
Hi! I’m 24f and have been struggling with acne for years. The past year or so has been the worst it has been and it has recently taken a significant toll on my self-esteem. I feel like no matter what I do, I can’t get my skin clear. I have been on azelaic acid and tretinoin for a little over a year and a half at this point and I recently began spironolactone. September 15th-November 7th I was on 50mg and as of November 7th I’ve been on 100mg (I know it can def take time but no change to my acne yet). I have health OCD so accutane really scares me so ideally I would want to try a few more things before that if anyone has suggestions.

Products I currently use:
AM: cerave oily face wash (toying with only rinsing in the morning sans cleanser), hydrochloric acid spray, azelaic acid, La roche posay double repair moisturizer mixed with cocokind water-based moisturizer, and beauty of joseon spf

PM: same face wash, tretinoin, same moisturizer 
*I also use disposable face towels in the morning and never use the towel I use on my body on my face when I shower and change my pillow cases weekly*

Other factors:
- my skin got worse last winter which was the first winter I lived in a significantly cooler and drier climate
- it also worsened this past spring/summer when I had a copper iud (potentially due to stress I had due to complications) but did not improve after removal in August
- I was taking b6/b12 over the summer and stopped in September
- My multivitamin does have vitamin b and biotin in it that I know can trigger acne- I stopped taking that about a week ago
- I’ve been trying to cut out eggs and red meat despite my derm saying I don’t need to
- I take a nasal antihistamine daily
- I am not currently on birth control and cannot be on any that contain estrogen
- I am fairly active but my diet could certainly improve however, I eat the same I have for years and I don’t think I eat super unhealthy

Anyone who has struggled with similar acne to mine I would greatly appreciate advice! Even if it’s just suggestions on what to bring up at my next derm or pcp appts in early Jan. TIA

 




[Acne] persistent breakouts advice needed