My skin keeps breaking out!!!!

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Help, help, oh help! I am 23-years-old and my skin is worse now than it has ever been (couldn't be the stress from nursing, now could it!?!). I mean, it's not terrible where every square centimeter is covered, but I cannot think of the last time when I didn't have one pimple on my face. The last year it has gotten worse. I feel like hiding because I have tried everything and when I went to the dermatologist last week he wrote a prescription for Brevoxl 4% wash and for Differin gel. I had tried Differin gel before but my skin was so sensitive I quit using it. He suggested that I start out using it every other night instead of every night at first. The only thing is that I know it makes skin worse before it gets better and I dread *shudder* the thought of my face being worse. I know this may sound vain, but I'm decent looking and this acne has made me very self-conscious and has seriously given me some self-esteem issues. A lot of people think I am younger than 23 due to my skin. My back and chest break out occasionally, but not bad. Has anyone else experienced this? And what do you think about the Brevoxl wash and Differin gel? Could I have some input please?

Thanks much!

:balloons: Jaime

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hehe I am 27 and everyone thinks I am younger because my skin is bad. I have extremely sensitive skin too. When I first went to the dermatologist I was given scrip for Benzoyl (sp) peroxide. Um ya I was allergic! My eyes swelled up, it was horrible. Went back and now I am on Retin-A and antibiotic minocycline (sp). It works out well for me. Sorry I can't help you about the Brevoxl wash and Differin gel but I at least understand your pain....

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Specializes in cardiac/education.

Well, this may not be a popular answer, but my derm put me on Bactrim DS, an oral antibiotic, and it cleared up all my problems. No matter what I put ON my face, I would still break out.......until those pills. Get generic and with your insurance they could be as cheap as five bucks a month! Can't beat that!! It even clears my cystic acne problems!

Good Luck. Acne problems can be so frustrating, I know.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I swear by ProActiv. I first saw it on an infomercial, thought it was too good to be true and kept on suffering from acne flare ups. Interestingly, I never had problem skin as an adolescent or teenager; my bad skin started in my mid-20's. I tried everything; OTC solutions, scripts for Tetracycline, everything, and nothing worked. I finally, out of frustration, called the number of the ProActiv people, ordered the basic product, and the very first time I used it I could tell a difference in the way my skin felt. Within maybe 10 days, I was blemish free and a very happy convert to the ProActiv cause. I get the product every 2 months and it costs about $50 per shipment, so $25 q mo seems very reasonable, especially since it works for me! I believe it's a combination of prescription strength benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and it was evidently created by two MD's (Dermatologists). I swear by it, and can't imagine using anything else. I've been using it for over 5 years. They have an extensive website... http://www.proactiv.com

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I work at a dermatologist office and we write scripts all the time for Brevoxyl 4% wash and differin gel but we usually also will give an oral antibiotic like doxycycline to supplement. You may want to ask your dermatologist about that. Also, I would tell him that the Differin is too drying or whatever u don't like about it and there is lots he can substitute for it. Acne is so frustrating...I suffer from it too.

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I'm 31 and my skin is worse now than it was when I was a teenager. My chin is constantly broken out and its reallly quite embarrising. The best thing that I have found to help keep my skin clear is Clinique. I use their 3 step, turnaround lotion, and some of their acne products. I've tried all the Rx, products from other cosmetic companies that I have worked for and nothing worked.

Now, I am partcial to Clinique because I do work for them but our products really have helped me. I usually only break out now if I get really stressed out or if I am about to start my period.

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

My dermatologist put me on spironolactone for a few months before my wedding, and my face cleared right up. It inhibits aldosterone, but also has an effect on testosterone, which is why it works. I had to have my potassium levels checked, but no big deal. He also gave me minocycline, but I only stayed on that short-term. I am now off all medications and only have to use salicylic acid on my face each night.

Another thing to try is Orthotricyclin or Yasmin- these are proven to help clear up mild to moderate acne.

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Specializes in i.c.u., med surg.
Help, help, oh help! I am 23-years-old and my skin is worse now than it has ever been (couldn't be the stress from nursing, now could it!?!). I mean, it's not terrible where every square centimeter is covered, but I cannot think of the last time when I didn't have one pimple on my face. The last year it has gotten worse. I feel like hiding because I have tried everything and when I went to the dermatologist last week he wrote a prescription for Brevoxl 4% wash and for Differin gel. I had tried Differin gel before but my skin was so sensitive I quit using it. He suggested that I start out using it every other night instead of every night at first. The only thing is that I know it makes skin worse before it gets better and I dread *shudder* the thought of my face being worse. I know this may sound vain, but I'm decent looking and this acne has made me very self-conscious and has seriously given me some self-esteem issues. A lot of people think I am younger than 23 due to my skin. My back and chest break out occasionally, but not bad. Has anyone else experienced this? And what do you think about the Brevoxl wash and Differin gel? Could I have some input please?

Thanks much!

:balloons: Jaime

I know what you mean...Believe me when I say less is more. The less chemicals and product you put on you face, the better off you will be. The best product I've come across for the money is a face soap by Redkin called Amino Pon...baby butt smooth, clear skin!! I can't remember the last time I've had an issue. I remember trying everything out there in my 20's, and feeling sooo frusterated! You'll find something that works for you soon, just hang in there. The Amino Pon has worked wonders for me. Good luck!

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Nothing topical ever worked for me, not even going to an esthetician for facials and micropeels and microdermabrasion. Never had any problems in my teens, it all started early-mid twenties.

The only thing that's helped me is going on birth control. I tried Ortho Tri Cyclen first, which worked great on my skin but gave me migraines. Eventually wound up going to Nuva Ring, which is working well so far.

Thinking about going back for some more facials since the breakouts are under control now. ;)

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I swear by ProActiv. I first saw it on an infomercial, thought it was too good to be true and kept on suffering from acne flare ups. Interestingly, I never had problem skin as an adolescent or teenager; my bad skin started in my mid-20's. I tried everything; OTC solutions, scripts for Tetracycline, everything, and nothing worked. I finally, out of frustration, called the number of the ProActiv people, ordered the basic product, and the very first time I used it I could tell a difference in the way my skin felt. Within maybe 10 days, I was blemish free and a very happy convert to the ProActiv cause. I get the product every 2 months and it costs about $50 per shipment, so $25 q mo seems very reasonable, especially since it works for me! I believe it's a combination of prescription strength benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and it was evidently created by two MD's (Dermatologists). I swear by it, and can't imagine using anything else. I've been using it for over 5 years. They have an extensive website... http://www.proactiv.com

I also am a huge proactiv fan. It really cleared up my skin. The only downside I've experienced is that when I stop using it, I break out pretty easily, so I have to use it every day (although, not twice a day like I used to)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC.

Sounds like so many products out there! I have a husband who broke out with acne vulgaris at age 13 and he still suffers from it in his 40's! (He puts benzoyl cream on every morning and night for years and can't do without it)My two teenagers also broke out at the same age, and the dermatologist started with the creams and then went a step higher to the antibiotics and now they are on Accutane (po Rx med) which can affect the liver, so liver enzymes are done regularly. Also pregnant women can't take it and it can increase depressive symptoms. You have to be sure to drink lots and lots of fluids while taking it. Both their skins cleared up really nicely, but my son has scars because I don't think he really looked after his skin as well as he could have. Both kids tried Vit A cream, Benzoyl, Pro-active, Murad (skin formula), tetracyclines, bactrim (my daughter's lips and throat started to swell), amoxacillin before this. On top of the Accutane, my daughter has to put on a cream that is non comedogenic - these are over the counter creams which will say that on them. I have three pre teen kids coming up the ranks and I think I'm going to ask the dermatologist straight forwardly for the Accutane right away. Its the only think that has worked in my family, but we've been tough cases to crack!

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benzamyacin... dries those suckers up... and dont touch your face.........

The more you touch the more dirt is spread.

Terri

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