POSTED UNDER Spironolactone For Acne REVIEWS
Spironolactone - Fantastic Medication for Acne/Oily Skin - Panama City, FL
ORIGINAL POST
I have struggled with oily skin my entire life....
WORTH IT$20
I have struggled with oily skin my entire life. When I was 27, I went through a traumatic, life-changing experience. The roller coaster emotions I was experiencing manifested themselves through an explosion of cystic acne that forever altered my formerly smooth skin. Although I had had acne here and there and some cysts throughout my teenage years, this onslaught just wouldn't STOP, and even after they were gone, the disfiguring scars remained. Every time I look in the mirror I remember what happened to me.
I went through all sorts of medications, homeopathic remedies, lasers, microderms, chemical peels, OTC and prescription washes, creams, potions, blue light treatments, etc. You name it, I probably did it. I saw all sorts of doctors...some kind, some not. I was at a loss and scared to do Accutane since I was already so depressed. A former dermatologist prescribed spironolactone, but since I didn't see an immediate improvement in my acne (I wanted it, and I wanted it NOW!), I stopped taking it.
I was denied the Fraxel Re:Pair that I really wanted for my scars because the doctor stated my acne was not under control. Although that left me angry, I believe it was the best thing she could have done. Several years later, through my ARNP, I met a fantastic dermatologist. In the past, I had to wait months to get in to see a derm. I got it quickly with this new doctor, he was attentive and personable, and he prescribed me 50 mg of spironolactone. I had been on it years before, but thought I'd give it another shot. Thank GOODNESS I did. I actually upped it to 100 mg myself. When I went back to my dr and told him, he went ahead and prescribed the 100 mg pill. Spironolactone is a godsend. For anyone who doesn't know, spiro is a blood pressure medication. I have no BP problems, but a side effect of this medication is decreased testosterone. The medication binds to the hormone and it is excreted. Although my blood tests have never shown I had increased testosterone, I learned that some women are extremely sensitive to it. Perhaps the hell I endured when I was 27 affected my hormone levels...?
The medication has drastically decreased my oil production and acne. Spiro also helps reduce the growth of body hair. Although I still gets stressed out, my blood pressure doesn't spike like it used to with the medication, and my anger/aggression has decreased, as well. I still have the occasional breakout when I get severely stressed or around that time of the month, but the cysts have disappeared and the breakouts I have are much more manageable.
I have to get my potassium levels checked periodically due to spiro, but I've never had an issue with my levels. Although everyone is different, I highly recommend anyone suffering from oily skin and acne to speak with their derm/general physician about it. Find a dosage that works for YOU, and stick with it. I saw an improvement in my mood, decreased oil production, and fewer breakouts within a few weeks.
Jabberwocky's provider
Replies (84)
July 13, 2012
I'm right there with you both - Accutane, Retin-A, antibiotics, tons of over-the-counter stuff...ugh...
Jabberwocky, please do post pictures so we can see. :)
July 14, 2012
I'll post pictures of the Fraxel Re:pair as it heals. :) Right now I'm unsure as to what I'm seeing! :/
August 21, 2012
I'm glad that worked for you! I am going to a brand new derm this friday and I think I am going to tell her I want to take both Spironolactone and Ortho Tri-Cyclen (birth control pill) together because after much research I have found that those tend to be the best option when nothing (and I mean NOTHING) works. I was even on accutane for 6 months and my skin was fabulously clear for about 6 months, and then my acne came back and I am back to being depressed about my gross skin issues :/
January 17, 2013
Olivia, I apologize for not replying to your comment sooner. How are things going now? I am on Ortho Lo right now, and I can't really say I've seen a difference in my acne from taking it. My husband has had a vasectomy and has been wanting me to get off of it, but even though I don't think it's doing any good, I'm scared to get off of it! I was supposed to get on Accutane years ago -- signed all the paperwork, etc. -- but was too scared (yes, again!) of the possible changes to my mental state. So your acne came back after getting off Accutane? What type of acne did you have? And was the acne that returned after Accutane the same type? Please let us know how things have been going with you since August!
September 11, 2012
Hi, I just started using spironolactone for my adult acne which like you started after a severe life experience. I have been using it for about a month now along with retin a and hydroquinone (for dark spots - im African American medium tone). I too have oily skin and im on 100mg of that stuff. Exactly how long did it take before everything went away completely? Everytime i feel like its getting better, I get like one or two pimples that make me feel horrible! So its really hard for me to notice the change, since Im so sad and depressed over it :(. Its only been 4 weeks, so maybe I'm being a bit premature about it, which i hope bc that will mean that there are better days ahead.
Thanks for your response!
Thanks for your response!
September 11, 2012
I can't remember exactly, but I would say I started seeing an improvement in about 3 weeks. I still get acne around the time of my cycle and at times when I get extremely stressed out. Please remember those that each person's chemistry is different! Stick with it. My problem the first time I took it was I didn't give it enough time to take effect. Keep us updated on how it goes! :)
September 11, 2012
Jabberwocky is right, unfortunately its not an instant cure, but it seems to take some time to take effect. Here is a Q&A where the board certified doctors who volunteer on RealSelf have shared their opinions on how long to expect:
How Long Until Results from Spironolactone (Aldactone) Can Be Seen and my Skin Starts to Clear Up?
September 11, 2012
Thanks! I read the post and I am feeling a little bit better about it. They said it should take about 2 months to see results, so I am hoping i see results soon. Thanks for the info!
September 14, 2012
You're most welcome. Remember...don't give up on it! Give it some time -- which is easier said than done, isn't it? :) Also, if that dosage doesn't seem to be working for you, perhaps your dermatologist could alter the dosage to help you best. Like I said, my derm started me off at 50 mg before I upped it to 100 myself. He then prescribed the 100 mg pill.
January 15, 2013
Just dropping in for a quick update - I am so pleased with the progress of my skin! I stopped taking spironolactone back in October, but I used retina and aczone and my skin has completely cleared up. I get an occasional pimple now and then, but nothing like before. I'm so happy that my skinned has cleared up. Now I'm just focusing on getting the dark spots to lighten. I would say that I'm about 80% there. Thank you guys so much for the encouragement. It meant a lot since you guys have had to deal with acne yourself. Most people who don't have acne don't understand how much of an effect it can have on one's self esteem. Thank again guys!
January 17, 2013
So happy things are going well with you, ae1122! There's a Retin-A that I received from a doctor that has hydrocortisone cream and hydroquinone mixed in to help with redness and inflammation. Maybe you could use something similar to help with the redness? I have put on some weight and felt like I was losing a lot of hair -- no bald spots or ANYTHING like that, I just felt as though I had a lot of loose hair -- so I experimented with getting off spiro over a few months. Big mistake. There were some (of course) unexpected stressful events with my family and some personal health issues and my acne decided to make a comeback. Some were cysts, but not like they were when I went through the traumatic experience when I was 27. Regardless, I've been left with more scars, so no more experimenting with getting off spiro!!! I might consider playing with halfing the dosage, but I'm not sure I'll even do that! :)
November 10, 2012
I just read this and it made me cry. This is me, exactly! And you have no idea how happy i am to be reading this. Not because of the acne hell you had to endure, but that there are other like me battling this horrible acne. Acne, cystic acne, are so stressful. Makes you depressed and unwilling to want to leave your house sometimes. I was a pretty faced girl once. I felt attractive and got attention. Always smiling. Now i want to hide. Now i feel like a beast and ugly. For the past 4 years ive been dealing with cystic acne under my chin, sometimes on my forehead and nose. They just keep coming, stay long, hurt and scar. Nothing has helped me. No topicals such as Proactiv & retan-a do anything for me. The obagi skin system...NOTHING! I get these breakouts and all i wanna do is wash wash wash. Scrub scrub scrub. They keep coming! Cant stop them, cant slow them down. I stress and more come. Closer i get to my period, more. Endless acne with no pause in between. Your post just gave me hope! I am making an appointment to see my family dr and i hope he/she can help me, possibly get me on spironolactone asap! Thank you...thank you...thank you :) there may be hope after all.
November 10, 2012
Ladyminx, I was that "pretty girl," too. I am a completely different person because of what I've been through and due to how I feel about myself now. I am married and my husband -- who has smooth skin, btw (lucky him!!!) -- loves me no matter what my face looks like, but I don't have the self-confidence and feelings of happiness, freedom, unbridled joy that I used to have. I am on a constant quest to find something to help with the scars, but at least I have found something I believe helps with the underlying cause of the acne.
Remember...stick with it! Your doctor may prescribe you a lower dose and you don't feel like it's working, but I could tell that SOMETHING was going on because I didn't get super angry and my blood pressure wasn't spiking like before. If your doctor doesn't prescribe it...find another doctor who's willing to give it a shot!!! Also, do you have a history of ovarian cysts? I had ONE, but have read that ovarian cysts could cause hormones to be wacky and cause acne. Just another tidbit for you to think about. :)
I am all about trying to help someone who has the same issue. We are "sisters" in that we have faced/continuously face darkness and pain that some people have no clue about. If there is anything else I can do, please do not hestitate to ask. :)
November 13, 2012
I've made my appointment with my family Dr. for this Thursday.
I hope he will take pitty on me :( i can't do this anymore. I've tryed every topical and antibiotic and nothing will help. It has to be hormonal. Has to be. Makes perfect sense with the moodiness, stress and anger I've been dealing with. The flux in my wieght. All of it. I'll let you know how this turns out. Wish me luck!!
November 16, 2012
Had my Doctor appointment today and i'm very excited with the turn out. Ok, my Dr has perscribed me an interesting medical cocktail lol...25mg of the Spiromolactone (once a day) 100mg Doxycycline (twice a day) and Retin-A .05 topical (every pm before bed after face washing). I am soooo excited about the possibilty of some REAL results. I hope the 25mg of spironolactone is going to be enough to do the job. Dr knows best i guess. I've got an appointment set for Nov 29 to have my electrolyte panel done. (gonna google this, what is it, blood work?) and a follow up 3 months from now. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress. I hope this all comes together & works for me as it did for a high % of woman going through this :)
November 16, 2012
I'm so happy that you are excited about this new journey! 25 mg of spiro is a relatively low dose (imo) but of course each person's body chemistry is different. I definitely hope you will feel and see results with that dosage. If not, by all means ask your doctor to up the dosage! And remember that I gave up the first time I was prescribed it because I didn't feel and see immediate improvement, so don't do the same! :) I've been trying to wean myself from the spiro just to see what may happen, but I've been breaking out here and there...and although I'm quite pleased it isn't the horrible cystic acne hell I endured before, the oiliness is coming back and I just continue to believe I shouldn't be having acne at 32 years old. :/ I guess I'll be in spiro for life. I have been prescribed doxy in the past and still take it if I've been extremely stressed or around the time of my cycle and think I may break out. I continue to use Retin-A. You may have some redness/flakiness/peeling from the Retin-A but I'm sure your doctor told you that. Best of luck to you, Ladyminx! Keep us updated! :)
November 28, 2012
Ladyminx, how are you doing? Are you feeling or seeing any changes? Give us an update! :)
January 15, 2013
Hi :) Back and VERY happy with the results! I have been taking the Spiro & Doxycycline since roughly this past Thanksgiving and I couldn't ba happier. I'm going to give you the short end of the story. Started out using the 25mg Spiro once daily & the Doxy 100mg twice daily. After about a month I suggested to my Dr updrading me to a 50mg Spiro once daily and he bought it ;) I have had a panel done, everything checked out fine. I have another physical through my Dr this Feb 14th (Valentine's Day) and I'm excited because I'm going to ask if I can now be increased/Upgraded to the 100mg Spiro. Now, I don't know if I'm going to haveta be on this the rest of my life or what but I can tell you in the mean time I am thrilled.
I can't believe the cystic acne is GONE! Not better...GONE!! There is NONE!!! after nearly 3-4 years of that ugly stuyff on my face and it...is...GONE!!!! Thanks to this Blog/Forum. If i hadn't found you and read what you had posted I don't know if I woulda went through all this. So Thank You!!
I'll be back again with updates as they come. But as of now, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!
January 17, 2013
I'm SO happy for you, Ladyminx!!! Congratulations!!! There is nothing better than feeling good about yourself and seeing a positive change in your body and the resulting mental outlook!!! As I was saying below, I had been faithful with the spiro, but put on some weight (a possible side effect) and felt like I was having a lot of loose hair. Not, like, bald or thin spots, but just a lot of loose hair after brushing it. I experimented with getting off of spiro. Big mistake! Had some unexpected (of course) stressful issues happen within my family and some personal health issues. My acne came back. Although it wasn't as bad as before, I had some cysts and they took forever to heal. And yes, new scars, as well. Apparently I'll never be able to completely get off spiro, so if I ever get the itch to experiment again, I'll just half my dosage and see what happens. Nevertheless, I am so very thankful that my story could help you! Again, congratulations, Ladyminx!!! :)
January 18, 2013
you know what, I wonder though, if it's the SPIRO or the DOXYCYCLINE that's clearing the acne? AND i am using the Retin-A .05 cream. Hmm...I certainly would hope I don't have to continue with this the rest of my life. Sheesh! I'm 36 =( and the thought of having to take PILLS the rest of my life so I don't have that awful cyst acne...well that's simply put as a booooo. But, I will do what I have to do at this point. I do not want that on my face ever again.
FYI, Retin-A tends to dry me out from time to time, mainly around my mouth and on the tip of my nose. haha. Almost as if I am shedding for 3-4 days, then it's gone. Then it might happen a couple weeks later, 3-4 days, and it's gone again. I wonder if this is my skins way of getting rid of the old, starting over with the new? Kinda makes sense to me anyway =) Skins healing.
I deal with it by using a green tea moisturizer (via proactiv, which I've now canceled) Proactive was ok for a while, but it does NOTHING for cystic acne. So warning, SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! Proactiv i found is for the "puberty" or "here and there" acne. Not huge cyst acne that I see some of us are dealing with.
What else...It seems my oil levels have dropped since beginning the Spiro. I don't get these huge pockets of oil on my face anymore. Which is good because I do believe this was PART of the problem and WHY I would get that horrible Cystic acne. I get a break out here and there, but nothing bad. I seem calmer, except during my pms/period Weeks of course. Haven't noticed any hair loss, balding or anything like that. No weight gain. Nothing seems off after the first three months on Spiro =)
Now onto the scars. Mental & physical. Mental scars are healing. I feel better about myself and more up and adam. I want to go out more and not ashamed. So that's taken a turn for the better. The physical scars are, well, there. In plain day. I can cover them up. And I do. These are mainly along the chin line so really they hide well. The scars aren't all over my face (cheeks, forehead, nose) I use an Almay acne complexion concealer. Works rather well, and it's that Noncomodomic (spelling???), so it won't clog my pores. I'm using a skin bleacher by Obagi that was suggested by a Doctor. It's an RX so you should have a Dr's approval. And guess what, IT'S WORKING!! My scars are fading. Been using these products since July 2012. Actually why don't I just give you some information on that.
Just go here- http://www.odiscountstore.com
you will see to the left "Obagi Individual Products".
Of the Obagi Nu-Derm collection I use the following products:
Step 1- skin foaming gel 26.99 6.7 fl oz
Step 2- ph toner 26.99 6.7 fl oz
Step 3- clear (RX bleacher) 61.99 2 fl oz
Step 4- Exfoderm Forte 44.99 2 fl oz
Step 5- Blender (RX bleacher) 58.99 2 fl oz
Step 6- Healthy Skin Protection 35 spf 30.99 3 fl oz
Still pricey but you only use a pea size amount. It can go a long way I promise you. I love these products!!! I recommend them to all of you if it's affordable.
So there you go. My full days menu in detail.
Take my Doxycycline 100mg twice a day. Spiro 50mg once a day.
Wash with the Obagi system 1-2 twice a day(morning/night) The Obagi steps 3-6 once a day. Retin-A before bed. YUM! a lot of work but well worth it =)
Talk to you all again real soon.
Take care.
January 19, 2013
Hi,I took spiro for 4 years successfully and decided to stop it to see what happened. 3 weeks later the acne was back so I have restarted the spiro. Do you think it will work again? It's only been 2 weeks but I am still breaking out and so paranoid. I take 200mg btw. Thank you! Sam
January 19, 2013
Did your acne respond well the second time you started it? How long did it take ? I am anxious as i stopped for 3 weeks and broke out and have restarted 2 weeks ago but as yet
no luck.
March 26, 2013
Hi Samantha60616, I apologize for this reply being so late. Have you seen progress since getting back on the spiro? As I said in a previous post, I decided to get off it completely and my acne rebounded. I had an appointment with my dermatologist last month and told him about my experiment. He severely scolded me for doing that!!! Oh well. Anyway, I broke out with these tiny red bumps around my mouth. They kind of looked like blisters or a rash. Unsure about what to do, I treated it with cortisone cream. It dried it up, but after stopping the cortisone cream it came back even worse. Disgusted with myself, I decided to try to treat it with vinegar. I tried both apple cider and regular white vinegar. It didn't work. In fact, it seemed to aggravate it and make it swell up and turn bright red even more. After doing a little Googling I discovered I must have perioral dermatitis. It's kind of related to acne (oh HURRAY! :P) and difficult to treat. I also learned that with this dermatitis that any steroid cream will make it go away but it WILL come back afterwards even worse. Good job on my part. :( My derm gave me a prescription for a topical antibiotic cream, but I didn't want to go that route, so I went to my local health store looking for violet oil. I had read that does wonders for this dermatitis. The store didn't carry that, but they did carry this stuff called Miracell Skin Relief & Support and they suggested I try it. It's an oil, and I was terrified to apply it to my face, thinking it would make acne burst out everywhere. I asked the clerk about that, but he assured me it wouldn't make me break out. I skeptically applied it to the dermatitis, and it has gradually helped calm it down. It didn't make me break out, so I started testing it on different parts of my face. I am completely amazed to report that this oil HAS NOT made my face break out. I've been applying it repeatedly...every day...and I haven't had a serious breakout since. I went through a menstrual cycle without hormonal-related acne. I can't believe it. I've cut back on the spiro since using this oil, and I haven't had issues with overly oily skin. I would highly recommend this. I think I'm still in shock that this oil hasn't made me break out. :)
Thanks for sharing your story with us.
I had acne issues until about 5 years ago, and I never did find a cream, lotion or potion that worked. I'm so glad you found something that worked for you!
All OTC stuff -- Clearasil (way too harsh), Avon's whole range, Clean & Clear (the closest I got to success and then they discontinued their shower scrub). I didn't even know medication like Accutane existed until acne wasn't a problem for me anymore!