Adult acne effecting self-esteem

[TeaAndTalesMama]

Hi all,

Hoping for some advice or shared experiences. I’m in my 30s and dealing with pretty stubborn adult acne, including quite a few pustules. Due to start a new job on Monday and feel so embarrassed and down about the state of my skin! It's really effecting my confidence.

I’m currently on my second 3-month course of Lymecycline, and at the same time I’ve just started using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3-step routine (cleanser, toner, Duo+).

I’m trying to stick with it, but I’m feeling a bit disheartened. Has anyone had success with this combination? How long did it take to see any improvement? Also open to any tips on what helped you—skincare routines, things to avoid, or anything you think made a difference.

Thank you!

Is it generally on your chin? If so that would indicate hormonal acne. I suffered for years, big sore, constant cystic spots and under the skin bumps. Absolutely nothing topical worked, in fact it just irritates the rest of the skin. I had roaccutane and it worked for a while but came back.
My miracle cure is a daily low dose of spironolactone. Been in it for around 5/6 years now and my skin cleared within a week of starting. I had to be referred to a dermatologist for it to be initially prescribed as it's off license but that may have changed now.

I’ve suffered with cystic acne for 25 years. Started in my early thirties and I’m now fifty five.

Lymecycline does work but you need to give it time. As in about 6 months.

I also use Clarol Sebopure cream on my chin which reduces the amount of sebum and stops my pores becoming blocked, together with Clarol Siver Serum which has microbial silver and kills bacteria.

This trio works for me and I’m now acne free. I can often go months without a spot when not on Lymecycline but then they start to creep back and I have to take the tablets again for a few months.

My acne was really bad - I had terrible painful cysts on my chin which never came to heads, but looked awful even under makeup.

Feel for you - I had it quite badly between about age 20 until this year, and it was either physically painful or embarrassing. The only thing that shifted it for me permanently was isotretinoin (Accutane) - had it for 7 months and it's like having an entirely new face. But I do know it's not suitable for everyone - what worked temporarily to keep it under control for me was spearmint tea, which apparently does something with androgens and helps with hormonal acne. Drinking a cup of it every day calmed my skin down a fair amount, so I would give that a try!

Spironolactone is the only thing that's worked for me. Works quickly too. It's an anti-androgen. I found all the antibiotics really messed my tummy up and all the expensive creams just made my skin sore. The GP prescribed it when I asked. Worth a try.

Lymecycline and La Roche-posay worked for me, but also I find a red light mask really effective for when you feel them starting to heat up under the skin before the come through.

Thank you everyone for your advice. I will book a GP app next week and see mention the different medication.

I've also ordered some spearmint tea and I will try to use my red light mask more often.

I had adult acne in my late 20s and it really affected my self esteem and mental health so I totally understand.

In the end I went on Roaccutane and wish I'd done it sooner. The effect was great and it sorted it permanently. You're at risk of scarring, so it's best to treat early, so if your medications aren't working you should definitely go back to the GP. I did have some scarring and erythema for a while which is why I wished I'd not put it off so long.

Another vote for roaccutane. It works really fast, and although people talk about the potential mental health issues with it I was so happy seeing my skin start to clear within a week that nothing could have got me down.

Skin & me has helped me a lot after decades of acne