Hi! I have not posted anything on reddit in this caliber before- so please give me grace!
I’m 30 this year and struggling with hormonal acne that has flared up in the past two years or so. I’ve been to the dermatologist once because my regular routine wasn’t enough to calm the mentally exhausting cycle and was put on differin. It seemed to work well for the first 4~5 months but it’s hitting month 8 now and it feels like i’m stuck in a constant loop of break outs > scarring > almost completely healed and back to square 1. Everyday i wake up with a new spot or another one forming underneath my skin, it’s exhausting.
I’ve had quite severe acne in my teens as well but that one trip to a derm solved it for me, at least until i turned 28 :/
I’ve always had regular periods up to this day but struggle severely with period cramps and pmdd.
I’m on the fence about returning to the derm just because it’s rather expensive and i’m worried i’ll get shut down for my concerns because my acne isn’t “severe” enough (happens all the time in health care.. or at least in my personal experience)
In the past month i tried azelaic acid (cos de BAHA 5%)
as well as adding a bunch of hydrating products (anua 77 toner, illyoon moisturizer and toriden dive in serum)
And the congestion really messed up my skin.
I’ve been off those products for 2 weeks but more spots and comedones are surfacing everyday.
My routine now is simple
Cetaphil cleanser
Cerave moisturizer
Differin (night only)
That’s it.
I know it isn’t anywhere near severe as it gets but its mentally exhausting and really is taking a hit at my confidence.
(Im so sorry for the terrible photos. I thank all of you who take the time to read this and for any advise!)