Hormonal cystic acne in my 40's

[ruthlangmore]

I had cystic acne as a teen and the only thing that helped was the pill. My skin again went crazy in pregnancy but calmed down post pregnancy then I went straight back on the pill.

At the start of lockdown I decided to come off the pill as I'd been on it since I was a teen. I'm getting deep cystic spots on my chin regularly, they take weeks to heal and then I get another one. I'm using Trentinoin from Skin and Me but can't see how a topical treatment will help as the cystic spots are so deep.

Is the only answer to go back on the pill? I'm really not keen to but will if this the only option.

I've had similar issues, am a similar age and also came off the pill around 40. I do think topical treatments are not always as effective as hormone based ones and I've subsequently gone on HRT (which I consider to be safer than the pill in women over 40) and that includes oestrogen so I think that is definitely something that's helping my skin.

Topical wise I am with Dermatica as their tret is higher strength and they also give me clindamycin, an antibiotic (and niacinamide to control oil).

All in all my skin is now clearer than it's been my whole life. Still very oily though.

I had that, antibiotics failed because I left it too long trying out skincare and clean eating 🙄 so I had roaccutane which is a wonder drug.

All acne’s hormonal isn’t it? Starts at puberty, kicks off again at peri menopause.

High dose B vitamins really seem to make a big difference with this.

www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/solgar-vitamin-b-complex-100-extra-high-potency-vegi-capsules-60001396?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=nonbrand&gclid=CjwKCAiAtdGNBhAmEiwAWxGcUtvYXtrFiDG_oXr0RkSyiWLlH_aBLJfgZK3XgeYBbogZMYKq08YtcBoClfMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

(I think B vitamins are so under-rated for hormonal issues; found B6 really helpful for PMT too)

While you are waiting a few weeks for B vitamins to do their stuff, suggest freederm treatment gel (use it as your make up primer) and acnecide (benzoyl peroxide) at bedtime. The acnecide will really dry up the oil production and shrink down oil filled pores. The freederm gel treats acne, but also improves the redness and speeds healing.

I have the same issue. It went crazy during the first lockdown (don't sure why, maybe less fresh air etc?). I used anecide. Sorted it out. I still get flare ups and just use anecide from time to time as the need arises.

The pharmacist who sold it to me looked like I was crazy as it's usually used by teenagers!