Persistant Acne, tried Accutane, product suggestions?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Tue Sep 11, 2007 8:35 am

Accutane for the 5th time in 10yrs. anyone else out there in my shoes? If so, what methods are you using to keep acne under control?

I have used MD Forte, Obagi, Jan Marini, PCA, Murad, and of course oral antibiotics and topical prescriptions with little success. Anyone have any suggestions for me? I am a 35 yr. old white female with fair skin.:roll:

free skin care · Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:09 am

ladykip wrote:

Accutane for the 5th time in 10yrs. anyone else out there in my shoes? If so, what methods are you using to keep acne under control?

I have used MD Forte, Obagi, Jan Marini, PCA, Murad, and of course oral antibiotics and topical prescriptions with little success. Anyone have any suggestions for me? I am a 35 yr. old white female with fair skin. Rolling Eyes

It sounds like you are using a lot of products. My daughter uses Nano Cyclic with much success. Another thought: have you ever had professional peels?
http://www.nanocyclic.com/MClient.php?D1=S

free skin care · Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:09 am

Sorry to hear you are struggling with acne issues. I personally cannot attest to this product but thought you might want to checkoutwww.nanocyclic.com If you go to the products review forum and do a search of nano cyclic, you will find a post started by Hollywood that gives this product Top Raves. Maybe it would help you out.

free skin care · Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:39 am

winnie wrote:

It sounds like you are using a lot of products. My daughter uses Nano Cyclic with much success. Another thought: have you ever had professional peels?
http://www.nanocyclic.com/MClient.php?D1=S

fairlady wrote:

Sorry to hear you are struggling with acne issues. I personally cannot attest to this product but thought you might want to checkoutwww.nanocyclic.com If you go to the products review forum and do a search of nano cyclic, you will find a post started by Hollywood that gives this product Top Raves. Maybe it would help you out.

Thanks everyone for you recommendations, I also struggling with acne for almost 5 yrs already. I really wanna try this Nano soap. I checked the website and enquiry for international shipping. I'll be here again after using the product ok? Very Happy

free skin care · Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:28 pm

I'm 22 and have been on 3 courses of Accutane (after every other oral and topical med out there)

Earlier this year I had some MAJOR stresses (residual depression I think sadly) but the addition of thayer's rose water/witch hazel toner and the use of a pearl cream have helped to settle my skin down.

I still break out, and am still battling the scars/brown spots, but preventing as many new pimples as possible is key!

I've also been using the Juice Beauty green apple peel (if possible, get a sample from sephora as some people haven't had much success with it). I've been holding off on trying a pumpkin peel as well until I get back from my trip. The exfolation has helped considerably in making my skin look less dull. While I've always been super keen on keeping it clean, I'd neer done much beyond using a washcloth!

free skin care · Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:48 am

My friend is using the Obagi new line for acne. There is improvement but the skin is dried up.

Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:06 am

[quote="chorally"]My friend is using the Obagi new line for acne. There is improvement but the skin is dried up.[/quote]

That was one of my latest attempts, Obaji Clenziderm MD. I will agree, it was very drying, too drying for my skin. (It dried up everything but my acne.) I am 35 and have somewhat sensitive skin, after 2 weeks of using Obaji, the lady who does my facials and peels said it was damaging my skin. I feel this line is directed for teens with oily, acne-prone skin. I have however, as suggested above from another member, ordered the nanocyclic silver soap and will see if I have any success. I will post back in a few weeks.

free skin care · Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:48 am

Ladykip, I totally feel your pain about the acne that never seems to go away--- it just totally takes over your life, doesn't it? Right now I'm enjoying great success with aldactone which is an androgen blocker--- even if oral antibiotics didn't work for you, this stuff might, so you might want to ask your doctor about it. I've tried several of the acne lines you mentioned without much luck as well, however, I HAVE had success with Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel (I use this about once a week, letting it stay on my skin for about 30 minutes or so. If I have any "live" acne when I use it, the next morning my breakouts are greatly diminished), Dr. Mist (it's kind-of a natural anti-bacterial spray that you use after washing your face--- great for oiliness and breakouts too), and EpidermxII, so you might give those a shot in addition to whatever prescriptions you try. Good luck, and keep us updated!

Sun Sep 16, 2007 12:22 pm

I've been having persistent mild-moderate acne for at least 8 years now I've tried almost every over the counter product and lots of medication. I have never done accutane since doctors/derms didn't approve that my case needed that I was then turned to meds that didn't work at all. I've wasted a lot of MONEY$$ on dead end products.

After my discovery just last week I've been using this handheld light called TANDA which can be found in the skincare tools forum. After 3 days of use I'm seeing some results and i'm in the WOW Zone.I'm gonna keep up with it and see how it goes. Using this light is the best investment i've made. Also this product is only Available in Canada but EDS just started selling them so see if they ship to you!!

free skin care · Sun Sep 16, 2007 4:32 pm

mina1 wrote:

After my discovery just last week I've been using this handheld light called TANDA which can be found in the skincare tools forum. After 3 days of use I'm seeing some results and i'm in the WOW Zone.

I just started with the Tanda as well and I'm hooked. I had a Lightstim with the red light and my skin looked better but I was still not getting rid of all the adult acne on the chin and sides of the face. After using the Tanda Clear treatment head (blue light)over 4 days I've noticed a big improvement with my acne.

free skin care · Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:43 pm

ladykip wrote:

Accutane for the 5th time in 10yrs. anyone else out there in my shoes? If so, what methods are you using to keep acne under control?

I have used MD Forte, Obagi, Jan Marini, PCA, Murad, and of course oral antibiotics and topical prescriptions with little success. Anyone have any suggestions for me? I am a 35 yr. old white female with fair skin. Rolling Eyes

I was on Accutane twice, I didn't have severe acne just mild, but persistant and my skin scars very easily Sad

Anyhoo, it worked very well the first time for about 6 years and then I started getting stubborn zits again and tried Accutane once more but didn't continue it because I was having side effects. I read about Spironolactone on the acne.org product reviews and have been taking it for about 6 months now. My skin was clear within 2 weeks of starting this medication. It really amazed me.

Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:01 am

Thanks for the suggestion for the Spironolactone. I'm happy that this medication is working well for you. I have heard many success stories about it. Unfortunately that too can be crossed off my list. My physician this past year had me on 200mg. a day. I do believe it helped a little with my oily skin, although the acne prevailed.

free skin care · Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:39 am

I just recently saw a UC Davis med school dermatology presentation on a woman who was in her 50's and had acne her whole life. the only thing that finally worked for her was aggressive microdermabrasion in the doctor's office. expensive though. hope something works for you.

free skin care · Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:49 pm

ladykip wrote:

Thanks for the suggestion for the Spironolactone. I'm happy that this medication is working well for you. I have heard many success stories about it. Unfortunately that too can be crossed off my list. My physician this past year had me on 200mg. a day. I do believe it helped a little with my oily skin, although the acne prevailed.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Good luck with your skin. I know how frustrating it is.

free skin care · Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:39 pm

ladykip, I'm wondering if your problem isn't with hydration.

What kind of acne problem do you have: redmarks, cystic, closer to the surface, painful, non-painful, hormonal/pre-menstrual?

You might look into ISClinical Active Serum, hyaluronic acid topicals or supplements, or other acne-related supplements containing zinc or other vital skin nutrients, a micro-exfoliation product like EpidermxII, and pearl-powder-based products.

Was the Jan Marini you tried the BioGlycolic BioClear Lotion or cream or something else?

free skin care · Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:24 pm

I also have problems with acne. My doctor put me on clindamycin topical every morning combined with clinda/Differin every night. I also use an anti-bacterial wash like Hibiclens, Tattoo goo or Aloe-Guard. That was fairly effective and then for some reason it stopped working.

Then he put me on Tazorac which I apply every night and Benzoyl peroxide which I apply every morning. This is combined with an oral antibiotic (doxycycline). I changed my face wash to salicylic acid (2%) which is the Olay Daily Facials Clarity Foaming Cleanse. This seems to be working so far.

Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:41 am

I have been dealing with some cystic acne along the jawline and neck which is worse premenstrual. The rest of my face deals with whiteheads and blackheads, some little plugs, (milla I believe they are called.) The Jan Marini Line I used was the Glycolic wash, DHEA Oil Control, Factor A, Bioclear Cream(PM), Bioclear Lotion(AM), followed with benzoyl peroxide 5%, and transformation lotion to help with hydration. (It was a 10 min prep for my face in the AM and PM but well worth it to me if it worked.) It was helpful the first 2 months. I did see some changes but not enough to say, "Yes, this is the product for my skin." I do highly recommend Jan Marini's line for acne and anti-aging, a bit pricey but good product. About 8 months ago I tried the IS Clinical line. (Talk about pricey! LOL.) This unfortunately did nothing for me. The lady who performed my facials at SonaMed Spa recommended this line also, but sadly, was not helpful for me.

I am curious about the lines you are mentioning. A micro-exfoliation product like EpidermxII, and pearl-powder-based products, I am not familiar with. I live in the United States and will do a search for the EpidermxII. When you mention a pearl-powder-based product are you referring to use for skincare or makeup? I do try to keep my facial makeup to a minimum. I use Philosophy's Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas Powder. It is a great concealer, and powder type makeup in one. Takes some practice at applying it correctly, but does a beautiful job at hiding a lot of my blemishes without causing more.

Thanks for your input and help!

free skin care · Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:06 am

The only thing that finally cleared my acne was Burt's Bees Orange Essence Cleanser. Changed my skin in weeks.

free skin care · Fri Sep 21, 2007 4:19 am

dksnf68 wrote:

I read about Spironolactone on the acne.org product reviews and have been taking it for about 6 months now. My skin was clear within 2 weeks of starting this medication. It really amazed me.

Hi there

I've been battling with acne for a year+ and havent found anything that controls my acne. Im on Differin at the moment but it doesnt seem to be working at all, except probably made my skin a little bit smoother but sometimes everyday, a pimple or two pops up and leaves nasty red marks on my skin that takes a long time to go away.
I too have briefly read about Spiro but are there are side effects from taking it and is it only available through a dermatologist?

Thanks
yy

Fri Sep 21, 2007 2:12 pm

Just wanted to advise you on the Spiro. I know there are many side effects listed on the Spiro which sound very unappealing. I can only speak for myself and a few other women that I know that have taken it, but we experienced little to no side effects. You do have to watch your potassium intake while on this drug, so limit your bananas and such, but a small sacrifice to make if it works for your acne. In my case it did not help with the cystic acne but did seem to help somewhat with my oily skin. Other women I know have had great success with the drug and their cystic acne and don't ever want to be without the drug again. The only side effect I had with the drug was slight dry mouth and a loss of appetite. I wasn't sick on my stomach or anything, just not hungry. Lost weight while on this med which for me was not a desirable side effect. (5'10" and 125lbs.) So I did have to force myself to eat. I guess what I am saying is, don't let the side effects listed on a drug scare you into trying it. Ever read the possible side effects on something as simple as Motrin or Tylenol and what it can do to your liver? Drug companies have to (cover their a_ _) Think about it. It is your body and your decision.

free skin care · Fri Sep 21, 2007 3:56 pm

Thanks very much for the advise ladykip. Yes, drug companies always makes the side effects sound so scary! I was frightened of taking my antibiotics for my acne a few months ago, but after taking two packs of them, I experienced no problems at all.
Some days I really cant deal with the acne and dont step foot out of the house but other days I dont give a damn! On those horrible days, I feel like asking the doctor for Accutane! But whilst I do want acne free skin, I dont really like taking medicine. I'm gonna wait for a few more weeks so then I know for sure Differin 1% isnt helping before I go back to my GP to ask about Spiro. However, a few weeks ago I read that there's a 3% version of Differin so maybe I should try that first Confused

Thanks very much for the detailed reply!

Fri Sep 21, 2007 4:16 pm

Hi. Are you by any chance seeing a dermatologist? If not I recommend you see one. WIth a persistent acne problem self-medicating might not be the right thing for you plus using too many products might stress out your skin more. Go for a consultation at least. In the end it might save you more money from experimenting which products will work.

Sat Sep 22, 2007 1:53 am

yeahyeah, I had not heard about the Differin 3%. Definitely if the 1% has helped your acne somewhat, try the 3% before having to take the Spiro. Who knows maybe I'll even mention that to my MD. Anything is better than another round of Accutane. Good luck to you! I'm still waiting on the Tanda that I ordered. I'm praying for some positive results with it.

Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:01 am

Manslayerliz,
BTW, I did look into the EpidermixII and ordered. Received it yesterday. I do like the product it feels great on my skin. I have used it twice so far. Of course can't tell yet if it is helping my acne but it definitely is not irritating or making it worse. Plus I feel like I am finally "giving my skin a treat." Very Happy

The customer service with the company was very helpful. Thanks for the recommendation.

free skin care · Sat Sep 22, 2007 6:43 am

Hi ladykip

The differin 3% was only out recently (I think Confused

) as I happened to see a thread labelled that in the acne.org forum.

Good luck with the Tanda! Smile

Hi ACrystal,
Yes, I do understand that OTC products arent as strong as prescription-based products so I have seen my General Practitioner and probabaly if my acne is too much for me to handle, I will try to get a referal to see a dermatologist. However, I have read that derms here in the UK usually put acne sufferers on Differin, which I am using.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.