Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 40

Thread: Acne

  1. #1
    Veteran Member Lovespell's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    248
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Acne

    I have horrible skin. Really horrible skin. It's always been bad. I started visiting a derm when I was 13. I was put on birth control pills, and tried every single pill (including Accutane) and topical cream possible. I tried so many I don't even remember what did and did not work. By the time I was 16, it was pretty much cleared up. In my driver's license picture, my skin was smooth and clear, almost porclain like! But the summer of 2004, I went away to basic training, went off of birth control and my skin went to hell. Sweat, stress, camo and no real skin care system in basic. It was SO bad when I came home. Went back on birth control, started religiously using Zap It, a skin care stystem from Melaluca. Got a little better but still bad. Doctor put me on some antibiotics, helped a little, but still bad. He gave me a 3 month prescription, I'm on the 2nd month.

    I don't have health insurance. How much roughly well it cost to visit a derm? What can I do to clear my skin up? I'm desperate. I can hide it at work with make up and the club lighting, but I want beautiful, clear skin. People spend thousands on boob jobs, nose jobs, lipo. I will spend thousands as long as my skin is cleared up.

    I think some of it is scarring. I also break out a little bit on my back. What do I need to do? Peels, laser, more pills and drugs?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Abbeynormal's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2004
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    191
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    It depends on the type of acne you have. If you have cystic acne, then you'll have to visit a dermatologist. If not, you can probably get away with creams and whatnot. Either way, my boyfriend had to cut an accutane treatment short because of health insurance, and now he's on Pantothenic Acid from GNC. It has completely cleared his face, almost better than the accutane ever did. Every skin-type is different, I know, but I would seriously consider trying this stuff (if you haven't already). We both take it and our skin has cleared up immensely. I can tell you this much: accutane without helath insurance was $500 per refill for him (60 pills of 40mg each). His dermatologist was probably around $80. Sorry to drop the high numbers on ya!
    "This above all: to thine own self be true."

  3. #3
    Veteran Member Lovespell's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    248
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: Acne

    I'm already on Ortho Tricylcin. Honestly, I will pay whatever it takes. I'm desperate. I'm really tired of having horrible skin.

  4. #4
    God/dess scarlett_vancouver's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    6,699
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 22 Times in 20 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    Do a google search for 'Spironolactone + Acne'. I recommend it highly, and it's pretty cheap.

    Feature costumes for sale!

  5. #5
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Jun 2003
    Posts
    998
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    It almost sounds like I wrote your post. My acne was exacerbated during AF basic training, and now I have scars on my face. I still have trouble with my skin, but I just started on the Murad system. I use the AHA wash, the exfoliating gel, the perfecting lotion, and the sulpha mask. I only use it at night and I do the sulpha mask every single night. I've noticed a huge reduction in oil...also oil free makeup (stay all day make up) keeps oil at bay. It will make your skin worse before it gets better, but I have definitely noticed an improvement. I've never had cystic acne, just hormonal. Also, I never noticed a birth control that helped. The ones designed to help only made mine worse. I use progesteron(e) only pills (the shot is the same thing) and it keeps me balanced emotionally and physically. They do have pretty crappy long-term side effects, but nothing exercise won't fix.

  6. #6
    Featured Member krys's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    994
    Thanks
    14
    Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    A herb called vitex/chaste berry is great for hormonal acne. You can take it in pill or tincture form

  7. #7
    Veteran Member Persona's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    245
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    I've been on Ortho tri-cyclen for a while and after a recent trip to the doctor he told me some pills can make acne worse so I've switched to diane-35 and it seems to be helping all ready

  8. #8
    Veteran Member ChocolateKiss's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Posts
    223
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    did u try pro activ? It really works for me.

  9. #9
    Featured Member krys's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    994
    Thanks
    14
    Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    OOooohh Pro Active was BAD for me!! My skin is just too sensitive!

    Maca is another good one for hormonal acne

  10. #10
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Acne

    I just went to a dermatologist this morning. I too have cystic acne. She gave my Dynacin for a month, until I get a blood test done for my next month appointment. The blood test will be for Accutane. Yeah, i'm gonna give that a shot again now that I know all about it. Dynacin is a good pill.

  11. #11
    Newbie
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Big D
    Posts
    7
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    I used to have acne real bad. I went to a derm and have probably been on everything there is-antibiotics, creams, birth control pills. Accutane worked very well for me, but didn't clear things up completely so I'm thinking about doing it again however I think the prescription alone costs about $800/month.

    Have you tried creams w/ retinol in them? It's a topical, weaker version of vitamin A, which is what accutane is. It is good for making your pores look smaller & is usually used for anti-aging, but derms prescribe retin-A and other similar creams for acne all the time. You can find the weaker versions in Neutrogena, Roc and some other products. It might help if you can't afford to get to a derm right away. It works well for me.

  12. #12
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Acne

    My dermatologist told me today that with 90% of ppl who have done the first treatment, never got it again. The other percentage had to do two or three treatments. Whatever the amount is, I just hope it doesn't come back.

  13. #13
    tampafldancer
    Guest

    Default Re: Acne

    Quote Originally Posted by Vyanka
    My dermatologist told me today that with 90% of ppl who have done the first treatment, never got it again. The other percentage had to do two or three treatments. Whatever the amount is, I just hope it doesn't come back.

    vy, be careful. I lost a good majority of the volume in my hair due to accutane! ITS MOSTLY BACK NOW, years later!

    It has some other SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS!

  14. #14
    tampafldancer
    Guest

    Default Re: Acne

    oh... i think its bs that 90 percent never get acne again. Yeah, i was told that too!

    =

  15. #15
    God/dess Bunny's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Posts
    2,495
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 36 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    Do a google search for 'Spironolactone + Acne'. I recommend it highly, and it's pretty cheap
    I have been taking Spiro for over 3 years now. My face used to break out a lot and now it hardly ever does. I don't know if I'd recommend just taking it without a prescription though but it is about $45 for a supply that lasts me about a month and a half when I order it online without insurance. I have hormone problems and this drugs has helped me a lot. My face hardly breaks out anymore and I don't retain fluid like I used to (it has a diurhetic effect) and my hair on my head used to fall out a lot more.

  16. #16
    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Reno, NV
    Posts
    955
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    Different things work for different people so I'll throw out what worked for me..

    I had cystic acne that was scarring when I lived in Seattle.. my skin would only be clear while on the meds the derm gave me but I wanted a permanent solution *without* putting all that crap in my body. I went to a naturopath who was also an regular MD... she put me on this elimination diet for 2 weeks then had me slowly add possible triggers back in one by one to see if it was something in my diet. Sure enough it was and since eliminating it I have not had a single blemish in over 3 years... unless I eat something with the food problem in it. Weird.

    I know derms tell all their patients that it is never food but, well... sometimes it is. When I related this to my OB/GYN, she went for a consult herself so someone else must think it is a valid path.
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

  17. #17
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Acne

    lol.. Thx TFD.

    How long were you on it, if you don't mind me asking? And what are you taking now?
    Last edited by Vyanka; 05-05-2005 at 06:58 AM.

  18. #18
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Acne

    Quote Originally Posted by Abbeynormal
    It depends on the type of acne you have. If you have cystic acne, then you'll have to visit a dermatologist. If not, you can probably get away with creams and whatnot. Either way, my boyfriend had to cut an accutane treatment short because of health insurance, and now he's on Pantothenic Acid from GNC. It has completely cleared his face, almost better than the accutane ever did. Every skin-type is different, I know, but I would seriously consider trying this stuff (if you haven't already). We both take it and our skin has cleared up immensely. I can tell you this much: accutane without helath insurance was $500 per refill for him (60 pills of 40mg each). His dermatologist was probably around $80. Sorry to drop the high numbers on ya!
    I'm also gonna try that stuff from GNC, if Accutane isn't a success for me.

  19. #19
    God/dess Casual Observer's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    5,670
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked 144 Times in 74 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    Acne is an internal health issue, not an external one. I had severe cystic acne in my military years, and as I look back on that now, I realize it was all about my diet (thankfully, I suffered no scarring--I have big pores). A diet that's heavy in grains, processed foods and refined sugars will seriously exacerbate your acne condition, but drastically reducing or even eliminating those foods from your diet (yes, it can be done! ) can make a huge difference in your skin condition--as well as your hair, nails, and your general state of physical condition. It's not a myth, it's just not widely acknowledged because people would rather treat the symptoms of acne than the cause itself--which doesn't cost you anything except an adjustment in your lifestyle and diet.

    Check it.
    More.
    Still more.
    Some Acne Diet Suggestions
    And a few more guidelines...

    There's a huge amount of information out there on the web on combatting acne without the use of expensive drugs that have systemic side effects. The reason people don't make more of a dietary/lifestyle change once they know about the impact of diet and lifestyle on their acne (to say nothing of their other health conditions) is that it seems like too much work compared to popping pills or applying surface treatments.

    Change your diet, and your skin, nay, your whole body will change.

    Two cents.
    Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

    William F. Buckley, Jr.

  20. #20
    Featured Member krys's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    994
    Thanks
    14
    Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    I couldn't agree more Casual.... all the derm visits and topicals aren't going to do much if you don't try to stop the acne coming out in the first place!

    After all the years of pills, potions and beauticians messin round with my skin I have finally found a system that is working for me. Best part is......... it costs me nothing!!

    After reading the books: The Paleo Diet - Loren Cordain, Ph.D
    and Lights Out: Sleep, Sugar and Survival - T.S Wiley and trying to apply the principles, my skin has been AMAZING!! Seriously the best it has looked for as long as I can remember.

    The last 4 weeks I have not had a break out, my redness has not been an issue and the scars are fading by themselves. This in turn has made me extremely happy and my uplifted mood is also helping the process.

    I take a nightly fibre drink to make sure I am getting rid of toxins daily and am using very basic inexpensive skincare (avalon organics).

    I eat a Paleo based diet http://www.thepaleodiet.com and http://www.paleodiet.com are 2 good sites. I also try to be in bed by 11pm each night. All very simple and after you read the books it makes alot more sense!!

    Dry skin brushing is also very beneficial. Basic premise in realtion to acne: If you can get rid of the toxins in other places you can prevent them coming out on your face!

    I have done it on and off for several years and find it to be beneficial. You need to use a natural bristle brush (or a loofah if you can't find a brush) but NEVER use those silly gloves or anything synthetic.

    http://www.celtic-seasalt.com/comdrybrusar.html
    http://healthhut.ca/dry_brush_massage.htm

    There is a book called 'Are you confused?" by Dr. Paavo Airola that has a whole chapter on the subject.

  21. #21
    tampafldancer
    Guest

    Default Re: Acne

    Quote Originally Posted by Vyanka
    lol.. Thx TFD.

    How long were you on it, if you don't mind me asking? And what are you taking now?


    im not on anything now. I took out "trigger foods" and my skin is doing well.

    Actually my acne was never even that bad to begin with. But i got on it b/c i heard good things about it. My first treatment i did 3 months at 40 and the rest at 60mg.... it worked for a little while, but my acne came back... and my hair fell out, my lips/skin were horribly dry and other effects.

    i did two other treatments later on..... and every time EVENTUALLY my acne came back (which wasnt so bad to start with)


    I dont know.. i guess its not so bad for some people, you just never know..
    If you do decide to go on it, i wish you luck!

  22. #22
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Acne

    Thx!!

    I have tried diets, and still.

    But i'm gonna check out those links CO & Krys posted, thanks guys.

  23. #23
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    SoCal (aka the Evil Vortex of Doom)
    Posts
    1,617
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    Seriously, Lovespell (and others):

    Spironolactone RULES! I've read the studies in medical journals and don't see much evidence of nasty side effects, either (unlike Accutane, which is some scary shit). Plus it's cheap. I highly recommend. Dietary changes are always worth a try, too (though I'm not completely convinced there.)

  24. #24
    God/dess Vyanka's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Cash-Stack-istan Island
    Posts
    14,704
    Thanks
    6,564
    Thanked 11,625 Times in 3,697 Posts
    My Mood
    Angelic

    Default Re: Acne

    Quote Originally Posted by Bunny
    I have been taking Spiro for over 3 years now. My face used to break out a lot and now it hardly ever does. I don't know if I'd recommend just taking it without a prescription though but it is about $45 for a supply that lasts me about a month and a half when I order it online without insurance. I have hormone problems and this drugs has helped me a lot. My face hardly breaks out anymore and I don't retain fluid like I used to (it has a diurhetic effect) and my hair on my head used to fall out a lot more.


    The hair on your head use to fall out alot before those pills or after?

  25. #25
    God/dess scarlett_vancouver's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    6,699
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 22 Times in 20 Posts

    Default Re: Acne

    Your head-hair shouldn't fall out with Spironolactone, but it's supposed to reduce excess body hair. Balding men use it topically for hair growth.

    Diet is all well and good, but I don't eat sugar, grains, much dairy, and have tried an elimination diet, and still had crap skin. Some people have genetic imbalances that cause acne- by mum had it until menopause, and my dad also had it.

    I'm the biggest booster of no refined grains out there, but it's not enough for a lot of people. I'm not into Accutane though- that idea scares me. Spiro truly is a great choice for serious acne, imo, but it takes a few months to work.

    Feature costumes for sale!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Back acne...
    By sunnie86 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 04-17-2009, 02:14 PM
  2. Acne?
    By Sexslave in forum Newbie Board
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 11-07-2008, 09:27 PM
  3. acne
    By NewMoon in forum Body Business
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 01-03-2008, 06:52 AM
  4. Acne
    By Jenny in forum Body Business
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 09-15-2006, 08:01 PM
  5. Acne at 30
    By Nautilus in forum Body Business
    Replies: 37
    Last Post: 09-01-2006, 05:13 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •