[Lovefoxxx_93]

Considering it's mild/moderate acne and only been around for a few years, I don't really feel it's appropriate to bring up Roaccutane. That's the last resort. I've had to fight for years to be referred to a dermatologist and mine's pretty severe. And its side-effects suck.

It seems when ever someone makes a thread on acne, no matter how minor or severe, the immediate response is "Go to a dermatologist and get Roaccutane!! Miracle drug!!" As if they vaguely remember hearing somewhere about how effective it is but without any knowledge of the side effects.

(Try Azelaic acid)

[et cetera]

(Original post by Lovefoxxx_93)
Considering it's mild/moderate acne and only been around for a few years, I don't really feel it's appropriate to bring up Roaccutane. That's the last resort. I've had to fight for years to be referred to a dermatologist and mine's pretty severe. And its side-effects suck.

It seems when ever someone makes a thread on acne, no matter how minor or severe, the immediate response is "Go to a dermatologist and get Roaccutane!! Miracle drug!!" No.

(Try Azelaic acid)

As I said, depending on the severity, hence why I mentioned a mild alternative - it is mentioned often because its a highly effective solution for the majority of recipients. Furthermore, in this case, I think it was important to reassure the original poster that there are many solutions to acne, and not to get disheartened when one does not work. It is also, NOT always a last resort drug as I learnt having been prescribed it without having severe acne.

[Lovefoxxx_93]

(Original post by et cetera)
As I said, depending on the severity - its brought up often because its a highly effective solution for the majority of recipients. Furthermore, in this case, I think it was important to reassure the original poster that there are many solutions to acne, and not to get disheartened when one does not work. It is also, NOT always a last resort drug as I learnt.

Why visit a dermatologist to be prescribed Benzoyl Peroxide? Generally the GP tries a variety of treatments then refers the patient to a dermatologist if it's been to no avail and the acne is suitably severe enough. Though perhaps that's not always true, it seems odd to me to use Roaccutane before trying a range of other treatments. I suppose I feel slightly disappointed to think that someone finds it easier to access certain medicines when their condition may not be a severe as mine perhaps.

[Historophilia]

People on this post have been going on a lot about diet (and they could be right) however at your age it is most likely that your acne is simply hormonal.

The fact that antibacterials and creams haven't worked suggest this.

There's no quick fix for acne, particularly at 16 when you're right in the middle of all your body changes and raging hormones. My doctor (I suffered from acne, not as bad as yours though, from the age of 9 and have only just got clear of it at 19) said that diet tends to be much more of a factor in acne when you're a bit older than you. Sometimes, unfortunately, it's just something your body has to go through.

I think you should go back to your doctor and see if you can be prescribed something stronger or be referred to a dermatologist.

However, tough as it may seem, sometimes these things can just time to clear up and aren't rushable. You may get bad skin for several more years.

Having acne is rubbish, I know that all too well. Even the quick acne fix for girls that is the pill didn't work for me initially.

However awful it may be, no-one will judge you for having acne, most people have had it at some point and it's just another of the less savory parts of growing up.

[EcclesRose]

I went on Roaccutane for about 7 months, cleared it up completely.

[et cetera]

(Original post by Lovefoxxx_93)
Why visit a dermatologist to be prescribed Benzoyl Peroxide? Generally the GP tries a variety of treatments then refers the patient to a dermatologist if it's been to no avail and the acne is suitably severe enough. Though perhaps that's not always true, it seems odd to me to use Roaccutane before trying a range of other treatments. I suppose I feel slightly disappointed to think that someone finds it easier to access certain medicines when their condition may not be a severe as mine perhaps.

In my case, I was almost immediately referred to a dermatologist - they were more suitably qualified to tailor treatments to particular acnes. Of course, no one is prescribed Roaccutane on their first visit. I merely provided a scale from Benzoyl Peroxide, up to Roaccutane in order to reassure the OP that there are numerous treatments and that she needn't get distressed or upset.

[BloomerG]

(Original post by physicshelpme)
Ok so basically I've had mild/moderate acne for around 3 years (I'm 16) and I have no idea what I can do to stop it. I only drink water (and sometimes milk), I eat a lot of fruit and I exercise regularly. I also take antibiotics that the doctor prescribed and wash my face every morning and night. I seem to do everything that the internet tells me to do but it just won't go! Does anyone have any suggestions I can do? Thank you!

It does sound like your acne is hormonal but that doesn't mean you cant control it. Have you tried Aknicare before? It works wonders for me

[hannah60000]

(Original post by Historophilia)
People on this post have been going on a lot about diet (and they could be right) however at your age it is most likely that your acne is simply hormonal.

The fact that antibacterials and creams haven't worked suggest this.

There's no quick fix for acne, particularly at 16 when you're right in the middle of all your body changes and raging hormones. My doctor (I suffered from acne, not as bad as yours though, from the age of 9 and have only just got clear of it at 19) said that diet tends to be much more of a factor in acne when you're a bit older than you. Sometimes, unfortunately, it's just something your body has to go through.

I think you should go back to your doctor and see if you can be prescribed something stronger or be referred to a dermatologist.

However, tough as it may seem, sometimes these things can just time to clear up and aren't rushable. You may get bad skin for several more years.

Having acne is rubbish, I know that all too well. Even the quick acne fix for girls that is the pill didn't work for me initially.

However awful it may be, no-one will judge you for having acne, most people have had it at some point and it's just another of the less savory parts of growing up.

If only that was the case I had some very nasty comment about my face mainly due to scares and it makes you insecure more than rubbish one of the worst things to happen to you during those tender teenage years - especially if your in school....but it is character building to say the least

[Historophilia]

(Original post by hannah60000)
If only that was the case I had some very nasty comment about my face mainly due to scares and it makes you insecure more than rubbish one of the worst things to happen to you during those tender teenage years - especially if your in school....but it is character building to say the least

Maybe I should have been clearer in what I said, nobody who matters will make comments about it.

In my experience, the people who make comments about your acne would, if you didn't have bad skin, find something else to tease you about. Because only bullies would make comments about something as out of your control as acne. and bullies will always find something to pick on people for.

[PhysicsGirl]

(Original post by physicshelpme)
Ok so basically I've had mild/moderate acne for around 3 years (I'm 16) and I have no idea what I can do to stop it. I only drink water (and sometimes milk), I eat a lot of fruit and I exercise regularly. I also take antibiotics that the doctor prescribed and wash my face every morning and night. I seem to do everything that the internet tells me to do but it just won't go! Does anyone have any suggestions I can do? Thank you!

I don't know if this will help, since it's an american magazine (and therefore might be tricky to get hold of some of the products they recommend), but this link has lots of acne-treatment reviews; http://rookiemag.com/2012/06/out-damnd-spot/
Including Isotretinoin, which is the drug that lots of people above have mentioned One of my best friends tried Isotretinoin, and his skin now is absolutely clear and gorgeous, but he had a horrific time on it- he says it was worth it, but that it was terrible, so make sure you chat to your doctor about side effects and weigh up all your options carefully Good luck!

[Freak Out]

(Original post by tehFrance)
Seriously?

Yes, and not just dairy. You may be fine with it... Google dairy acne connection.

[Bluer.]

Nthing benzoyl peroxide, I think it's best to use the lower concentrations more frequently, than higher % ones only daily. That way you can use it over wider areas of skin without getting dried out it really cleared up my skin, and now I also use it maybe once a week over generally spot-prone areas as a preventative measure lol. I think it comes in 2.5%, 5% and 10%.

Also salicylic acid is supposed to be good for acne - you can either buy products containing it or just crush up some aspirin (not dispersible or coated tablets) mix into a paste with water and use as a spot-treatment to reduce inflammation. Oh and tea tree oil! Lush do a spritzy toner with it in, good for spot-prone skin.

As well as spot-treating, generally you want to make sure that your cleanser isn't too harsh and you are moisturising properly. If you are stripping the oil from your skin, your body will overcompensate with its sebum production, leading to even oilier skin, blocked pores and subsequent acne. If you are using specific 'acne-prone' products in your regime consider switching to something aimed at sensitive skin, or with natural and gentler ingredients.

I'm probably just reiterating what everybody else has said, but as a former spotty teenager I've done so much research and tried so many products over the years so I've got a lot of advice to share

[metro2610]

(Original post by Blazinq)
Ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist to be subscribed Roaccutane, It works 97% of the time, (I'm currently on it, on my 19th day and i already see a lot of improvement) it said to usually fully work from 6 weeks to about 5 months or something, would also like to say that you should look at the side effects of the drug.

I researched and found the drug, after countless creams, and antibiotics didn't work (starting to think do antibiotics ever work?)

I can definitely vouch for Roaccutane. Cleared my skin right up, with the only side effect being dry skin. Stick to the guidelines and you'll be acne-free in no time (which is a quality feeling, trust me)

OP, as good as your diet may be, acne ultimately comes down to our hormones. I don't know the ins and outs of it but I'd definitely ask my GP to refer me to a dermatologist if I were you. Be persistent too! I must've gone through about ten different acne 'remedies' before I got onto Roaccutane. Miracle stuff!

[JSR94]

I have been on many different antibiotics such as oxytetracycline & lymacycline and creams such as Benzoyl peroxide & something gel (haha can't remember been so many!)

BUT

In the end the best thing has been SUDOCREM !!!! It's truly brilliant, I just put it on before I go to bed (you do look like a ghost, lol)

Plus it's relatively cheap & lasts a long time


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[LavenderBlueSky88]

Trust me, it will go eventually. I remember thinking I was going to have spots forever. Go to your doctor and explain it's getting you down, there are stronger medications out there that could be an option, see if it's appropriate to have a topical gel/cream perscribed aswell. If nothing works then you will grow out of it, I know it's a pain but it's not forever

[Blazinq]

(Original post by Lovefoxxx_93)
Considering it's mild/moderate acne and only been around for a few years, I don't really feel it's appropriate to bring up Roaccutane. That's the last resort. I've had to fight for years to be referred to a dermatologist and mine's pretty severe. And its side-effects suck.

It seems when ever someone makes a thread on acne, no matter how minor or severe, the immediate response is "Go to a dermatologist and get Roaccutane!! Miracle drug!!" As if they vaguely remember hearing somewhere about how effective it is but without any knowledge of the side effects.

(Try Azelaic acid)

Roaccutane is a last resort, but his mild acne could develop in to severe, and it's more likely to get rid of his acne then some antibiotics subscribed by the doctor.


I agree the side effects sucks to an extent, as I currently have chapped lips (nothing will help it atm) and skin peeling/nose bleeds, but the risks of having any severe side effects, let's say suicidal thoughts is like 1 in 10000 people.

If he really wants to get rid of his acne, then the side effects won't matter too much to him.

[Blazinq]

(Original post by metro2610)
I can definitely vouch for Roaccutane. Cleared my skin right up, with the only side effect being dry skin. Stick to the guidelines and you'll be acne-free in no time (which is a quality feeling, trust me)

OP, as good as your diet may be, acne ultimately comes down to our hormones. I don't know the ins and outs of it but I'd definitely ask my GP to refer me to a dermatologist if I were you. Be persistent too! I must've gone through about ten different acne 'remedies' before I got onto Roaccutane. Miracle stuff!

I truely can't wait till my acne goes, will be the best thing that has happened in a while, just to have my old look back

Guess I've learnt something here, never new dairy would contribute to acne, cutting alot of it out of my diet now

[Jam']

Cut out the milk. Milk, even organic, contains hormones intended for the body of a cow. The human body does not recognise these as necessary and will sometimes excrete them via pimples on the face.

[neom]

(Original post by physicshelpme)
Ok so basically I've had mild/moderate acne for around 3 years (I'm 16) and I have no idea what I can do to stop it. I only drink water (and sometimes milk), I eat a lot of fruit and I exercise regularly. I also take antibiotics that the doctor prescribed and wash my face every morning and night. I seem to do everything that the internet tells me to do but it just won't go! Does anyone have any suggestions I can do? Thank you!

http://www.skinacea.com/
http://www.skinacea.com/personal/how...d-my-skin.html



Try browsing that site, it really helps. I honestly wish i'd have known about it years ago and I pretty much went/going through exactly what she did. Except not as meticulously, she writes and records everything that impacts her skin, I can't organise things for ****

[Ratiocinative]

(Original post by physicshelpme)
Ok so basically I've had mild/moderate acne for around 3 years (I'm 16) and I have no idea what I can do to stop it. I only drink water (and sometimes milk), I eat a lot of fruit and I exercise regularly. I also take antibiotics that the doctor prescribed and wash my face every morning and night. I seem to do everything that the internet tells me to do but it just won't go! Does anyone have any suggestions I can do? Thank you!

I was in the exact same position as you last year. I finally had enough because it became extremely painful to wash my face and my dad told me to just go to the doctors cos he said he paid enough taxes so I should get it sorted. I was prescribed something called Tetralsysal and it contains lymecycline which controls bacteria, preventing spots. It took about three months for my skin to fully clear up, but I seldom get spots now. If your antibiotics aren't working after several months then go back and see if you can be prescribed another form of them, depending on how long you've been taking the tablets he/she should give you something else.

I'm still on the tablets as I was told if I stop taking them my acne can come back (and sometimes it can return worse), which I suppose is the only downside. But from personal experience I've had no side-effects. Additionally I was also prescribed Duac Gel. I only use it when I feel a spot growing under my skin and I've learned that by dabbing a bit on where the spot is it will go away fairly quickly, not getting worse before it gets better, which is a bonus.

(Original post by physicshelpme)
Also, what can I do to get rid of acne scars because I have them quite badly on my cheeks. I am currently rubbing bio-oil on them but is there anything better?

I tried bio-oil as I had some acne marks on my nose, and while it does work on scars it gave me so many black-heads so I've stopped using it! Microdermabrasion reduces acne scarring plenty, but it can cost around £25 + a session depending on where you go (though just one session can do wonders so it's sort of worth it - quite a few beauticians do it nowadays). I'd also suggest wearing a high SPF sun screen daily cos believe it or not that'll deter your scars from fading/healing massively.

You've just got to be really patient, even after nearly a year of taking my tablets my skin is still recovering from the damage acne caused, it's a pain, but I'm so glad I went to the doctors now. Good luck and I really hope you find a solution .