OP, have you had a dermatologist diagnose what KIND of acne you have? There are several kinds. Mine took 10 years to diagnose as acne rosacea (I have olivey skin so it wasn't obvious). And as soon as I get stressed, BAM my skin breaks out (in addition to the monthly hormone-induced pimple or two).

I am on a sulfa wash, metrogel at night (an antiobiotic), and recently my derm added clindamycin gel during the day. Still waiting for the clindamycin to clear things up since I've only been on it a couple weeks. It has eliminated the cystic pimples, at least...

The other option is to take an oral antibiotic. My derm said that if the topicals didn't work, he prescribe a low-dose, slow-release dioxycycline, or cephalexin, which has worked for me previously (and I had only taken since at the time, they didn't offer a slow release dioxycyclin, and I couldn't tolerate the pills). If this is causing you mental anguish and you want it stopped NOW, that is the only way to go! Bring it up to your derm.

For those of you, like me at 32, who have acne - what type of skin do you have? I have VERY oily, olive skin. I don't get large pimples - but have a lot of the smaller "right under the surface" ones on my cheeks, jaw and upper forehead. They're not very visible unless directly in the sun. They drive me nuts and nothing seems to clear them up!! The worst part is that, now that I'm 32, the acne medicines I used to apply now make my skin peel. Then I have acne AND peeling - great combo! I'm TTC so accutane's not an option for me ... any advice would be very welcome.

I've been looking into some cosmetic stuff like microdermabrasion and chemical peels - have these helped anyone?

I saw that Dr. Brooks' has cosmetic procedures available - microderm etc, - but he also does the traditional stuff, which is what I saw him for. I only had to pay $10 copay with my BCBS- so nice! Obviously, if you go for the cosmetic procedures you pay out of pocket.

Anonymous wrote:My dermatologist doesn't seem to be as alarmed by my adult acne as I am. I am in my early 30s and breaking out worse than I ever have, to the point where I hate leaving the house and interacting with people. I need a dermatologist who will take my concerns seriously and help me find out WHY this is happening, and how I can get it under control FAST and permanently. Does anyone have a recommendation? I'm really anxious to get started right away as I've tried EVERYTHING available OTC and even some prescription meds and nothing has helped.

This was me at 33. (I'm 50 now.)

I went on Accutane for six months and it cured my acne. I have had only a couple of minor breakouts since then.

I can't recommend a dermatologist (I lived in another city at the time), but I would go that route all over again.

Isn't Dr. Brooks a cosmetic derm?

GeorgetownSkin (Dr Brooks) accepted my insurance - BCBS PPO.

Anonymous wrote:Second Dr. Brooks (who is actually in Glover Park). Georgetownskin.com

I am on antibiotics, avar face wash, a Rx retinol with a name I can't remember, and a combo topical antibiotic/BP product also that I can't remember the name of. Also on oral birth control. My skin is doing much better, but it's a full arsenal. And, i'll have to stop everything but the Avar when I get pregnant again, but hopefully this will help get the bacteria levels down in the mean time.

Good luck!

Does Georgetownskin accept insurance? Does any dermatologist accept insurance?

Second Dr. Brooks (who is actually in Glover Park). Georgetownskin.com

I am on antibiotics, avar face wash, a Rx retinol with a name I can't remember, and a combo topical antibiotic/BP product also that I can't remember the name of. Also on oral birth control. My skin is doing much better, but it's a full arsenal. And, i'll have to stop everything but the Avar when I get pregnant again, but hopefully this will help get the bacteria levels down in the mean time.

Good luck!

Dr. Leonard Cutler in Friendship Heights also 5454 Wisconsin bldg. He is excellent and doesn't ignore anything. He is all about making the skin its best.

Dr. Brooks in Georgetown is great.

I'm sorry you are going through this. My husband just turned up with the same thing although mostly around his chin and mouth. He feels terrible about it. It has been about three weeks and he has an appt on Friday with a dermatologist at gtown.

Look up washing with sea salt and hot compresses.