Been crying all day...

[Atti11]

Ever since I started birth control pills a few months ago, my skin has been HORRIBLE. I tried them last summer, and the same thing happened- my clear skin went to cystic, horrible pimples all around my mouth and on my chin. They HURT. They are HUGE. I'm so upset.

I have so many things coming up - thanksgiving at my bf's relatives place for the first time, and in December, a vacation with his whole fam in the Caribbean. I don't want to look horrible!

I have tried several BCP's, and went off them last month. During that time, we had an "accident" so I took Plan B and about 4 BCP's in one night because we couldnt get the plan B until the next morning.

The next day (about 3 weeks ago) I got the NuvaRing, which the dr. told me would not affect my acne due to the fact that it does not go through my liver. I am now supposed to be getting my period, my skin is HORRIBLE, (still no period, but probably becasue of the wack of hormones I took last month...hopefully I get it soon to ease my mind).

I'm at my wits end. I have 2 full prescriptions for minocyclin, the antibiotic, but I really don't want to take it because I hate antibiotics and how they affect my digestive system AND the fact that they render the BC less effective- the whole reason i'm in this situation in the first place!

I have an apptment with my gynocologist to discuss birth control. She won't give me the non-hormonal IUD because I have never had kids. I don't want to use a diaphram because I am prone to UTI's. Just using a condom and spermacide is not an option for me.

Does anybody have any recomendations? Should I try the NuvaRing for another couple of months? Ask for Spiro?

RIght now I am sitting in bed with puffy eyes, and my entire chin covered with honey because I read about that. I tried an asprin mask today too. I have proactiv, but it really dries my skin out!

Sorry this is SO long...I'm just miserable.

Thanks to anybody who reads and responds in advance.

[aussie_jono]

1. Try Yasmin, which tends to help acne, rather than worsen it

2. Twice a day, use a 2% salacylic acid wash (nutrogena etc), followed by 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion (oyx 5 etc)

[Stoler99]

Spiro i'v heard is good for women, so you can try that.
But i must tell you, I had really bad acne and tried Doxycycline.
The same company who makes Minocycline makes Doxycycline.
The Doxycycline was the holy grail for clearing my face and body of acne.
The Doxycycline I took was 100 MG per capsule.
I took one capsule per day.

I also use besides the Doxycycline.

I love the Juice Organics Nourishing Cleanser
They sell this in CVS, Vitamin Shoppe and its on E Bay.
Read the reviews

This soap-free cleanser is made with organic juices and antioxidant vitamins to nourish and revitalize skin cells.
It uses Grape Seed, Aloe, Chamomilla, Sunflower seed, Apple, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, B5, Citrus.
I tried a lot of cleansers that use a lot of vitamins in them.
I tried the Avalon and Jason cleansers.
They just felt to oily on my face.
The Juice Organics Nourishing Cleanser feels so smooth on my face.
It doesnt feel oily which I liked.
Leave it on for a minute then wash off.

For a toner, I like the Earth Science toner.
They sell that in Whole Foods.
Its called the Earth Science Aloe Vera Complexion Toner & Freshener - 9 oz
Its an alcohol free toner that has nice ingredients. Aloe juice, sea kelp extract, chamomile extract, Vitamin A, licorice root extract, zinc sulfate, grapefruit seed extract, hyaluronic acid.

For a lotion i recommend this.
Its called Wet and Wild Spot Treatment.
Dont be fooled by the name.
This is a great lotion for getting rid of acne and redmarks.
It uses top of the line incredients.
It uses 2% Salicylic Acid, Green Tea, Aloe, Nobilis Flower, Tee Tree Leaf Oil,
Cucumber, Algae Extract, Licorice Root and ***** hazel.
They sell this in Walgreens and Rite Aid.

[aussie_jono]

I would use antibiotics only as a last resort..... they are bad for you, and for society..... you, because they encourage antibiotic resistant organisms to colonise your body, and society because they mean antibiotics will be less useful for potentialy lifethreatening infections, because they have been squandered on acne.

[tiggerbuddy]

At this point, I would definitely recommend antibiotics. You don't have enough time to try a new bcp or spiro to get results before thanksgiving and your vacation. The only thing that will possibly give you results without an initial breakout within this small amount of time is antibiotics. Also, ask for a topical antibiotic (such as clindamycin) in addition to an oral. Studies have shown that this is more effective. I know it's not the best case scenario, but if you're worried about antibiotics decreasing the effectiveness of bcp, just use condoms. After your trip, i'd definitely try to talk with your doctor about spiro- it worked wonders on my skin, but took about 3-4 months to work. gl!

oh, and please don't believe everything you hear about antibiotics being dangerous, and becoming resistant... the antibiotics used to treat acne are not the same as the ones used to treat serious infections (such as penicillin, methicillin, etc.). Also, if they cause GI problems, take them with food, and also take acidophilus or lactobacillus supplements or eat yogurt daily.