Laura (Beaufort, Sc) on 04/26/2016
Hi Christina,
I had a similar situation to you. Acne from the age of 15 to last year (age 33). I noticed that certain birth control pills made my acne go away (and cleared up my scalp folliculitis, which is actually a type of acne), but I had to stop taking the birth control because it gave me high blood pressure. After a good bit of research, I realized my acne is hormonal, and like many adult women with acne, likely caused by a sensitivity to testosterone in my own body. Find a dermatologist who will prescribe you Spironolactone -- it blocks testosterone, and it is the ONLY thing that has completely cured my acne (even Accutane didn't do it for me). Some gynecologists will also prescribe it, and some of the more aware family doctors will, too. I hear you about the natural cure. Spironolactone is not natural, but it's a much better and more sustainable option for most women than antibiotics.
Speaking of antibiotics: get off of the antibiotics as soon as you can. Taking antibiotics long term is not good for your gut (disturbs the balance of beneficial bacteria that keep you healthy), and will eventually lead to skin bacteria that are resistant to that antibiotic, meaning it will stop working after a while.
I have tried pretty much every natural approach to acne management in the book, but to no avail. If you are still passionate about a natural cure, look into supplements with chasteberry/Vitex, supplements that block estrogen, and burdock root. Those didn't work for me, but they have worked for other people I've read about online.
Good luck! I think spironolactone could really help you. It changed my life.
