Retin-A

[AlethiaSi]

I've never been on Retin- A but i've heard good things about it, but peeling i think is a common side effect.

my skin is so much better on BC, but pills didn't work for me, i was on the patch for 2 years and i absolutely loved it. Apparently, they just took it off the market but I'm going to try the ring, its supposed to be even better with less risks.

Almost all BC's help with acne though, so if you're open to it, that is a definate benefit, along with bigger boobs (but some ppl gain weight, i did... ) and less cramps.

[KSUViolet06]

I'd stick with topical (things that you put ON the skin) stuff for acne. I've never heard anything bad about Retin-A.

I don't recommend taking the pill just for acne. It has some weird side effects that I just don't think are worth it if you don't absolutely NEED the pill for contraception.

My regular family dr started me on the pill for acne, and it didn't help much. I gained weight, had headaches because of the hormones, and got nauseous alot. When I went back to my GYN (to see if maybe she knew what was going on), she told me that taking the pill just wasn't worth it if I didn't need it for it's actual purpose (contraceptive).

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

I'd stick with topical (things that you put ON the skin) stuff for acne. I've never heard anything bad about Retin-A.

I don't recommend taking the pill just for acne. It has some weird side effects that I just don't think are worth it if you don't absolutely NEED the pill for contraception.

I agree with KSUViolet06. I used Retin-A Micro for acne (cystic at that ) and I got WONDERFUL results. I did experience peeling for the first 2-3 weeks but after that, nothing. Just be sure to use a good moisturizer (especially if you have dry skin) with sunscreen and you will be fine.

I would not use BC as a way to control acne.

Now, I use pure tea tree oil to treat it. At the first sign of cystic acne I apply it topically twice a day and it works. It will either never form or it will last for only 2 to 3 days (never fulling "forming" and totally gone by day 3). No scarring or peeling either.