Acne Treatment Advice for African American Female, 26 YO

I'm an Afican American female, 26 years old. I went to the dermatologist in January for my acne and he prescribed me the following medications: Retin-A micro (grey cap), Duac, and an oral antibiotic. I was also told to wash my face twice a day with MD Forte. I've been following his directions exactly, but I haven't seen any progress. I'm still having the typical breakout that I've been having before taking the medication, now with dry skin as well. My follow up appointment is next week; can someone please give me some suggestions for my appointment, or other acne treatments I can try?

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by Teaky in New Orleans, LA

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Acne treatment advice

Here are some suggestions: 1- Patience. Acne does not clear instantly. We usually give a treatment course 3 months. If you are going to your first follow up then you are likely to still have lesions. 2- Moisturize. Research has shown that applying moisturizer twice daily helps clear acne. In fact, dry skin causes acne flares. 3- The MD forte wash may be too harsh if it contains glycolic acid and you are using retinoids. Check with your docotr... more

Would Leave Much Up To Dermatologist

My recommendation would be to tell your dermatologist exactly what you have mentioned here. We always like to know whether a patient is compliant. It seems that you have been compliant so it might be time to step up or change therapy. Your dermatologist will probably step up the Retin A to a higher strength, the 0.1. This mkght cause increased drying so he might tell you to wash your face once a day. He may want to switch you to something milder but increase the strength like... more