Zits/Acne

[JohnR]

  just 

I didn't get this the first time round! Which products actually worked for you guys?

[Bagheera]

Um well I've been prescribed a combination of minocycline with Duac topical (Clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel 1%*5%) and they're working like a charm for me. Minocycline is supposedly more aggressive than the doxycycline I used previously. So far it seems true. I'm at about 3.5mos now and everything is pretty much cleared up and smooth. I just have some scarring/redness remaining from years of skin problems that should go down in time.

I don't have any suggestions about over the counter products because they haven't really worked for me. Hopefully some other guys will be able to help you out better.

[Carson]

I use oxy products, the regular ones worked for me before but now I am getting serious bacne because of the heat and my binder so I switched to the clinical strength and it seems to be clearing up. Oxy products are actually made for guys going through puberty they have face wash and scrub, cleansing pads, spot treatment, lotion, aftershave, post shave lotion, and shaving cream.

[Matt Chase]

I used to have an annoying amount of acne around my nose/cheeks/forehead but i'm pretty clear now. Usually use some astringent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toner_%28skin_care%29) to clean up the dirt or whatever, and then wash my face with this Equate moisturizing wash stuff (basically just soap for your face, but it moisturizes cos the toner dries out my skin some, the brand doesn't seem to make a difference.)  Epiduo seems to work pretty well, too, i use it nightly, but it's expensive if you don't get a prescription. If you go to a dermatologist they'll prescribe it to you, though, along with antibiotics, which can really help (my sister used them and cleared up really well) and then it's like $5 or something. Equate's max strength acne cream works for me too, does basically the same thing as Epiduo, and you don't need a prescription.

Don't know if that will help, different things work for different people because we're all Unique! Just try out some different methods for a few weeks at a time to find what works for you. Good luck!

[jmaxley]

When I was in high school, I had really bad acne.  And then a doctor prescribed me an antibiotic for it, I think it was tetracycline, and it helped tremendously.

[Robert Scott]

Really? When I start T I am going to get acne?  I am 40 years old  --- I thought I was done with all that!  Geez oh pete

[Mark]

there is an antibiotic called minocycline that helps get rid of acne, however docs dont like to prescribe it from long periods of time because it could have side effects. (however i took it for over a year and never experienced anything) Works pretty well actually, I would recommend it

[Chris968]

I swear by Proactive.  I always used to think it was a scam.  I had acne in high school but nothing awful, but when I started T my face and neck broke out like whoa.  My grandma insisted I try it and I was very consistent with it for a long time and the acne was completely gone.  However it is expensive and it only works if you keep up with it.  Right now I'm dealing with a really bad breakout on my shoulders and I don't know why so I may have to look into an oral antibiotic.

[Hurtfulsplash]

I've had bad acne sine I was in grade three and have tried countless products, including Proactive, been prescribed Tetracycline and Acutane (very bad), and I've found the best thing for me is to use plain old antibacterial soap once or twice a day. Also, don't over wash your face, it just produces more oil.

[JohnR]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm definitely going to have to try something.

[Radar]

I use a 91% isopropyl alcohol with crushed aspirin added mix twice a day and it works better than anything I've ever tried. Another plus is it's super cheap. Then I use AcneFree Terminator 10 cream for spot treatment. I had some major acne issues last summer from wearing my binder but by being diligent using these products it's been very good this summer.

[Chamillion]

I use Neutrogena daily scrub every morning.  It keeps the acne under control for the most part but I still have some at the bottom of my cheeks/chin area, where new facial hair is growing.  I just accept it as part of puberty

[LeeIam]

I have had bad skin and lots of scars for years and I've just used a facial scrub and anti-bactrial soap. Since I've started T its got a lot worse. I don't want more scars so I'll be getting perscription medications.

[Jamie-o]

I tried Radar's alcohol and aspirin treatment, and I agree that it really helps.  I've also found that using Head and Shoulders (Pyrithione Zinc dandruff shampoo) pretty much eliminates any break outs on my back.

[JudahLiam]

proactive all the way

[Radar]

I've also found that using Head and Shoulders (Pyrithione Zinc dandruff shampoo) pretty much eliminates any break outs on my back.

Really? Do you just use it like soap in the bath and wash your back? I have some dandruff shampoo lying around that I don't use since I don't have dandruff.

[Cowboi]

Really? Do you just use it like soap in the bath and wash your back? I have some dandruff shampoo lying around that I don't use since I don't have dandruff.

Inquiring minds want to know! I'm interested in trying this too. I have horrible acne on my back that is now spreading down my arms, my ass, onto my chest and on my sides. Even my lower arms are getting acne. Yet my face is untouched? I find this very odd.

I've been considering trying to go to a dermatologist again, for some reason though it never gets through their heads that I've been prescribed several different topical ointments and I've tried everything over the counter on several occasions and none of that works. I really need an oral med in my opinion, but they just don't seem to agree. The best doctor was the one who expected me to use creams on my back twice a day while I lived by myself... and had no ability to reach my back lol.

[Jamie-o]

Sorry, I haven't been around in a while, so I didn't realize people were asking for clarification on one of my posts.  In answer, I just use Head and Shoulders as shampoo and body wash, at the same time, and it seems to help.  I don't know why, or if it would work for anyone else.

Actually, I was trying to figure out why I had very little trouble with acne as a teen, but started having trouble as an adult, and one thing that occurred to me was that I was using dandruff shampoo back then, but had since stopped using it.  So I decided to give it a try again, and have had very few break-outs on my back and shoulders since.  Hope it proves as useful for you guys.

... The best doctor was the one who expected me to use creams on my back twice a day while I lived by myself... and had no ability to reach my back lol.

Don't you just love it when doctors won't listen to you?  For what it's worth, my doctor said that topical treatments tend not to work as well on body acne as on the face.  But, hey, the pills don't make them as much money as the fancy topical treatments.  Maybe your GP would be willing to prescribe you the antibiotics, especially if you know what worked for you in the past?

[JohnR]

I'd forgotten this thread. The zits have virtually stopped coming now, I'm hoping it was just a blip as my body got used to the T.

I started using one of those apricot facial scrubs with the rough pieces in, my skin sometimes gets really thick now and the scrub helps it to shed.