwife · 19/04/2017 19:44

Glad you have come back after seeing the GP OP.

The Yasmin might do it for you - no harm in trying.

She is right that she can't prescribe the Spiro - it's for a dermatologist to initially recommend.

Let us hope that you soon start to see some improvement.

uncertaindreams · 19/04/2017 20:23

Very helpful thread!

My story is very similar. Some mild acne as a teen but ever since having my second child my skin has been horrendous. I had the Mirena too and always wondered if that was what triggered it. Been suffering for nearly 10 years and tried everything. Zineryt (sp?) dried my skin terribly and epiduo helped but only slightly. Tried various antibiotics and didn't really find any helped.

I was then referred to a dermatologist and she confirmed it was adult acne and rosacea. I was put on roaccutane which I was vary of. With good reason. I had a really bad reaction to it, including swellings which have now gone but left scarring and v severe dry eye which has massively impacted my eyesight. Funnily enough to resolve the resulting eye problems the ophthalmologist tried me on doxycycline and hey presto - fabulous clear skin. So I've found out what works but my GP will only prescribe a 14 day prescription of it when I have a flare up so am in a vicious cycle of lurching back and forth because it invariably flares up again big time a couple of weeks after I stop the doxycycline. I would be v interested to hear from those also on doxycycline what your treatment plan is and if you are on it long term.

I'm also having a break from the Mirena to see if that has any effect. It's been about 3 months though and so far no real difference. Not sure how long it takes for hormones to settle though.

What I would hugely endorse is Cetaphil cleanser and moisturiser. They were recommended by the dermatologist and really calm my skin.

Hope you can sort it op - I know how debilitating it can be.

Hermonie2016 · 19/04/2017 20:48

I discovered my spotty prone skin was super sensitive so used a routine of ceptaphil face wash and simple cleanser.Any harsh products cause a breakout..even rubbing my skin with a towel can cause a breakout.
Chinese skin mapping is good to work out internal causes of spots..cheek area can be caused by mobile phones! I get chin spots which are definitely hormonal, it's on the side I ovulate each month.
I think a gentle cleaning routine, non comegenic foundation, good topical creme for breakouts and watching for food allergies..I discovered eating lots of stoned fruits affected my skin.Lots of avocados helps as well as water.

ChibiTotoro · 19/04/2017 22:02

I almost could have written this post myself! As soon as I started getting spots in my teens my DM marched me to the doctor's where they promptly prescribed me Dianette. I somehow managed to stay on this long term (apart from a brief spell on Yasmin which caused me to bleed mid cycle). I came off the pill to have my DD and my skin was amazing. Sadly it didn't last and within weeks of having her my skin was worse than ever. I started going to Sk:n for salicylic peels where they recommended I ask my GP for Lymecycline. I had an initial purge then after 8 weeks I didn't get anymore spots. After a few years it's effectiveness declined then we decided to try for another baby during which my skin was terrible. After DS was born I tried Lymecycline again with little effect and was put on Rigevidon (despite my age), once again no improvement.
I managed to get a referral to a Dermatologist as during pregnancy I developed Vitiligo (oh the joys of pregnancy). I have to say I didn't rate the dermo, but I asked about my acne at the same time. He prescribed Doxycycline capsules and told me to apply Skinoren twice a day. He got the dosage wrong and only gave me 8 days worth as opposed to 8 weeks, so had to go back to my GP for more. The Doxycycline hasn't really worked - I did have a week at the end of the prescription with no new spots then as soon as I got my period I got spots.
My GP says that I need to try two months worth again then a month off then back on before he will refer me again. The Skinoren does seem to be helping with the scarring, but you can't drink on Doxycycline, argh!
I feel like I'm surrounded by people with perfect skin and it massively effects my self esteem.

MissesBloom · 19/04/2017 22:25

Chibi I know what you mean about the confidence I always think people think that I'm dirty when in reality it's quite the opposite. Horrible for a grown adult Sad

treacletoffee23 · 19/04/2017 22:54

It may be worth checking for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Sunshinegirls · 19/04/2017 23:36

Very helpful thread. I am 40 and have been experiencing horrible acne on my face and neck, chest and back for a few weeks now. I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow and am hoping to be prescribed a contraceptive pill to sort it out. Have also just ordered acnecide wash and gel on the back of the reviews here. Though my skin can be dry and sensitive but I'm willing to risk it.

OlennasWimple · 20/04/2017 03:20

I used to love Dianette back in the day but struggled to get on with Yazmin (made me feel woozy and nauseous). I have had two courses of spiro (in the US, so my everyday doctor prescribed it) and my skin is wonderful - it has literally never been so good. I have an antibiotic gel that I dab on the occasional spot that tries to come through, plus a retinol gel which is getting rid of the scarring (and my wrinkles....)

I wish I had found spiro a decade ago

jpd · 20/04/2017 07:05

Retinol was a treatment for acne originally and it just so happened that they discovered it was good for wrinkles too. The ordinary skincare company do a 2% retinol serum to use at night for around £7 which is a bargain

kennycat · 21/04/2017 20:23

I could have written the OP too!
I have just looked at acnecide (never heard of it before) and would like to give it a go. It says it mighgt cause dryness and irritation though. Does it? I have really dry skin as well as acne rosacea - how is this fair?!
Is cetaphil worth a shot? The moisturiser or the wash?
I'm using an aloe cleansing milk from tesco at the moment which seems to be really helping - I am not sure if it is because it doesn't use water. Maybe water is bad for skin...

36, wrinkles, acne, redness. I want to put a bag over my head really. 20 years of this shizzle is enough thanks.