Does anyone else still get acne at 41? Feel so alone with it all.

[TillyMc]

I’m 41 and had acne since about 12. It only really got better on the pill. I’d say it’s only mild to moderate but makes me so self conscious.

I had my daughter nearly a year ago and it was bad during pregnancy, barely had any for 5 months after, but then it’s been back for the past few months. Not sure if it’ll settle down again as it wasn’t too bad in the couple of years before having her.

Everyone I see my age or younger has perfectly clear skin and I feel like I’m the only one (especially at my age). It’s made me wish for the menopause as maybe that’d put a stop to it!

Not really after treatment recommendations as I’d be unable to take certain things like Roaccutane. I do find Benzoyl Peroxide works quite well but is very drying.

Suppose I just want to hear from others going through similar to make me feel less alone with it.

I remember turning 30 (long ago) and being really annoyed at still getting acne AND now having fine lines at the same time!

I rarely get it now, I think partly because I've stopped wearing make-up. I know you didn't want suggestions, but the thing that really helps clear a flare up is antibiotic lotion, Dalacin T. When I get the odd spot I use Sudocream.

Yes! 41 next month. Hate it. Never been without it since the age of 17.

Never tried roaccutane due to mental health fears.

Am trying a new skincare routine now so will update here if it helps.

The worst bit now is that my skin is ageing and needs help with that but any products designed for older skin seem to make it so much worse.

"It’s made me wish for the menopause as maybe that’d put a stop to it!"

I had been hoping this but then found lots of threads saying it had got even worse at that point 😖

Can you say what the exact supplements you take are? I'd really like to try.

This gives me hope - thank you!!

I have PCOS and very resistant acne it seems. Age 12 to age 42 and counting. Here’s what I’ve tried and how much it helped:

Helped a lot but not quite cleared it:

Dianette pill
Epiduo (mix of benzoyl peroxide (duac) and adapalene) from GP

Helped somewhat but reached a plateau:

Spironolactone
Roaccutane
antibiotic/zinc lotion (Zineryt)

Did nothing (or at least, a lot less than the options above):

DIM
skin & me (tret & niacinamide)
going dairy free
Laser

Made worse:

Some supplement off amazon. Can’t remember its name but had rave reviews 🤔

I’m another one for whom the perimeno seems to be helping. hope it’s the same for you! 🤞

@YukoandHiro these are the ones I have https://www.bronsonvitamins.com/en-gb/products/dim-200mg-60-vegetarian-capsules. Been amazing for me. I had bad cystic acne. It’s supposed to help protect agains female cancers as well but obviously can only say what they’ve done for my skin.

Ooooh they’re cheap!

I'm 40 and suffer from it. I use antibiotic cream which helps.