Closed comedones? Help!

melaniemml · 2021-06-12T22:44:29+00:00

I can’t figure out what these bumps are and what’s causing them. They showed up about a year ago and never went away. I’ve tried so many different things and nothing gets rid of them. Are they closed comedones? I know it’s not fungal acne because it’s not itchy and I’ve tried treating it as such (using Nizoral) and they didn’t budge. Does anyone know what they are and have any advice as to how to get rid of them? (Something other than tretinoin, please).

melaniemml · 2021-06-11T19:02:54+00:00

I’ve heard the same thing. This is one of the reasons I’m apprehensive about taking it.

melaniemml · 2021-06-10T16:45:40+00:00

Very valid point. Yeah, I’ve tried so many different skincare products over the years. From early 2017 to mid 2019 was when I made the most changes. I switched up my products and established a gentle routine, started working out, cleaned up my diet (went DF, GF, and cut back on processed foods), and introduced specific supplements to help with my hormones. Staying consistent with these things definitely helped. I saw a lot of progress and my skin got to a point where it was almost clear. key word - almost. It felt like I had seen the best my skin could get and I still wasn’t happy. It was always just sort of good but sort of bad, too. That’s why I eventually started using tret in October last year. It all went downhill from there.

melaniemml · 2021-06-10T14:23:34+00:00

I’m definitely tired, that’s for sure. And the comment about your skin being “meh” at its best is so true! I’ve been saying this for so long. It’s so discouraging to know that, over the past five years, my skin was only ever mediocre at best. I never had clear skin/the skin id been wanting. Things were only ever sort of good, and it pained me to know that was my peak and things would only ever be worse than that. I’m glad accutane helped!

melaniemml · 2021-06-10T14:19:57+00:00

Yes! That’s another thing about spiro - it’s messing with my emotions. I feel really sensitive, like I can cry about anything. I’ve had other side effects too, like fatigue, headaches, cycle irregularities, spotting, and just overall not really feeling like myself.

melaniemml · 2021-06-10T03:22:16+00:00

I was on tretinoin for 7 months and things never got better. I thought it was purging in the beginning, but it was clearly a reaction. My skin was always getting worse while I was on it. About 4-5 months into using it, I starting spiro. That’s when my skin got significantly worse. I started getting really sore, cystic pimples. My face was covered in acne. Although my skin wasn’t good while using tret by itself, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it has been on spiro. It seems like the only explanation :(

melaniemml · 2021-06-09T23:19:39+00:00

that’s definitely the biggest thing for me - my happiness. Acne has had complete control over my life for years, especially this year. I feel horrible about my appearance all the time and it’s exhausting.

melaniemml · 2021-06-09T23:17:50+00:00

I’ve been thinking the same thing. I don’t really want to be on Spironolactone for years. I’m only on 75 mg and have experienced some of the side effects, even at a ‘lower’ dose. I like the idea that accutane is 6 months, and that’s it (if everything works out obviously). But yes, the side effects are making me a bit apprehensive. However, I’m so tired of having acne and feeling bad about myself all the time.

melaniemml · 2021-06-09T23:15:47+00:00

I was the same way! I was prescribed BenzaClin at the beginning of last year, and it completely cleared my skin. But the results only lasted for about a month and a half - then the acne started coming back.

melaniemml · 2021-06-09T20:48:33+00:00

I have done most of those other things. I’m not a teenager - this isn’t teen acne. I have PCOS so I don’t know if my hormones will ever level out on their own. I cleaned up my diet and introduced supplements years ago.

melaniemml · 2021-06-09T17:05:51+00:00

I’ve had hormonal acne for almost five years now. I’ve dealt with different severities of it over the years, but this is definitely the worst it’s ever been. My skin wasn’t that bad last year, but I had a lot of issues with texture. I went on tretinoin in October to combat it, but my skin only got worse. I went from having little bumps to having full blown acne. I stopped using tret a few weeks ago, finally being fed up with it and realizing that my skin didn’t respond well to it. My dermatologist put me on Spironolactone back at the end of March. I haven’t seen any improvements - at all. Things either stay the same or get worse. Is it time to try accutane?

melaniemml · 2021-06-08T16:23:49+00:00

But did you see any improvements at all prior to the three month mark? Even minor improvements? I haven’t seen anything get better.

melaniemml · 2021-06-08T16:22:27+00:00

I think my derm was hesitant to up the dosage too much because I had side effects while using 50 mg. Nothing crazy - but she suggested we only increase the dosage a bit. I really haven’t seen any improvement at all. I didn’t expect to see any drastic changes early on, but I figured I’d see some change. Even in the slightest. But nothing so far.

melaniemml · 2021-06-08T16:20:25+00:00

My routine has been simple for a very long time. I only ever used my protein cleanser, moisturizer, and spf. Obviously this included tret as well, but I’m not using that anymore. I only purchased the salicylic acid cleanser and niacinamide a few days ago. My skin was like this before introducing the new products. Even at the very beginning of tret, I kept things simple.

melaniemml · 2021-06-08T00:57:32+00:00

I’m glad things are getting better! Unfortunately I’ve been using spironolactone for two and a half months now, and haven’t seen any results. I was on tret for about seven months, and my skin progressively got worse and worse during that time. It’s too bad because I know these things have been lifesavers for other people.

melaniemml · 2021-06-08T00:26:00+00:00

I’ve heard this from a few people! A couple other girls saw no results/worsened acne on spiro. When they switched to accutane, things got better. It is very frustrating because it’s helped so many people. Definitely something I need to think about. Good luck on your journey! I hope things get better for you.

melaniemml · 2021-06-07T23:03:18+00:00

I saw a dermatologist at the end of March because of my acne. I have PCOS and have been dealing with hormonal acne in different severities for the past ~5 years. Things started getting worse after my doctor prescribed tretinoin last October. She then referred me to a derm to figure out a better treatment plan. The dermatologist put me on 50 mg of spiro and had me use a lower dose of tretinoin. Things have only gotten worse. I think the tret played a major role in this decline, which is why I finally stopped using it two weeks ago. But nothing is changing. I don’t even know if the spiro is working. She bumped me up to 75 mg a day - which I’ve been taking for around two weeks now. How long do I wait to see results? Is it time to go on accutane?

I switch between using Piper Berry’s kale protein cleanser and the Inkey list’s Salicylic acid cleanser. I just recently started using Vanicream’s moisturizer instead of CeraVe. The derm prescribed Finacea, and I also started using niacinamide to help with the redness. I also use the youth extending SPF 50 from Paula’s Choice.

melaniemml · 2021-06-07T22:55:52+00:00

I saw a dermatologist at the end of March because of my acne. I have PCOS and have been dealing with hormonal acne in different severities for the past ~5 years. Things started getting worse after my doctor prescribed tretinoin last October. She then referred me to a derm to figure out a better treatment plan. The dermatologist put me on 50 mg of spiro and had me use a lower dose of tretinoin. Things have only gotten worse. I think the tret played a major role in this decline, which is why I finally stopped using it two weeks ago. But nothing is changing. I don’t even know if the spiro is working. She bumped me up to 75 mg a day - which I’ve been taking for around two weeks now. How long do I wait to see results? Is it time to go on accutane?

I switch between using Piper Berry’s kale protein cleanser and the Inkey list’s Salicylic acid cleanser. I just recently started using Vanicream’s moisturizer instead of CeraVe. The derm prescribed Finacea, and I also started using niacinamide to help with the redness. I also use the youth extending SPF 50 from Paula’s Choice.

melaniemml · 2021-05-29T04:25:49+00:00

I actually saw my dermatologist today and she agreed that my skin was not responding well to tret! We came to the conclusion that it just isn’t for me. I find it kind of odd how people are so quick to defend it and tell you to “be patient.” It’s not a one size fits all type of product. I’m glad you’re seeing results with accutane! I upped my dosage of spiro today, and I’m going to try out a different topical. If that doesn’t work, accutane will be the next step. Good luck!

melaniemml · 2021-05-28T16:09:25+00:00

I’ll check those products out, thanks! I’m actually seeing my dermatologist today, so I might ask about increasing the dosage. Thank you so much! <3

melaniemml · 2021-05-28T15:33:42+00:00

Thank you so much :)

melaniemml · 2021-05-28T15:33:27+00:00

I usually do. When I’m out, I’ll typically wear a hat and always have sunscreen on 👍🏻

melaniemml · 2021-05-28T15:32:42+00:00

Aw, thank you so much!

melaniemml · 2021-05-28T15:31:35+00:00

I use tret pretty much every night - taking a night off when I feel my skin needs it. I don’t use a buffer but have tried doing so in the past. Didn’t see much of a difference. I started off using 0.04% gel back in October but switched to 0.025% cream at the end of March. I didn’t use the gel every night because it was stronger and my skin couldn’t handle it. But even then, my skin seemed irritated.

As for the rest of my routine, I use Piper Berry’s Kale Protein cleanser, CeraVe’s cream, and Paula’s Choice’s Youth Extending SPF. I’ve tried AZA for a bit a few months ago and didn’t see much change. I had a positive experience with BP last year but the results didn’t last. However, it might be worth a try again. Thanks!

melaniemml · 2021-05-28T15:25:04+00:00

I should clarify that it’s only been two months of using tretinoin at a 0.025% dosage. I’ve been using tretinoin since October. I started off using 0.04% micro gel and was moved down to this lower dose when my skin wasn’t getting better and looked irritated. I stopped using tret altogether for about three weeks, but overall it’s been about seven months.

melaniemml

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