Prescription Acne Medecine

[Brownshugaz]

I have been using Tretinoin Cream (retin a) 0.025% nightly and Clindamycin phosphate every morning since January when my dermatologist prescribed it. They seemed to work for a while but it seems as if the Clindamycin isn't keeping the acne at bay. The retin A is working well by eliminating the dark spots and scars but the pimples keep coming. I wash my face with Cetaphil twice a day and I don't use anything else on my skin except I recently began to tone with the aspirin toner.

I'm so fed up! I can't see my dermatologist until August because she has no available appointments until then. I can't and will not go this long with my skin looking this way. Having acne really undermines my already fragile self-confidence. Do you ladies have any suggestions?

[DigitalRain]

I've lost all faith in antibiotics since eventually bacteria living in your skin will mutate and become resistant to topical antibiotics. Eventually antibiotics will be useless and there you are still with acne and mutated acne bacteria that's stronger and more resistant to meds than ever.

You may want to try a stronger strength in the RA. Or you can add benzoyl peroxide, like Neutrogena on the spot 2.5% BP. The good thing about BP is bacteria cannot mutate and become resistant to it. Or maybe add a salicyclic acid product to help unclog pores.

Good luck.

ETA: If you decide to use BP, make sure you do not use both retin a and bp at the same time. BP neutralizes the active ingredient in retin A.

[toinette]

i'm sorry brownshugaz. i have the same problem as you. i have dark spots and in an effort to crrect that i now have uneven skintone. i could deal wirth this except for the fact that i am still breaking out. i was using retin-a as well.i decided to simplify my routine so i am only going to use the murad acne complex kit and at night use my alpha hydrox cream to moisturize. good luck.

[ThickHair]

Try this, I have had much success. Very inexpensive and so simple, yet effective. http://www.acne.org/regimen.html

[lkg4healthyhair]

I know exactly how you feel. Since I was young I have always had acne and I remember in my 20s a dr gave me Clymidacin (sp?) also and this did nothing for me. I also have oily skin too so my face was a mess.

I realized that drs bascially prescribe the same products, so I had to add to it by getting regular facials and glycolic peels.I can happily say that I now have smooth skin (baby soft and smooth) that is no longer shinny and in my opinion I believe it is due to facials (extractions) and peels. People compliment me all the time and this is just amazing to me.

I would suggest you try getting a good facial cleaning and maybe talk to your derm about a beta/glycolic peel or use L'Oreal glycolic peels which I use weekly now.

There is also a product called Duac gel that you put on a pimple that is on its way up and will stop it. This did not work for me but I know other people who have used it and like it. I use 24hr Acne gel by Elene. This stuff is amazing!!!! It wipes out pimples in a flash. I no longer worry about acne but now am concentrating on dark spots, which is why I want Retin A micro instead of Differin.

Have you tried Proactive?

[Champagne_Wishes]

I have been using Tretinoin Cream (retin a) 0.025% nightly and Clindamycin phosphate every morning since January when my dermatologist prescribed it. They seemed to work for a while but it seems as if the Clindamycin isn't keeping the acne at bay. The retin A is working well by eliminating the dark spots and scars but the pimples keep coming. I wash my face with Cetaphil twice a day and I don't use anything else on my skin except I recently began to tone with the aspirin toner.

I'm so fed up! I can't see my dermatologist until August because she has no available appointments until then. I can't and will not go this long with my skin looking this way. Having acne really undermines my already fragile self-confidence. Do you ladies have any suggestions?


IMO antibiotics seem worthless in treating acne in my experience. I would look for another dermie and have them prescribe a stronger prescription of Retin-A.

[Brownshugaz]

I have not tried Proactive. I'm going to meet with my derm again sometime in the next few months. I think I'm going to stop using the antibiotic since its virtually useless in my opinion.

[jade3]

I've had alot of success with using the method in a book called the "Acne Cure" If you do a search on this site. I'm sure you'll find the thread. My skin has been flawless since I've been doing this.

Good Luck!

[naomi]

Hi Brownshugaz

My dermatologist diagnosed with me acne vulgaris- he prescribed Azelex cream and Rosula NS medicated pads. I can do without the the medicated pads cause its not necessary for my skin- it does nothing. Thank god he gave me those as samples and saved me money from filling a prescription.

But I am loving the Azelex cream, it actually makes my skin texture smoother and softer- and the blemishes do diminish. And unlike most acne meds it doesnt cause irritation to my skin at all. I wash my face with Olay clarify cleanser- it contains salicylic acid and moisturize with olay complete for combination/olay skin. This regimen keeps my skin supple and glowing. I apply Azelex at night after I wash my face- I do not put on any moisturizer at night.

I think you need to suggest Azelex cream to your dermatologist, its primarily for mild to moderate acne.

Heres info on Azelex:

Title: Azelex New Prescription Acne Treatment Now Available in U.S.
URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/774A.htm
Doctor's Guide
April 9, 1996


IRVINE, Calif., April 9, 1996 -- AZELEX(R) (azelaic acid cream) 20% topical cream, the first new prescription drug indicated for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris in 10 years, was introduced today by Allergan Herbert, one of the skin care companies of Allergan, Inc.

"Noncompliance has been a major problem with acne treatment because prior medications have not been designed with a woman's lifestyle and cosmetic routine in mind," said Lenore S. Kakita, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA School of Medicine. "AZELEXcan be used under makeup, moisturizers, sunscreens, and other topical medications because it has been designed specifically with women in mind."

AZELEX is a completely new class of acne therapy, chemically different from all currently available acne medications, including retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids. It is an azelaic acid cream made of a naturally occurring substance found in wheat.

AZELEX is believed to work uniquely with dual modes of action -- antimicrobial activity and normalization of keratinization (the process by which epithelial cells mature as they move toward the skin surface and then slough off) -- which attacks two of the major causes of acne.

The majority of patients start to see improvement in their acne within 4 weeks.

Excellent Efficacy and Safety

"In developing this new generation of acne therapy, the challenge was to combine a high rate of efficacy with a low rate of side effects in a formulation cosmetically acceptable to adult women," said Nicholas J. Lowe, MD, FRCP, FACP, clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA School of Medicine. "AZELEX" meets these criteria, providing women with a significant new weapon to fight mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne and thus enhance skin care."

A proven track record of efficacy and safety has been demonstrated in more than 6 years of European clinical experience and in two large- scale U.S. clinical trials.

In two multicenter, double-blind studies of 545 people with inflammatory acne, AZELEX was significantly more effective than the vehicle in reducing the number of inflammatory acne lesions.

Cosmetic Benefits

Clinical trial participants were asked to provide their overall impression of the cosmetic characteristics of the cream and to rate it in terms of texture, ease of application, appearance, and odor. More than 80% reported a favorable or neutral impression of the cosmetic characteristics of the study cream.

The cream is mild, moisturizing, and noncomedogenic (meaning it does not promote the formation of whiteheads or blackheads).

Minimal Side Effects

Treatment with AZELEX is associated with a low incidence of generally mild and transient side effects. The most common adverse reactions, occurring in 1% to 5% of clinical trial participants, were pruritus (itching), burning, stinging, and tingling; there is also potential for allergic reactions. Additionally, patients with dark complexions should be monitored for early signs of hypopigmentation.

AZELEX produces no known interactions with other topical acne medications. Unlike topical and oral antibiotic treatments for acne, there has been no reported bacterial resistance to AZELEX.

[honeycomb719]

I took minocycline 75mgs in conjunction w/ Retin-A, and Clindamycin Pledgets and A Breyxol(sp?) face wash for a few years w/ no problems. My acne remained at bay. But after I stopped taking it my acne s was back.
So IMO antibodies works. But, to each his on....
I would suggest you ask you Dr for another antibotic ;) .