I used to have acne and tried every prescription available. Acutane worked wonders (although that list of side effects scares the h --- out of me ): )
Two years later, the acne came back. Diane 35 got rid of it when other bcps, like ortho tri cyclen didn't!
I have been off the Diane for 7 months now, and although my hormones are going crazy (I am anovulatory), my acne has been totally under control. I think it is because I am following a very simple skin care regimen. I also use cetaphil cleanser. It is gentle which I love because my skin is very easily irritated. I use it without water, so I just put a little on a cotton pad and wipe gently until dry. This has helped me really reduce redness because water has minerals in it that can be drying, although this depends where you live. I moisturize with Mario Badescu oil-control moisturizer (the first time a moisturizer hasn't made me greasy). I love Mario Badescu products and also use their exfoliating scrubs and fruit masks once a week. You can buy them online -- expensive but worth it.
Also, once a week, I use a salycic acid solution that my dermatologist mixes and gives me to take home. I put it all over my face and it stings a little but I think it prevents blackheads. I would assume that most dermos could do something similar.
Finally, on the now-rare occasions when I do get a really huge breakout, I go to see my dermatologist and he injects just a little bit of kenalog (cortisone) and they go away in like 24 hours (VERY useful for extremely important occasions like your wedding!!)
However, I don't do this right now because it isn't recommended if you are ttc.
I also used to do microdermabrasion and that helped me but it is too expensive!
Anyways, I hope my experience helps someone
Anne |