STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

NCshopper wrote:

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I think it's a matter of trial and error, but I really think that the derm reduces your error rate since they know all the best products out there and they know what they're doing.  Plus, they're not just trying to sell you a bunch of crap like a lot of people at a cosmetics counter do.

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See, maybe I've just had shitty luck picking my dermatologists!  I've always felt that they've approached my treatment in a very cookie-cutter way (1st we try this, then if that doesn't work we always try this, then if that doesn't work ...) instead of treating me specifically.  It's like they don't think it's a serious 'problem' !  I've never had a derm suggest any 'big guns' of sorts, even after more conventional treatments failed.

Heeeeeyyyy, maybe I have the Amazing Indestructable Acne!!!  Able to scale tall buildings in single leaps and bounds, sure to confound even the most qualified medical professionals!!!

  I'm not ammused.  I'm really interested to hear others experiences as well ... I think it might be time to get back on the derm-train again, and I want to go in armed with information!

I go to the dermatologist for only two reasons:

- my yearly cancer/skin check

- to get a larger-than-normal zit zapped with cortisone

It seems like I have tried everything they can possibly prescribe for breakouts.  Nothing has ever worked.  Ever.

Then I got a microdermabrasion facial and it changed my life.  My problem is clogged pores - my skin doesn't "exfoliate" itself enough on its own, and regular daily scrubs are too harsh.  Now I get microderm every three months, use an AHA lotion at night, and I never break out anymore.

So I guess the point of my story is maybe try other options, because I haven't had good luck with a derm either. 

I definitely believe that the key to clear skin, is finding the right dermatologist who knows what he is doing.  I went to one in high school, who was only mediocre, but my skin could have been better and I had some scarring.  Then, last fall, I broke out again pretty badly.  My BF took me to his dermatologist, who is awesome!  He cleared my skin up so fast, it was unbelievable.  He didn't stop tryng meds until something worked for me.  I do not take any oral medication, only apply creams to the face.  Here's what he has me do:

• In the AM, wash face w/Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash (he told me Aveeno Acne Wash would be fine as well, but I didn't find it worked as well for me)


• Apply Tazorac acne cream to face in AM


• At night, wash face again w/Neutrogena


• Apply Benzomyicin (sp?) cream to face every other night

This has not only cleared all of my acne, but it's cleared all of the scarring I had from high school and recently.  Tazorac has been a lifesaver for me!

Oh and I should also mention that I take Ortho Tri Cyclen birth control, which my derm. believes really helps my skin.  I switched to Ortho Tri Cyclen lo for a while and he had me switch back to the regular.

HTH!

This is slightly off-topic, but for any girls considering going on Ortho-TriCyclen for acne, you should know that the low-dose antibiotic that helps with acne can make you more prone to yeast infections. I struggled with them for two years, and not one doctor ever made the connection between the two. Finally I went to a new gyno, who put me on seasonale. I have had a little more acne than usual (thinking about going to a derm for that) but I haven't had a single yeast infection since I switched. And BELIEVE me, I'd rather have acne I can cover than a yeast infection I can't get rid of!!!!

I scar really easily too.  I have a few big raised scars on my shoulders from pimples.  It sucks.

The good thing about taking an oral acne treatment is that even if you go off whatever skin regimen you're using, the acne is still in control.  At least in my case it is.  I really think the key to my treatment has been finding the right BC.  The topical stuff has helped too, but I really feel like the BC is what's caused the most dramatic change.  I wish I had before and after pics because the change has  been really dramatic. 

I think I really need to see a good dermatologist.  My acne is getting out of control.  I had great skin while I was on Levlin (BC) and then I went off and my skin started going crazy.  I went off partly because I seemed to gain a lot of weight.  So my doctor prescribed me Yasmin, telling me it should help with my skin and prevent me from gaining weight.  Well, I'm at the end of my first month and I've noticed no change in my skin. 

I've been using Dermalogica anti-bac skin wash, Neutrogena 2.5% benzoyl peroxide at night under moisturizer, and 2% dermalogica salycilic acid in the AM under moisturizer.  I notice that the topical stuff helps the acne, but it is only temporary.  I tried using the PTR BP 10% and sulfur cream which helps but TOTALLY dries out my skin. 

I don't even know what to do now, I either let my skin break out or put this stuff on and walk around with dry, peeling skin. 

I've been through a gazillion derms starting at the age of 13 and it wasn't until I was 22 that I found one I loved (she's so good that I still see her whenever I'm in the area and e-mail her with questions even though I live 2,000 miles away now). Before that, I tried everything in the book (differin, retin-a, ortho, oral antibiotics, etc.). I know many people here are anti this, but I have to tell you, the only thing that really truly worked for me was accutane. I didn't go on a very high dose (my acne was never horrible horrible- like cystic or anything), but it was pretty indestructable like your's, Elle. At first, my doctor didn't even offer it to me (I think most don't want to seem like they're pushing it, etc.), but when I asked and we talked about it, I decided it was the thing for me. It wasn't the most pleasant thing in the world to be on, but it was one of the best things I've ever done. I know a lot of people are scared of it, but according to most studies, a six-month course of accutane is a lot less destructive to your system for most people than constantly being on antibiotics all the time.

Anyway, accutane may not be the thing for you, but it sounds like it might be worth a shot. I also think, however, that it's important you keep trying to find a derm who works for you- one who isn't going to just give you some stock program they give to everyone. I still break out from time to time now and my doctor has me on a great regimen of MD Forte cleanser (great for exfloliation), benzaclyin and clindamyincin (all incorrect spelling- sorry!) topical solutions. I also use a great prescription cleanser for acne called Rosula. If I remember correctly, you just moved to CO, right? I just moved the area as well and I've found the dry climate has been wrecking havoc on my skin. It probably goes without saying, but moisturizing and lots of water are probably the best things you can do for your skin (I had the best skin of my life when I was living in Ireland, where the air is so wet!).

I know many people have had great results with Proactiv, but a lot of derms have told me they find it to be way too stripping/drying for skin- something you might want to think about if you're drying out with the new climate. Short of accutane, before I went on it, I had decent results with microdermabrasion when I went regularly (like every three weeks or so). I have a friend on Tazorac who really likes it. It's way expensive, but I've heard of people having miraculous results with lasers as well. I haven't tried it, but a lot of girls rave about the regimen on acne.org. If you have any questions about accutane or anything else with derms, please let me know. It has worked so well for me and for friends and family of mine, that I'm a bit of an evangelist, I must admit. HTH!

I too have tried everything, even accutane. Which I do not Highly reccommend unless you have terrible acne. Mine was moderate with blackheads, whiteheads, and some cystic acne, leaving me with some scarring. During the time I too accutaine my skin was beautiful and about a year after, but it is back to its old tricks. My mother is a nurse and she hates that I took this. Side effects were rough for me, major joint pain that I think still lingers 3 years later, hair thinning, ultra dry skin that made my ecsema go wild and dry mouth and eyes etc... I did not have, but know people who have, major depression.

I  find my skin likes a good diet and lots of h2o. The right bc pill can help as well. I have never met anyone who had good luck with a triphasic bc pill. I am interested in the one mentioned and will be doing some investigation later.  As of right now I am maintaining and dealing, for me saylasilc?? acid makes things worse as do all of the micro peels with different acids in them. I have good luck with a nice coat of benzoil peroxide morning and night, that seems to help the most. Oh and If I can not wear make up I do better. and moisturizers tend to break me out as well hypoallergenic, non com..agenic my rear end.

As for derms I have never found one that really did anything magical for me. I have come to the conclusion that they do not have a specific answer and are limited so we must try and try again until we find the combo that is right for me.

Good Luck and keep me posted with any great finds you may come across, clear skin is my dream!!

I dont remember the exact dosage. I know I could have gone stronger. For some reason 30 rings a bell. I did the standare 6 mos tour with it. My derm said I could do another 6 mos a year later if I wanted (after the acne started to return). I chose not to due to all of the side effects. I have been a bit freaked out due to all of the reactions about it from my mom and her pharmacist friends and other dr.'s etc. I have heard something to the effect that they are really watching it for cancer and other things. I know it has been great for some and I would definitely say for it if you need to. In my case I wasn't as bad as it could have been.

Right now I am using a nutrogena bp cream, but I think I want to try the ddf one. I am thinking about the one you mentioned.