Hi everyone,
For the last 4 years since I turned 25 I have been dealing with adult acne. I went to bed with totally clear skin and woke up to a cluster of large inflamed cysts the following morning and have had these problems since. It is mainly localised to my chin and I usually only have one or two at a time. I have had a few months of no cysts but will then go through a period of having one every 6 months. I have tried the following:
6 months of antibiotics
Epiduo
Differin
Benzoyl Peroxide
Vitamins
Diet changes (including elimination)
I think it is hormonal as skin seems to be worse about 10 days into my cycle. I don't have any children and not currently TTC.
I have just had another term appointment and they suggest Lymecyline for 4 months with differing and, if successful, a further 6 month course. They said this is often all it takes, as although I have cystic acne, it is localised and only one at a time (leaves marks that take 6-12 months to fade though so my skin looks like I have loads of acne on it because of these marks as well as any new or current cysts).
I have been reading up about antibiotics and it seems they either do work but stop once you take them or don't work at all. I am wondering whether it is worth bothering?
My wedding is at the end of August and I am so terrified of having a massive cyst on the day. I currently organise my social calendar around my skin, trying to schedule things in when my skin is most likely to be behaving during the month (usually I get a week where I have nothing active). My confidence and self-esteem is very low because of my skin issues.
A bit of background:
Clear skin until aged of 25 - maybe had 5 spots my entire life before then. Had normal skin, not oily
Skin now gets slightly oily in t-zone but not too bad.
I use Cetaphil cleanser AM and PM and Epiduo at night. No moisturiser as derm said to stop putting on my face as it isn't dry so I shouldn't add anything.
Diet wise - very little dairy, low sugar, lots of veggies and organic meat. I cook from scratch every day, don't eat processed foods. I drink at least 2 litres of water every day. Usually have one coffee in a morning (black, no milk). Drink alcohol moderately - usually wine at a weekend.
Came off the pill 8 years ago and was diagnosed with PCOS a year later following a scan and hormone tests. Skin was clear and remained so for further 3 years. Slowly my periods returned to normal (28 days) and tests showed hormone levels back to normal, scan showed cysts had gone. However, since the PCOS disappeared, I have got acne. Seems to be the wrong way around!
I take oral vitamin b12 for a deficiency. I can absorb b12 fine but don't get enough, despite a diet rich in foods which have high levels of b12!
Advice very much appreciated. I am considering Accutane at the moment but term says to try antibiotics first.
Thanks :)