Adult Acne - please help

[daisiesandpeonies]

I've been TTC for nearly a year and since being off the pill my skin has erupted. Took the pill for 14 years, can remember getting some teenage acne before but nothing like this.
I get small spots all over my face, chest and shoulders as well as painful, large cysts. It leaves awful scars. I was given some lotion by the doctor but it hasn't helped. Because of TTC they say there is not much they can give me. I'm going to go for fertility testing soon - so will know if it's caused by PCOS.
I used to love my skin, it was something that I was often complimented on. Been making excuses not to go out when it's really bad and had to stop wearing some of my favourite outfits because of body spots.
Has anyone got any advice on treatments or what to ask the doctor or diet changes or anything at all?? It's getting me down so much. Thank you.

I’ve got PCOS and was on the pill for years to control symptoms. I’ve only ever had issues with my face but since coming off last year, I’ve found Azelaic Acid and Salicylic acid to really help, plus not using anything with fragrance or too stripping. I also suspect cutting down on dairy helps but I love cheese!

If you’re on Facebook check out Dr Sam Bunting’s skincare club group, very supportive and full of good advice

For me it was giving up dairy that cleared up the painful horrible acne I had for ten years. It's something to do with the hormones from the pregnant cows in milk that causes some people to get acne from it. Obviously it's a big commitment, I just wish someone had told me about it sooner.

Sympathies from me I also struggle with adult acne. Things that can help and safe while ttc are topical erythromycin and clindamycin, duac, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and oral erythromycin if topical things don’t cut it. Please see your gp again there are quite a few options even if ttc. I ended up on oral erythromycin during my pregnancy for acne that was scarring and affecting my confidence so much I left work in tears so it’s def safe while ttc

I gave up dairy for veganuary this year and the difference it's made to my skin is incredible. I'd always suffered from adult acne before that with horrible greasy breakouts around the time of my period.

Now I get one or two spots just before my period but they disappear within hours.

Over the years I tried all sorts of treatments but nothing worked as well as cutting dairy.

Sorry for the slow reply to all of your really helpful messages - have taken it all on board. Thanks so much for your help 😊
Dairy is now officially banned! Trying to work out which milk substitute is the least yuck... Got some need to develop a taste for it I think!
Which salicylic acid products are best? They vary a lot in price but think it's good to splash out if it's actually worth it.
I've got a GP appointment soon and will take @Troton list with me!
Thanks so much again, feel a bit less alone!

When you say cut out dairy, is it enough to just cut out cheese and milk, or do you have to meticulously scan food labels? I’m intrigued xx

I have pcos, I also have a cows milk allergy so no dairy for 14years now. Still ended up on roaccutane.

You could try benzoyl peroxide but pcos is stubborn.

Get back to the gp, I got given an ointment for mine first which didn't work, then an antibiotic which also didn't work, I'm now on a second different antibiotic and something seems to be happening. If this doesn't work it'll be accutane which is a potent drug with some nasty potential side effects but is basically a miracle cure for acne