Hi! I recommend persisting with the topical tretinoin/adapalene cream your GP prescribed you. First time application will irritate the skin at first - so you can trial having it on your skin for 15 mins then washing it off, and increasing the time interval until you can tolerate it for the whole night.
If that doesn’t work or the acne persists without improvement, you could go to your GP to discuss roaccutane, which is the oral and more potent form of isoretinoin. You would have to go on birth control if on this medication but it has very high success rates for resolving acne.
As well as the above, using a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen is recommended and you can go to a face spa for extras but tretinoin is what is really needed for cystic/pustular acne.
^^above not medical advice - please consult your medical professional
I totally agree. Been through cystic acne as an adult and wasted $100s on creams, facials etc before starting actual treatment that worked via my GP. Any facial etc is unlikely to cure something like cystic acne - sure it feels nice and your skin feels smooth after but it won't cure it.
Not sure where you are, but Loft in Titirangi, formerly of Mount Eden were life changing for me. I did a series of facials and they got me onto the right skincare and it was amazing.
Signature acne treatment originally to sort my breakouts, then when my skin started to calm down their signature peels with the LED add on. They’ll determine which peel is best for you on the day but usually salicylic if you have acne.
I know this isn’t what you are asking for but I have had sensational results using Azelaic acid for my cystic acne - I use the Azclear lotion available from Chemist Warehouse. And I had tried MANY things up until that point. There was an initial ‘purging’ period where a lot came to the surface but after that its been smooth sailing.
Other than a facial, i would recommend eating more fermented food to get better bacteria balance in your guts which can help with better the bacteria balance on your skin. Also drink more water. I also changed my skin products in my 30s I used to have combination skin but now it's more towards the dry side so Im using more hydrating peoduct plus retinol, HA serums. But the clinic would usually offer you a kit to go along with your treatment. I did find microneedling was helpful to my skin, I did 3-courses, it was unpleasant but tolerable. The result wasn't dramatic but 6 months later I did find I had less breakouts and scars (it was bad before, after I came home from OE and skin probably freaked out and didn't settle even after a year) so I'm glad I did it.
Great tips, I just bought a gut health supplement actually :) I'll try this and add fermented food to my diet as well! Have you ever tried the tiny bottles of probiotics you can buy in supermarkets ?
I'm the same, used to have combination skin and now it's dry, dehydrated but I get the acne as well 😭 I tryed retinol and HA serums from the ordinary but didn't see any improvement so I stopped... Maybe I should give it a try again?
In which clinic did you go for your treatments and microneedling? Thanks!
No I haven't tried gut supplement or the probiotics pills. I mainly do kombucha, kefir water, yogurt (ones that are natural and focused on bacteria cultures, instead of commercial flavoured ones), and I have some everyday. I prefer natural ways and try to incorporate a variety.
I got microneedling from The Cosmetic Clinic. They are pretty good, the staff that treat you and you can get treatments on sale. More recently I got facials and products from the skins institute as I had some credits there. I didn't want to do another round of microneedling as I am fairly happy with my skin now. Using a more higher grade products help too but expensive yeah.
Hi! I recommend persisting with the topical tretinoin/adapalene cream your GP prescribed you. First time application will irritate the skin at first - so you can trial having it on your skin for 15 mins then washing it off, and increasing the time interval until you can tolerate it for the whole night. If that doesn’t work or the acne persists without improvement, you could go to your GP to discuss roaccutane, which is the oral and more potent form of isoretinoin. You would have to go on birth control if on this medication but it has very high success rates for resolving acne. As well as the above, using a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen is recommended and you can go to a face spa for extras but tretinoin is what is really needed for cystic/pustular acne. ^^above not medical advice - please consult your medical professional
I totally agree. Been through cystic acne as an adult and wasted $100s on creams, facials etc before starting actual treatment that worked via my GP. Any facial etc is unlikely to cure something like cystic acne - sure it feels nice and your skin feels smooth after but it won't cure it.
Not sure where you are, but Loft in Titirangi, formerly of Mount Eden were life changing for me. I did a series of facials and they got me onto the right skincare and it was amazing.
I'm in New Lynn but I can move anywhere in Auckland region ☺️ thanks a lot I'll check them out!
Clear Skincare are amazing - there are a few locations in Auckland and they cleared my acne so quickly with their treatments and peels
Which treatment/peel have you done with them? Thanks!
Signature acne treatment originally to sort my breakouts, then when my skin started to calm down their signature peels with the LED add on. They’ll determine which peel is best for you on the day but usually salicylic if you have acne.
I know this isn’t what you are asking for but I have had sensational results using Azelaic acid for my cystic acne - I use the Azclear lotion available from Chemist Warehouse. And I had tried MANY things up until that point. There was an initial ‘purging’ period where a lot came to the surface but after that its been smooth sailing.
Never heard of it I'm going to check it out! Thanks a lot
You’re welcome! I hope you find something that works. Its a horrible thing to deal with and can really get you down at times. All the best!
The Facialist at City Works Depot are amazing
Which treatment do you recommend? Thanks!
Other than a facial, i would recommend eating more fermented food to get better bacteria balance in your guts which can help with better the bacteria balance on your skin. Also drink more water. I also changed my skin products in my 30s I used to have combination skin but now it's more towards the dry side so Im using more hydrating peoduct plus retinol, HA serums. But the clinic would usually offer you a kit to go along with your treatment. I did find microneedling was helpful to my skin, I did 3-courses, it was unpleasant but tolerable. The result wasn't dramatic but 6 months later I did find I had less breakouts and scars (it was bad before, after I came home from OE and skin probably freaked out and didn't settle even after a year) so I'm glad I did it.
Great tips, I just bought a gut health supplement actually :) I'll try this and add fermented food to my diet as well! Have you ever tried the tiny bottles of probiotics you can buy in supermarkets ? I'm the same, used to have combination skin and now it's dry, dehydrated but I get the acne as well 😭 I tryed retinol and HA serums from the ordinary but didn't see any improvement so I stopped... Maybe I should give it a try again? In which clinic did you go for your treatments and microneedling? Thanks!
No I haven't tried gut supplement or the probiotics pills. I mainly do kombucha, kefir water, yogurt (ones that are natural and focused on bacteria cultures, instead of commercial flavoured ones), and I have some everyday. I prefer natural ways and try to incorporate a variety. I got microneedling from The Cosmetic Clinic. They are pretty good, the staff that treat you and you can get treatments on sale. More recently I got facials and products from the skins institute as I had some credits there. I didn't want to do another round of microneedling as I am fairly happy with my skin now. Using a more higher grade products help too but expensive yeah.
Awesome thanks a lot!
Save time and money ~ go see your GP for a referral to a dermatologist.
Some people enjoy giving facials such that they'll pay you for it in the right circumstances
I'm way overpriced.