Thread: Seven Years of Cystic Acne- NOW BETTER.

Here's the deal- I dealt with acne before and after PCOS diagnosis and here is the best.stuff.ever.

I am a beauty blogger so I get massive samples of both cheap and super expensive products and here is the cocktail that cleared my skin.

Clindamycin- topical anti-biotic gel that soothes infected, cystic skin and will NOT affect BCP's the way that oral antibiotics do. It is healthier if you are worried about antibiotic resistance. (prescription)

Differin- the retinoid that helps skin exfoliate more evenly, a vitamin A derivative. (prescription)

CeraVe hydrating cleanser- water soluble cleanser that hydrates skin, good thing cause I live in Colorado.

CeraVe moisturizing lotion-non comedogenic, no fragrance, no irritants.

Proactiv Repairing Lotion- good benzoyl peroxide content, nice texture, you can use this without the other Proactiv products, this is what really clears your skin since the medication is not washed off, as would be in the cleanser.

Hope this helps.

Any other products worth trying?

Hi sconner,

I've had reasonably good luck with Paula's Choice (www.paulaschoice.com) and Mario Badescu (www.mariobadescu.com) products, but what has really cleared my skin up is taking 1,000mg of metformin a day. Also, Retin-A works well to fade the acne scarring. Just my .2 cents worth of info...

My doctor told me my cystic acne was a result of my PCOS and metformin would help it. It has a little bit. I dont get the cystic pimples as much (I dont take the met like I should) but I no longer get it on other parts of my body. I need to try some of those that you mentioned now that my hormones are under control. Good post

see an endocrinologist because i think cystic acne is mostly hormonal.

Do you need a referral to see an endocrinologist? I have really cut back on sugars and carbs but my energy level and acne have not improved - and it's been about 4 months.

Yes, I believe you do need a referal. It is all based on your insurance. Make sure that your primary care or gyn refers you to an endo that has experience in PCOS, and does not send you to a fertility specialist. Thats what happened to me... waste of $30 for the doc to tell me he delt with fertility only.

Hi,

I have also had cystic acne. I have found that Yasmin (after a few months) really has helped me so far. The progestogen is similar to spiro so I gues that's why. But I always have one small lump on the side of my face that occasionally swells up, but is like a spot that you can squeeze to get rid of, it is just like a cyst, that I have to very careful with. It is very odd. Tends to swell up when I am run down. I have had it for 7 years now! I should perhaps show a doctor...

Thanks for the treatment suggestions! xx