Lithium & skincare

[NotSpottyMuldoon]

I'm about to start treatment with lithium (for bipolar) and I'm horrified to find that around a third of people taking it develop acne.

I'm 50, post menopausal and finally have skin that is pretty clear and fresh after 30 odd years with problem skin (acne, some cysts, oily & coarse etc) The scarring is finally fading and I'm gutted to discover this may be short-lived.

I will definitely give the lithium a good go (my MH has been very poor) despite all the vile potential side effects but wondered if any of you have experienced this, or got any tips?

I'm seeing salicylic acid and retinol recommended on the reddits/ forums I've looked at, but I know nothing about these. I am also quite poor so can't afford to try things out without good recommendations and hopes of success.

If it helps, apparently the acne is caused by excess white cells/ inflammation.
Many thanks.

Bumping for you

I was on Lithium and it didn't effect my skin so fingers crossed it's the same for you.

I've been on lithium, my sister takes it, neither of us have had our skin affected

The Ordinary is your best bet for salicylic acid and retinol, unless anyone can recommend a cheaper alternative?

Oh gosh, thanks for the reassurance it might not happen. I'm not especially vain but this is hopeful news.

I will check out The Ordinary, have used some of their products before (with varying degrees of success) and they are affordable. Thanks everyone.