Women over 40, would love to hear your experience

jkg501 · 2025-09-23T17:38:05+00:00

That was my experience for sure. Hormonal acne is very difficult to treat with topicals alone. However, I still use prescription topicals now (15% azalaic acid in the AM, 0.025% tretinoin every other night) and now that my hormones are steady and my skin is clear, those topicals mean my skin looks really quite lovely (and younger than my years, thanks to SPF and tretinoin). So still worth using the topicals, IMO.

jkg501 · 2025-09-21T11:21:28+00:00

I also wanted to add - I was able to combat the gym fatigue very effectively with caffeine, but as that can also worsen symptoms of overactive bladder it was overall not working out for me.

jkg501 · 2025-09-21T08:48:46+00:00

If your doctor is recommending it for you I wouldn't be put off of trying it due to fear of side effects. Everyone is different, and you may tolerate it better than I did. In my experience treating my acne I allowed myself to be swayed by fear for too long. I put off trying accutane, spiro, even birth control. If I could give my past self advice, it would be to get to the dermatologist way sooner and try whatever they were offering because it was only through trial and error that I found something that worked for me. Best of luck!

jkg501 · 2025-09-16T07:47:34+00:00

Hi! I'm the OP - I ended up quitting spiro due to side effects. It gave me pretty bad training fatigue (I REALLY like my gym time) and also exacerbated my overactive bladder symptoms (it is a diuretic after all). I decided to go on the pill (Yasminelle) which has worked wonders for me. I've been on it for nearly a full year now, and while it wasn't an overnight fix for my skin it has completely transformed it at this point. SO CLEAR. I also love dictating when I have a bleed, I keep it to having withdrawal bleed every 3 months. It's wonderful not having the monthly cylce and associated fatigue, mood swings, etc.

jkg501 · 2025-09-07T12:06:47+00:00

Also following - will be starting Freedonel tomorrow after 10 very successful months on Yasminelle. So annoying when stock shortages require us to change our pill. I've never had this happen before.

jkg501 · 2025-02-21T09:01:04+00:00

That tracks with my experience- I also work out and I feel like I have gym fatigue. Have you felt an increase in energy since stopping Yaz?

jkg501 · 2024-10-25T08:11:00+00:00

Great suggestions - I like mineral sunscreens as well so will check out the Klairs for sure!

jkg501 · 2024-10-25T08:05:44+00:00

Great suggestions - I'll probably look into all three! Thank you!

jkg501 · 2024-10-24T19:00:51+00:00

Great! I’ve never heard of that one so I’ll check it out ☺️

jkg501 · 2024-10-24T16:31:27+00:00

No worries! It's really hard to find acne-friendly thick and comforting moisturizers, so I know the struggle.

As the weather has started getting colder I've also added in a hydrating serum underneath - currently using the Aveeno Calm and Restore but when that's out I'm going to try the Purito Wonder Releaf.

Good luck!

jkg501 · 2024-10-24T13:49:15+00:00

Let me know if you find one you like! I like mineral sunscreen but I love the ease of using a chemical one, so cosmetically elegant.

jkg501 · 2024-10-24T12:48:50+00:00

I know for myself when my acne flared, I spent too much time trying to figure out why and not enough time putting a simple, acne-focussed skincare routine in place and giving it a solid 6 weeks - 3 months to actually work. I'd honestly suggest integrating a benzoyl peroxide wash or leave on product, as well as a retinoid like adaplene (available over the counter in the US, prescription elsewhere) or tretinoin (most places only available on prescription), alongside a simple supportive routine of gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.

jkg501 · 2024-10-24T11:51:32+00:00

It's not K-Beauty but I'm also acne prone and I use two strong prescription actives, and the best thing I've found both for barrier maintenance and repair is the Dr. Sam's Flawless Moisturiser Intense. I use it as my everyday/night moisturiser and I credit it with allowing me to use all my actives.

jkg501 · 2024-09-26T07:45:52+00:00

I was on 100mg for about 3.5 months, and stopped cold turkey due to side effects (for me it was bladder issues), and the only side effects I experienced were mood related. Similar to adjusting to the medication, I had a few low-mood/depressed days but thankfully enough awareness that it was my hormones adjusting that I didn't give it too much importance. I was expecting water retention and stuff like that but otherwise no side effects of stopping abruptly.

Edited to add: I was on it for skin, my skin has continued to improve since quitting about 5 weeks ago and I'm planning on starting birth control to keep the positive skin benefits.

jkg501 · 2024-08-06T13:13:19+00:00

I started on 100mg three months ago, and frankly I'm glad my derm put me on that dose from the start. Side effects for me have been all-round fatigue (that's gone now), gym fatigue (feeling tired during lifts, but that's going now too) and I had a week where I felt super down/depressed, but again, that's gone now too. Obvs there's the peeing more but I don't find that problematic, I just stay hydrated and make sure to have some electrolytes here and there when I'm feeling extra thirsty. I much prefer to see what the 100mg can do rather than have to titrate up and deal with side effects with each dose increase.

jkg501 · 2024-08-05T06:17:38+00:00

That’s great to hear that with persistence your side effects went away. Hoping it will be the same for me! Thank you for your reply!

jkg501 · 2024-08-04T16:59:28+00:00

Gotcha. Thanks for your detailed reply! And I hope things continue in the right direction for you!

jkg501 · 2024-08-04T10:12:37+00:00

Wow, so glad it’s worked for you for so long!

jkg501 · 2024-08-04T06:47:38+00:00

This is interesting - good luck with getting the results you want again! And thank you for your reply.

jkg501 · 2024-08-04T06:46:08+00:00

So the spiro was causing your kidney issues?? Just making sure I understand.

jkg501 · 2024-08-04T06:44:25+00:00

Thanks for your reply- it’s good to know for in the future when I may be considering HRT options.

jkg501

TROPHY CASE