I'm a 32 year old woman who started struggling with acne on my chin, jawline, and neck probably 3 years ago. It started getting progressively worse no matter how well I washed my face. I used Proactive, Clean and Clear, Neutrogena for normal to oily skin, amongst other products and NOTHING could curb my acne. I tried diet modifications, drinking more water, etc. Nothing helped. After a while I realized I regularly broke out about a week before my period. I researched online and found that it may be a hormonal imbalance. I'd finally had enough and knew it was time to see a dermatologist. My skin was starting to scar badly with dark hyperpigmentation. I was embarrassed and ashamed of my face. I went to Dr.Fieleke who knew right away that I had a higher level of androgens based on the acne breaking out on my lower face. He prescribed me 50mg of Spironolactone twice daily. He said it would take 3 months to see results so I needed to wait out out and not give up! He was completely right. I broke out off and on the same as before... Right up until about the 3 month mark! After that, I rarely break out and if I get a zit here or there it isn't deep and it goes away very quickly. I still use proactive about twice a week to exfoliate. I also use Neutrogena for normal to oily skin. I'm bad about moisturizing but when I do I've had no problems using Burts Bee's for sensitive skin. I'm so happy I tried this medication! It has LITERALLY SAVED MY SKIN. I feel so confident now and have regained my self esteem! I rarely wear makeup to cover my skin because I don't need to anymore! There were a few negative side effects to note: ***At 50mg 2x a day I experienced a lot of fatigue, as this medication is originally formulated to treat blood pressure. I went in to a doctor appt for a check up one day and my bp was 102/40 - pretty low! I told my dermatologist this at my 3 month check up and he lowered the dose to 50mg once daily. I've had no problems at 50mg once daily and my skin is still clear. :) *** at 50mg twice a day my period was very irregular. One period lasted 10 days. My usual periods only lasted 3 days so this was pretty drastic! I'm 5 months into this medication and my period is now regular again! :) I would highly recommend Spironolactone! It's very cheap. I think mine was $10 with insurance. After getting over the initial side effects and giving my body time to adjust to the medication this has been a miracle! I'd highly recommend it to anyone with hormonal acne on the chin, jaw, neck! Also, my dermatologist is the best. Very kind and patient. Highly recommend Dr. Fieleke at Cornerstone Dermatology!
