[B&A] Severe hormonal acne, 6 months progress

Beauty Tips For Body Care
Jan 2017 (when I started documenting my acne) to now: http://imgur.com/a/f0ZQfCurrent Skincare RoutineAM (After a workout/run)Wash with CeraVe Foaming CleanserSpritz with Thayers Witch HazelBenzol peroxide 10%CeraVe Pm MoisturizerClear Zinc Oxide SPF 50PMRemove sunscreen (or sometimes makeup) with Garnier Micellar WaterWash with CeraVe Foaming CleanserWait 20minOn opposite days, either:Clindamycin 1.2%/Tretinoin 0.025%ORTretinoin 0.08%ThenCeraVe Pm MoisturizerIf my skin is very dry by my mouth or nose, I use a little Vaseline on those areasAlso, I use ChapStick maybe 15+ times a day.I got a prescription for a BC pill in November 2016 to help with the two or three pimples that just wouldn't go away. When I was on a BC pill in the past, it had actually helped reduce and control my acne. So it was a total surprise when I started developing severe cystic acne, mainly around my mouth, jawline and cheeks. I've struggled with acne since I was 13 but it was never these deep, painful cysts that were now covering 60% of my face!I was so embarrassed by the acne on my face, I didn't even want to go outside without makeup for a run, which had been my main source of stress relief and meditation. I stopped going out with friends and being social with people at work. My confidence had plummeted. I remember crying every day for a week or two straight. It all felt so futile and uncontrollable. I knew that it was the BC pill that had caused this hormonal acne, but I was terrified my acne would get even worse if I stopped taking the pill. I switched between three different BC pills, hoping that would finally end this vicious cycle of cysts.I wasn't able to get an appointment with a dermatologist until March 2017, who prescribed me the Clindamycin and Tretinoin, along with a few months of oral antibiotics. Around the same time, I also ended a relationship that was causing me more stress and anguish than happiness and joined a CrossFit gym.I noticed a difference within a few weeks, all the red, angry cysts were flattening out and no new pimples were appearing in their place. I stopped taking the oral antibiotic after 3 months and that's also when I really started noticing the redness reducing and the scars the acne had caused to become less noticeable. I'm now hoping to work on the scarring this acne has left behind and I'll be working with my dermatologist to come up with a personalized routine to address that.I am so much more confident, I've made so many new friends at my gym and at work. I've also begun dating again. Even going on active, outdoorsy dates where I don't wear any makeup at all!I have been browsing this sub since November 2016, when this all started for me. I honestly couldn't say nicer things about this community and all the advice, love and support you guys were able to offer me when I was struggling the most.Thank you <3
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by therewillbebecky