Yasmin not impressive

lady346 · 03-14-2006, 05:58 PM

I haven't been here for awhile because my skin has cleared up a lot since my last issue. For background, I must have had a hormonal switch in college because my skin sort of freaked out (around 4 years ago now). I went to the derm and got put on doxycycline, which was a miracle. It was amazing! However, after 2 years or so, it started to come back. I continued taking doxy, cause at least it subdued it, but didnt work well anymore. THen this past summer, I tried birth control (to help with my periods mainly). I went on seasonale, it cleared up my skin, but I hated it. Then I went on Nuva Ring- HUGE mistake. That is when I came to these boards. My skin was a disaster. My poor then-boyfriend had to hear me complain almost everyday and told me he didnt see anything but I had multiple deep cysts popping up in lines down my jawline. So I got off of that and went on Yasmin. Now, its been a lot better. Ive also started using the aspirin mask, microderm abrasion and AHA lotion. The surface of my skin is very smooth, currently.
However, the tone is awful. I have a few small pock marks. I have blackheads and my pores are large. Without makeup, it is red, blotchy, and just sort of ravaged looking. I notice during my off week of the pills, my face breaks out a lot, usually a large one here and there. Im a picker, so I tend to scar my face

(need to work on that). They tend to fill in over time, but still.
Yet, once I start taking my pills again, theres not a huge significant difference. I still break out, theyre just smaller. I also tend to break out in the same area- to the left of my nose (that jaw area) and my forehead has a few blackheads that can turn into deep ones that annoy me. Also a little to the right of my nose.
What is my problem? Is it hormonal if birth control is not working its magic? If doxy once cleared it up flawlessly, is it a hormonal issue or something else? I heard Yasmin worked miracles for some, so Im a little pissed its not a miracle for me. I love the pill for what it does to me otherwise, so I dont want to switch it. Is there something else I can do? Should I even bother with a derm? Last time he gave me skin lightening lotion and clindamyacin and neither did anything. Im 23, and my complexion is the one thing about me that I really get frustrated with, and Im getting tired of it!
Thanks

dceptiveophelia · 03-14-2006, 07:18 PM

Hi CityGirl,

I can definitely relate. My skin always has cystic break outs a week before my period, and in the same areas as your's. (I'm 24). When my period isn't on the way, my skin has really improved over the last year due to my monthly facials at a spa.

I started Ortho Tri-Cyclen when I was 19 to regulate my crazy period and hopefully improve my skin in the process. My period went from two weeks to 4 days. It really helped my body acne, but didn't do a great deal for my face. After about 2 years I decided to switch to Yasmine to see if it would work better to clear my skin. I've now been on it for a little over 2 years, and during this time I haven't seen any noticeable improvement. I also still break out more on my back and chest than when I was on OTC. My period did remain light, 3-4 days, which was great.

Since the results with Yasmin didn't impress me either, and because they don't have a generic & I don't have insurance, I'm switching to Apri (desogen) when my current pack runs out because it's cheaper and I've heard some good things about it.

How long have you been on the Yasmin? You should give it at least 6 months, as a lot of the girls on this board have had success after that long. You might also see if a derm or endocrinologist can prescribe you Spiro as well. This has also helped alot of women with hormonal acne.

lady346 · 03-15-2006, 12:58 AM

I have been on Yasmin since...around Oct I think, so it has been close to 6 months for sure. I LOVE this pill for reasons other than my face, as they were the initial motives for going on the pill in the 1st place. However, I am just tired of the blotchiness of my skin. Its very sensitive My skin can be clear for a few days, but barely- I am always having little ones pop up, but no one would notice because I either pop them or cover them with makeup. Its the big ones that come right before my period. I just dont want to worry about my makeup anymore! And Im afraid of deep scarring. Id love to go running around without any concealer or anything, like when I was younger!
So what is the deal with Spiro? Ive researched a little on this site...can anyone help me out with that and the resulsts theyve found? Also, do derms prescribe that? If so, I can call to make an appt tomorrow.
Thanks!

lady346 · 03-15-2006, 01:13 PM

Can anyone comment on Spiro?

I have mild but persistent breakouts. Yasmin not really working well, although the smoothness of my skin is great.

I know a lot of you here are on it/have taken it.

How hard was it to get it prescribed? I live in NYC so Im hoping the derm should know about it?

How were your results?