Adult Acne

[Separatedandabitsad]

Hi there! Does anyone have any tips for adult acne? My periods have become irregular, so I think it’s hormonal. I’ve had it on and off for about seven years. It clears for stretches (sometimes without prescription creams) but then it comes back. I used a topical antibiotic (I can’t take oral antibiotics) for years but the GP recommended ‘getting to the bottom of it’ and broadening my search!

So I’ve laid off alcohol and I am now laying off chocolate and sweet treats as I was consuming a lot of both. It seems to have calmed a little but then I woke up to a new big cyst on my chin as well as pre-existing stubborn spots on both cheeks - they’ve been there well over a month.

I use glycolic acid wipes and The Ordinary retinol every second night. I put sudocrem on spots.

Whether it’s good or not, I wear make-up and lots of concealer by day. It’s too upsetting to see all those spots; so I’m not about to give up my make-up.

I had pretty good skin (apart from a few on my chin) all the way up to my early 30s. I used to get compliments on my clear skin! Needless to say I don’t now. I get them on my cheeks for the past few years too. I wear a mask all day so that mightn’t help but this problem was there pre-COVID.

Any manageable, DIY tips would be great. I’m thinking of going to a nutritional therapist.

Any ideas?

[dontgobaconmyheart]

Just FYI , PCOS is not the same as having Polycistic Ovaries. Having functional and varying cysts on the ovaries does form part of the natural lcycle of them for some women, albeit they can sometimes cause problems. They often come and go during the menstrual cycle. A small cyst during a scan is not immediate cause for concern (and may well no longer be there). It doesn't mean you have PCOS, or even polycystic ovaries necessarily, unless it is a recurrent issue with a number of cysts.

PCOS, the syndrome is a different matter to this. It's a specific illness that affects the way the ovaries work and is usually confirmed by specialist hormone assay testing to identify excess androgens (etc) in the body along with multiple consistent ovarian cysts and irregular periods.

I'm in a similar boat skinwise though OP and it does get you so down doesn't it. I find glycolic acid breaks me out if I use it daily. Giving up dairy really helped me as did switching to thorough double cleansing. Still have problematic skin though. As others have said diet and topical can only do so much. Definitely speak with the GP and try some of the prescription options in case they work for you.

[AnnaMagnani]

Easy DIY things:

Change from your glycolic wipes to a good salicylic acid product like Paula's Choice BHA. Glycolic is the wrong acid, it's better for dry skin while salicylic dissolves in oil.

Instead of putting Sudocrem on your spots get a spot on treatment with a salicylic gel, I have a Vichy Normaderm one and just put a dollop on any spot that arises and they disappear v quickly. It's brilliant but I've had other brands and they all do the same.

Cerave PM moisturiser - it may say its for dry skin but it isn't and assuming you aren't sensitive to niacinamide then that's another nice anti-acne ingredient.

This got rid of about 99% of my spots. OK I then did tretinoin for the remaining 1% but I would have been perfectly happy with the transformation I got from non-prescription stuff and at the start, I totally looked like I'd need a prescription.

[FlyingByTheSeatof]

As you don't get on with antibiotics try Spironolactone and if that doesn't work then Roaccutane (isotretinoin) which tends to clear it for good for most people after a course of it.

[FlyingByTheSeatof]

btw Cerave SA cleanser is actually milder and more effective than the Cerave hydrating or foaming cleanser.
As for topical creams differin, duac, Epiduo, treclin, Benzoyl peroxide are all ones to try in addition to the oral medication.

[FlyingByTheSeatof]

Paulas choice 2% BHA skin perfecting lotion is a very good exfoliator to use after cleansing in the evening and before putting on any topical acne creams. It takes off all the dead skin helping to prevent skin getting blocked up and allowing new fresh skin to advance quicker. You can use it daily but try a couple of times a week to start off with to prevent sensitivity. You can buy it directly from their website and they have 15 -20% off at the moment. It's an excellent product and works slightly differently to AHA glycolic acid by really getting into those pores and clearing out any oil / sebum etc.

[FlyingByTheSeatof]

Me again.

Stop using sudocream it is just blocking your pores creating a cascade of continual spots.
It might help with redness or stopping you from having to look at your spots in the mirror but it's making it all worse.

Step away from the sudocream.

[Separatedandabitsad]

@dontgobaconmyheart

Thanks so much.

That username should get an award! Yeah I felt reassured after my ultrasound as I was told a functional cyst was normal but my long history of heavy periods which are now irregular coupled with the acne of the last 7/8 years makes me think I could have PCOS ...

I do a good double cleanse at night . I use Cerave foaming cleanser followed by Neutrogena grapefruit .. I do think diet is a factor for me. My skin has calmed since cutting back on the vast quantities of sweet treats I was comfort eating!

[Separatedandabitsad]

@AnnaMagnani

Thank you very much. Even though I have acne, I have never had oily skin. My skin is dry or maybe combination (as I have blackheads on my nose for as long as I can remember). I have spots on my cheeks but no oily skin there ... I’ll switch to the salicylic wipes though and hopefully they’ll help. It’s tricky as wrinkles are a concern too and I don’t want to dry out my already dryish skin!

Would the GP prescribe Tretinoin? How long did you take it for?

I have a stash of spot treatments (about 6) & none of them have worked so I went back to good old fashioned sudocrem! I’ll get one that specifically has salicylic acid if none of them already do - I’ll check the ingredients.

[Separatedandabitsad]

@FlyingByTheSeatof

Thank you. I won’t ever take roaccutane for mental health reasons. I don’t know much about spiro, thanks - I’ll look into it. I’m amazed the GP only went for antibiotics and never mentioned Tretinoin or spiro...

[Separatedandabitsad]

@FlyingByTheSeatof

Thanks. I’ll definitely check out the Paula’s choice exfoliator.

[AnnaMagnani]

Salicylic acid will eliminate the blackheads on your nose while glycolic does nothing for them.

Also all the things that are good for acne are good for ageing. It's a win win!

[Separatedandabitsad]

@FlyingByTheSeatof

Ha ha! I know you’re right. I think I use it so I don’t have to see the spots and deep down I knew it wasn’t doing much. Zinc is meant to help though but maybe better orally.

I’m going to get an oral zinc supplement & I’m going to go back on starflower oil as my skin was clearer while I took it.

[Separatedandabitsad]

@AnnaMagnani

Thank you! Is salicylic acid good for aging?

[DannyGlickWindowTapping]

I went to a private clinic and had blue light therapy. It worked brilliantly for me, but I had breakouts all over my face, not just "typical" hormonal places. It's basically a laser which penetrates deep into the lower layers of skin and kills bacteria (I know it's a lot more complicated than that, but it's how I got my head around it!). This was a long time ago (nearly 20 years), so possibly available more widely these days. It's sometimes promoted as an anti-aging treatment, as a side effect is production of collagen.

[AnnaMagnani]

Yes, it's just another acid like glycolic but you pick salicylic if you have acne/blackheads on your nose.

Things that are good for acne and ageing: niacinamide (in Cerave PM), salicylic acid, retinol - esp if you have the prescription strength tretinoin or adapalene or similar treatments such as azelaic acid. Some of these are now available without a prescription (in other countries) or from online clinics eg Boots. Either way it's a whole lot cheaper than spending £££ at the beauty counter.

Obvs don't forget the SPF but essentially by treating your acne, you are also addressing your concerns about aging skin

[jeez2020]

Spironolactone is the only thing that works with hormonal acne. My gp wouldn't prescribe it as it's off license so referred me to a dermatologist who could. Google it!
I've tried everything including roaccutane and it always comes back.
It has nothing to do with your diet

[teta]

My dermatologist wouldn't prescribe Spirinolactone . She said it wasn't commonly used or rated in the UK. It's often used in America though.
Gps are often pretty clueless or disinterested when it comes to Acne. They also can't prescribe Roaccutane . So you need a specialist for that though my Gps are happy to do the regular blood tests required.

[QueenGoblin]

Definitely try fine tuning your skin care routine.

AM
Cleanse although I've recently been seeing that this might not be necessary.
Serum
Moisturise
SPF

PM
Oil Cleanse
Cleanse
Serums
Moisturise/oil

Double cleansing in the evening is especially important when using SPF and wearing make up. It makes sure your face is properly clean.

Serums - try a niacinamide one, and a retinol. Check if you can use together or need to alternate.

You already use a glycolic acid which is a great chemical exfoliant, just make sure you aren't using it too often.

SPF is a must when using some of these products as they make your skin more sensitive.

Rosehip oil is a good one to try. It's important to make sure your skin is hydrated and moisturised.

[Funkypolar]

The only thing to keep mine under control long term is benzoyl peroxide. Took 8 weeks to work and got worse before it cleared up. You need to start using it VERY gradually with lots of moisturiser. You can also start with leaving on for a few minutes and then washing it off.

[jeez2020]

@teta oh dear, I would push because I'm afraid your dermatologist is wrong... it does work! Admittedly you have to take it all the time but it's safe enough. There loads of info about it online.
Only if it's hormonal acne though, it regulates testosterone and it's that that creates excess sebum. It's also stopped my hair getting greasy every day.
If I couldn't get it anymore I would definitely pay for a private prescription, it's literally changed my life!

[teta]

@jeez I was interested in it for my dd1 who has hormonal acne. In the end she had Roaccutane which worked well. But she had a recent slight flare up when on hormonal contraception recently. So had to come off it. I'm sure it does work well as I've read plenty of information on it.

[jeez2020]

@teta
Oh I see! Maybe because it's a continuous commitment they didn't want to give it to her if she's still young.
I'm in my forties and already had roaccutane in my 30's
Glad things have improved for her

[DerekMorganswife]

Are you 100% sure it's acne? I've got very angry spots on my cheeks and large deep spots on my jaw line. I was given treatment for acne by the GP but was referred to the dermatologist. The dermatologist said to stop using the acne treatment because I actually have rosacea. After various antibiotics and rosacea creams I've now found that Soolantra and Sulphur soap is really making a difference.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I’d say see the dr as if topical antibiotics don’t work systemic antibiotics might knock it on the head.

I never moisturise now I’ve stopped roaccutane, last thing my skin needed was more moisture.

My gp wouldn’t prescribe spirolactone either as it's off licence. The makers are missing a trick here.

[Separatedandabitsad]

@DannyGlickWindowTapping

Thank you very much. I’ll definitely check out blue light therapy. I’d love to find something to knock it on its head. That’s great it worked for you and great that anti-aging is a by-product.