I have hormonal and they recommend spiro or birth control. But I don't want to do either so I'm screwed.

Spironolactone is great. I don't recall the details, but I think it works by binding with androgen receptors in your skin so the male hormones can't trigger acne. It can only be used by women. In addition to clearing acne, it does brighten the complexion. I also found that it made my boobs bigger while I was on it.

Retin A micro is also good, both to treat adult acne and to improve signs of age.

Anonymous wrote:I tried all and then saw Derm. Tried different prescriptions like differin etc and then found one that worked for me! No more cystoc acne! Love

I've tried Differin. What worked for you?

I tried all and then saw Derm. Tried different prescriptions like differin etc and then found one that worked for me! No more cystoc acne! Love

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go to a dermatologist.

+1. I spent hundreds of dollars on over the counter products trying to clear up my adult acne. One visit to the derm and I'm on a prescription (spironolactone) that has cleared me up 100% and costs $10 per month. Highly recommend!

Teenager had same problem. Spiro cleared up skin after 3 Accutane failures. It was her idea, not the doctor's, to get hormones tested.... Was high in testosterone--no amount of product will help you overcome that.

Paula's Choice has a salicylic acid product that is the right pH to work; evidently many product lines do not do this. I haven't used it myself (pregnant), but the Non-Blonde beauty blogger raved about it.

Anonymous wrote:Go to a dermatologist.

+1. I spent hundreds of dollars on over the counter products trying to clear up my adult acne. One visit to the derm and I'm on a prescription (spironolactone) that has cleared me up 100% and costs $10 per month. Highly recommend!

If you can't take antibiotics and or hormonal birth control, try eliminating dairy, nuts, red wine, and spicy food.

Anonymous wrote:This may come from left field but I had "adult acne" too. Never had it is a kid. It was worst around my hairline and my neck but also my chin. It was beer that caused it. I went on weight watchers and cut out beer for that reason (and when I was pregnant) and my skin cleared up. For me, it is actually psoriasis, not acne. Avoiding real beer (light beer once a week or so is ok) and treating it with hydrocortisone is what works. I just turned 39 and my skin is better now than it has been since I was 18--about when I started to really drink beer.

Oh! I wonder if this is my problem too. I stopped drinking beer when I got pregnant, my skin cleared up, and I haven't gone back to drinking beer since I had the baby, and my skin has been really great.

Thanks!

Go to a dermatologist.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, the best thing for me was go to minimal. If I use anything, it's Burt's Bees. But mostly I wash my face with just water and a washcloth. But I've also heard good things about using baking soda for adult acne (google it). It can sting the first few times, but it does seem to help some.

Minimal makeup. The fewer products, the better (both in terms of makeup and cleansers, or skincare stuff).

Also, lots of water and exercise.

+1 I recently got an acne facial and have some sample products from that (Glymed, I think?) but they are HARSH and I use them maybe once a week. It's a salicylic acid cleanser (which is also great for anti-aging) and benzoyl peroxide lotion. I found a line called Desert Essence at Whole Foods that has an acne cleanser made up of castile soap and various essential oils. It leaves my skin feeling very clean but not stripped. Their oil control lotion is great. I use that at night and a BB cream with SPF during the day and my skin has cleared up beautifully. For exfoliation I just use a washcloth (at the advice of the facialist) and that works great. Good luck.

https://www.desertessence.com/skin-care

Black soap like this: http://www.amazon.com/Dudu-Osun-Black-Soap-6-Count/dp/B000TAE0RK.

Sulfur mask. There are cheap and expensive versions.

Removing the mask with a wash cloth exfoliates your skin.

I like Yes to Tomatoes moisturizer.

I echo PP on minimal face makeup. If you must wear it to work (for confidence, etc), remove it as soon as you get home. Don't wear it on weekends.

If you workout and don't shower as soon as you're done, try wiping your face with a a towelette (I use Yes to Tomatoes brand).

This may come from left field but I had "adult acne" too. Never had it is a kid. It was worst around my hairline and my neck but also my chin. It was beer that caused it. I went on weight watchers and cut out beer for that reason (and when I was pregnant) and my skin cleared up. For me, it is actually psoriasis, not acne. Avoiding real beer (light beer once a week or so is ok) and treating it with hydrocortisone is what works. I just turned 39 and my skin is better now than it has been since I was 18--about when I started to really drink beer.

Honestly, the best thing for me was go to minimal. If I use anything, it's Burt's Bees. But mostly I wash my face with just water and a washcloth. But I've also heard good things about using baking soda for adult acne (google it). It can sting the first few times, but it does seem to help some.

Minimal makeup. The fewer products, the better (both in terms of makeup and cleansers, or skincare stuff).

Also, lots of water and exercise.

I 'm 37. I have hormonal acne around my jaw and hairline and breakouts on my cheeks and nose. (Argh!) I'm currently using Dermologica's Medi-Bac line, and while I generally like the products, they aren't working as well for me as they used to. I'm looking for products that are designed for adult acne, preferably ones that will also help brighten my skin and prevent wrinkles. Recommendations for a cleanser, exfoliator, mattifyer/primer, and moisturizer (preferably with SPF). Anyone here love what they use? I've looked into Origins, Korres, Murad, Bare Minerals, Dr. Brandt...any thoughts on those or any other products?