Hormonal acne

[GraceMarks]

I'm fast approaching 40 and I still get really ugly breakouts on my skin twice a month - leading up to ovulation, and just before my actual period. They're big, red lumps that don't come to a head but are tender to the touch, and they're always on my chin and upper lip. I really hate it! It makes my face feel dirty and I get so self-conscious. Is there anything that can help?

I don't want to put make-up on the area because it makes it feel even dirtier, but if anyone knows of any medicated stuff that actually works, I'd love to hear about it.

Differin? Used to be prescription only can now be bought over the counter.

I don't know about upper lip but I get lumps under skin on my chin which are cystic acne. They are filled with a sticky liquid that if you try and break into the cyst will just weep. Sometimes there is a tiny bit of pus. Even if you squeeze them like hell stuff just keeps weeping out. The swelling takes a while to subside.
They are evil.
For me, Lymecycline keeps them at bay whilst on it but once the course has finished they return very quickly.
Next step Roaccutane.

summerfalls what's that? Is it a topical cream of some kind?

userofthiswebsite hmm, I did have a course of roaccutane many years ago but it wasn't considered a very safe medication then. I think they decided the risks outweighed the benefits. Do you know if it's been made any better since then?

Yes topical cream/gel, it’s a form of retinoids. I was prescribed it before for hormonal break outs I would get on my jawline.

www.differin.com/learn/faqs is a link for more info on it.

I’m taking roaccutane now. It has worked wonders.

I think the possible side effects remain the same though, extreme dry skin, joint pain, suicidal thoughts etc.

I can’t take it every day, instead every second or third day, because it effects my mood if I take it daily.

GraceMarks
As another user has mentioned there are still potential side effects but I'm happy to take that risk.

SemperIdem I have hypermobility in my joints so had probably better not take anything that might worsen the pain. I don't know that my acne would be considered severe enough to be prescribed it in any case.

summerfalls thanks, I'll check it out.

Grace

I’ve not had any joint pain but I’m also not susceptible to it in the same way you are so it’s understandable that you’d be wary of it.

Re it not being severe enough - my local hospital is a university hospital so there were student doctors present for my first appointment with the dermatologist. She asked them how they’d class my acne (I was of the opinion it was pretty damn bad), one said “severe” and the other said “very, extremely severe”.

I’d been mildly worried I wouldn’t get the prescription until that moment because the dermatologist was so neutral about the state of my face! I loved both those student doctors deeply in that moment

Mine wasn’t severe, but enough to bother me! The differin does work. But at first causes dryness and sensitivity but once your skin gets used to it that goes away think it took about 3-4 weeks for my skin those side effects to settle and my skin to clear.

Semper

summerfalls yes, I only get about 10 spots per breakout but they're really red and shiny and sodding noticeable. They do bother me even though it probably wouldn't be classed as "severe". Do you need a prescription for differin?

In the UK, I mean.

When I first got it in March last year, yes you did but it’s now been approved to be sold over the counter in the lower strength which is the one I was prescribed.

I'm just wondering if you have ever tried la roche Posay effaclar duo. You may need something stronger. But if you've never tried it, worth a shot. I get hormonal acne too and it does really help. I use it about once every week or 10 days now (more when have active evil lumps) and it's improved my skin no end. Have recomended it to others also who've had great results.

You'll get it in most pharmacies.

Pixi retinol tonic has made a difference to mine.