storm02

hi everyone. i went to my derm and he prescribed retin-a and minocycline. i read the leaflet on retin-a and it says acne may get worse before it gets better.i am doing lhr on my upper lip and he said to stop using it a week before my treatment. has anyone had positive results with this combo of meds? as soon as i stop using the meds will the acne come back? i do not want to stay on this stuff forever. thanks

Pamster

My derm prescribed me minocycline and differin (a retin-a...right?) and I've been on this combo for a few months. It has definately helped clear up my skin...my family has even commented on the difference. I still have a few odd pimples here and there but my overall skin appearance seems better. I'm not sure if it would return to normal if I stopped the meds...but I'm thinking probably

meri

I have used that combo in the past. While I was on it my acne was a lot better, especially acne on my back and I didn't get large cystic ones. For me though, within a few months of not using it my acne came back. Mine is definitely hormonal so I think it will always be that way for me. I took minocycline for my wedding again but stopped since we have been trying for a baby.

moonandtheriver

Ive been on Retin A for about a month. I feel its making a difference in my acne. I had been using it wrong previously which led to me giving up and getting frustrated. Now I wash my face, apply moisturizer, wait a half hour and THEN apply a SMALL amount to the areas I break out. Its made a huge difference in irritation. I guess you need to use it for a couple months before your skin really adjusts and it helps with acne, but with what I am doing, things are improving already. I know its supposed to help with wrinkles and fine lines as well, and at 35, I am just starting to get those so Im happy to be on something that will help my overall appearance. I used the minocycline seperately but the acne always came back afterI stopped...and you cant be on antibiotics forever. Long tern Retin A appears to be safe.

__________________
Diagnosed 06/03
Hair loss, Acne, painful Fibrocystic breasts,
Excess Hair on chin, Irregular periods (too frequent, too long.)
Not IR.
Using acne.org system (love it- it works)

ladyinautumn

Yes, I have used the combination in the past and it does help to improve acne tremendously. However, you cannot stop using the Retin-A. The minocycline is not meant to be used longterm (so I've been warned by the dermatologist), but the Retin-A usage should be maintained.

like-minded

Although I don't suffer from severe acne, I do get lhr and the technician said that the laser can clear up the acne. I do have a few breakouts now and again but the laser treatment always seems to dry them out and clear up. Maybe it's different for severe acne. Just a thought....

cv1ann

I love Retin a. I have had great results form it; my skin is free of acne and has a glow to it know. It also has made both my hyperpigmentation and scaring MUCH less noticable. I know some women have been on it for decades. Maybe just wait and see how your skin reacts to it and decide if you want to stick with it long term. I personally have no plans to go off of it anytime soon. I love it!!