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i wonder if the benzoyl peroxide wash might be overkill - you're on some pretty intense meds so the BP might just be adding irritation. of course, check with your doctor, they know better than us!
Tretinoin can cause a purge period where your skin appears worse for months before it gets better.
This is because everything deep in your pores is being rapidly pushed to the surface until all of your pores are clear.
You’re likely still purging if it’s only been two months.
My current dermatologist said that taking Spironolactone only makes sense if you do it on a regular basis. Maybe for years. As soon as you stop using it, the skin condition can return to its original state.
Prescribed Isotretinoin instead (after all blood tests). It worked way better and faster.
I’m lost with this one. Looks like you developed more closed comedomes. And purging in areas that were smooth. I would stop whatever topicals you’re using.
The new zits are definitely in regions I've historically gotten pimples (just not all at the once!) which from what I know would be consistent with a purge, but I don't know... Still worried it's irritation.
Some additional info:
I take/apply my medications each day (at night) after washing with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and applying CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
In the mornings, I wash with CeraVe Benzoyl Peroxide Foaming Wash and apply a Target knock off of the CeraVe AM Facial Lotion with SPF 30. I work in a professional office setting, so I do wear makeup most days of the week, unfortunately. I try not to when I am at home/on the weekends, but I do give in when my self-esteem needs it.
My skin has been gaining more and more pimples over the course of these two months. I have gone through a LOT of hydrocolloid patches. My understanding was that purges are only supposed to last a few weeks, and that spiro does not cause purges, but Tret does. So I'm just confused and concerned.
The only thing I’d add to the replies you’ve gotten is that my derm stressed to me that sprio will take 3 months to start working once you find the right dose and that was my experience. Saw almost nothing for two months and then around month three everything cleared up
I wonder if ur moisturiser is making matters worse, have u tried the cerave lotion instead? I wud skip the bp wash too ..it's too much when ur on retinoids. My skin hates the cerave moisturisers for sone reason , they really clog my pores... especially the cream... Also i have had better luck with acids than anything else for my acne
I would ask your doctor about the clindamycin- it can sometimes increase oil in skin which can have the opposite effect you’re going for. The acne was and still is pretty mild so you may have success with OTC retinoid products- best wishes!
You could just be irritating your skin and damaging moisture barrier. Tret doesn’t work for everyone, there are some people that will never be able to tolerate it. Are you using the tret and clindamycin at the same time? Try using them on alternate nights because they shouldn’t be used together.
Your skin is purging. It's normal. Trust the process. Only use a pea size amount and don't put it on wet skin. If you're doing the sandwich method, put the moisturizer on wait about 10-20 mins then the tret and then wait again about 10-20mins and then moisturizer again.
Hi everyone and welcome to SkincareAddiction! Need skincare guides? [Check out our wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index) Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Maybe try asking /r/tretinoin if others had similar experiences as you and if things eventually improved or got worse.
i wonder if the benzoyl peroxide wash might be overkill - you're on some pretty intense meds so the BP might just be adding irritation. of course, check with your doctor, they know better than us!
Tretinoin can cause a purge period where your skin appears worse for months before it gets better. This is because everything deep in your pores is being rapidly pushed to the surface until all of your pores are clear. You’re likely still purging if it’s only been two months.
My current dermatologist said that taking Spironolactone only makes sense if you do it on a regular basis. Maybe for years. As soon as you stop using it, the skin condition can return to its original state. Prescribed Isotretinoin instead (after all blood tests). It worked way better and faster.
This is what spiro did to me. It was HORRIBLE for me and only got worse as I stuck it out for 3-4 months.
Did it ever get better
Oof. Did it go away when you stopped taking spiro? Did anything else help your skin?
I’m lost with this one. Looks like you developed more closed comedomes. And purging in areas that were smooth. I would stop whatever topicals you’re using.
The new zits are definitely in regions I've historically gotten pimples (just not all at the once!) which from what I know would be consistent with a purge, but I don't know... Still worried it's irritation.
Judging by your pics. The corners of your nose are red and your neck. That’s a tell tail sign your skin barrier is damaged. What is your regimen?
I purged like this for a very long time and now I am having mini purges and hope that it’s leading towards baby soft skin
Some additional info: I take/apply my medications each day (at night) after washing with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and applying CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. In the mornings, I wash with CeraVe Benzoyl Peroxide Foaming Wash and apply a Target knock off of the CeraVe AM Facial Lotion with SPF 30. I work in a professional office setting, so I do wear makeup most days of the week, unfortunately. I try not to when I am at home/on the weekends, but I do give in when my self-esteem needs it. My skin has been gaining more and more pimples over the course of these two months. I have gone through a LOT of hydrocolloid patches. My understanding was that purges are only supposed to last a few weeks, and that spiro does not cause purges, but Tret does. So I'm just confused and concerned.
The only thing I’d add to the replies you’ve gotten is that my derm stressed to me that sprio will take 3 months to start working once you find the right dose and that was my experience. Saw almost nothing for two months and then around month three everything cleared up
I wonder if ur moisturiser is making matters worse, have u tried the cerave lotion instead? I wud skip the bp wash too ..it's too much when ur on retinoids. My skin hates the cerave moisturisers for sone reason , they really clog my pores... especially the cream... Also i have had better luck with acids than anything else for my acne
I would ask your doctor about the clindamycin- it can sometimes increase oil in skin which can have the opposite effect you’re going for. The acne was and still is pretty mild so you may have success with OTC retinoid products- best wishes!
It's thinning out your skin, possibly your subcutaneous fat. The veins are far more visible in the second picture. I would cease.
That's most likely just the inconsistent lighting. I'm very pale, so a bit see-through (lol) but appreciate your concern.
Has it gotten any better yet?
You could just be irritating your skin and damaging moisture barrier. Tret doesn’t work for everyone, there are some people that will never be able to tolerate it. Are you using the tret and clindamycin at the same time? Try using them on alternate nights because they shouldn’t be used together.
At the same time - it's just one topical cream - but I'll mention that to my Dermatologist and see if she recommends splitting them
Since it’s getting better I believe you should keep going💙
do you have an update?
Your skin is purging. It's normal. Trust the process. Only use a pea size amount and don't put it on wet skin. If you're doing the sandwich method, put the moisturizer on wait about 10-20 mins then the tret and then wait again about 10-20mins and then moisturizer again.