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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13251
15 days ago
56

clear skin medicine - #13251

Keya

I am really struggling with my skin lately and I hope someone here can help me figure things out. For the past year, I've been dealing with horrible acne. Like, I never had this growing up, and now I'm in my late 20s, and it's like my face has turned into a battlefield. I do all the stuff like washing my face, trying over-the-counter creams, but nothing seems to work. I went to a derm a few months ago, and they prescribed some topical stuff, but honestly, I'm still searching for that magic clear skin medicine that will actually help! My skin feels oily one minute and then super dry the next, and it’s so frustrating. I don’t even want to go out anymore. I read somewhere that diet can play a role too, so I tried cutting out dairy and sugar, but there wasn’t really any huge change. I just want a clear skin medicine that can really make a difference. Has anyone else been in this position? What worked for you? Any suggestions on clear skin medicine that is effective or even things like lifestyle changes or supplements? Honestly in need of some real advice!

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Doctors’ responses

When dealing with persistent adult acne, especially when over-the-counter treatments haven’t been effective, a multifaceted approach is often necessary. Prescription medications are sometimes needed to get a handle on severe cases. First, let’s talk about topical medications. If the ones you’ve been using from your dermatologist haven’t worked, it might be worth discussing alternatives like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid, as these target different acne-causing factors. Sometimes combining topical treatments can be more effective, too. If topical treatments alone aren’t making much of a difference, oral medications might be the next step. Antibiotics help reduce inflammation and bacteria but are generally only recommended for short-term use. Oral contraceptives and spironolactone, which reduce androgen levels, can particularly help with hormonal acne. Isotretinoin is another powerful option if other treatments have failed, albeit with more significant side effects and monitoring requirements. Since you’ve already tried dietary changes, it’s good to reassess and see if consistency over months might yield subtle results. Some find limiting high-glycemic foods helps more than just dairy. Stress management, regulating sleep, and staying hydrated also play roles. Overuse of harsh skincare products can strip skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and increased oil production as a result, so using a gentle, balanced moisturizer can help, even if it feels counterintuitive. Supplements like zinc or omega-3s have been suggested for skin health but aren’t universally effective, so it’s wise to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. Since acne can significantly affect one’s quality of life, revisiting your skincare routine, possibly incorporating non-comedogenic products, and dermatological treatments like chemical peels or light therapy might aid too. Remember, there’s no miracle cure, and it often takes time and experimentation to find what truly works for you, but collaborating with your healthcare provider can lead the way to clearer skin.

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