Enough Is Enough: My Acne Journey After Finally Seeing a Dermatologist
Hormonal Acne, Prescription Skincare, and What Week Three Really Looks Like
I finally did it. I finally went to the dermatologist.
If you’re reading this and thinking, um ok, what’s so special about that? let me explain. I’m someone who’s struggled with acne my entire life. When I was younger, my forehead was literally a Crunch bar. Then I got older and started using better products, but my acne was always random and always showed up at the worst times.
As I got older, I started wearing more makeup and the problem just kept getting pushed further and further to the back. I tried different products and they would work temporarily. Then I thought if I ate cleaner, my face would clear up, but that wasn’t the case either.
A few weeks ago, my mom was in town and told me I should try a dermatologist or get a facial. She even offered to pay for it. I’ve only had a facial once before, and it was cool, but I didn’t make it consistent… so of course nothing changed.
I honestly can’t tell you why I avoided the dermatologist in the past. I think I was just ignorant about what they actually do. I also remembered friends telling me horror stories about going and nothing changing, so I figured it was a waste of time. Eventually, I started educating myself more. I began digging, my curiosity got the best of me, and before I knew it, I was sold.
So I started searching for a dermatologist. I asked a few friends, but didn’t get the best recommendations, so I ran to Zocdoc (the same way I found my primary care physician). One thing I was adamant about was wanting a dermatologist that looked like me. I wanted her to be Black, but not just Black, darker skinned, with skin I would want. Now I know skin is somewhat hereditary, and just because she had great skin doesn’t mean she could magically give me that, but I knew it would help me trust her more. I found one and booked an appointment that same week.
A few months ago, I remembered seeing a girl post about her acne journey and how she got on this pill that changed her life. I had no idea there were medicines you could take to clear acne, I thought you had to do everything topically the old fashioned way. I went down the rabbit hole and learned about Accutane. Once again, I was sold. In my mind, I had found the pill to solve all my problems. By the time my appointment came around, I knew exactly what I was asking for.
Let me be honest, when I first walked in, I was shocked because it was an actual doctor’s office. I don’t know what I was expecting. When they called me back and sat me in the room, I instantly got nervous for no real reason. But when the doctor walked in, she eased my nerves immediately. She was gorgeous and had the most flawless chocolate skin.
Before she could even finish asking, “What brings you in today?” I blurted out, “I want to get on Accutane.”
She laughed and said, “Okay, we definitely can do that, but tell me more about your skin and breakouts.”
After looking at my skin and asking questions, she told me I had hormonal acne and suggested a different treatment plan than the one I had in mind. She prescribed a Spironolactone pill, Tretinoin cream, and Clindamycin antibiotic cream. We agreed I would try this for three months (since I’d never tried prescription treatments before), and if I still wanted Accutane afterward, we could discuss it then. I completely understood because Accutane is a heavier medication with many side effects.
My morning and nighttime skincare routines completely changed because she had me stop using a lot of my other products. Both routines are super similar.
In the morning, I cleanse using either Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, Aveeno Clear Complexion Facial Cleanser, or La Roche Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Next, I apply the Clindamycin antibiotic cream, followed by moisturizer, either Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer or Pond’s Dry Skin Cream. Lastly, I finish with sunscreen: Black Girl Sunscreen or Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF.
My nighttime routine is the same when it comes to cleansers and moisturizers; I just swap the Clindamycin for Tretinoin and skip sunscreen. After my skincare at night, I take my Spironolactone before getting into bed.
That’s it, my simple skincare routines for this new treatment plan.
I’m currently starting week three, and it’s definitely been a process. Along with the routine, I’ve been increasing my water intake and trying to be mindful of what I eat. I’ve also been intentional about eating cleaner and washing my sheets weekly.
I’ll be honest, my dermatologist warned me about the side effects, but I wasn’t ready.
The first week and a half, I was exhausted. By the end of the day I felt completely wiped out. Even during the day, I was constantly yawning and taking naps when I could, which I normally never do. I also experienced tingling from the Tretinoin, even though I started every other night instead of nightly, but that only lasted about a week. My cycle lasted two weeks, then I randomly started spotting. Another thing was dryness, my face would feel extremely dry out of nowhere, so I had to moisturize more.
And then there’s the purge.
My face has pimples galore. She told me it would get worse before it gets better, so I’ve been trusting the process.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting
If you’re thinking about seeing a dermatologist or starting prescription acne treatments, here are a few things I wish I knew first:
* It really can get worse before it gets better, the purge is real.
* The side effects may catch you off guard, especially in the beginning.
* Consistency matters more than perfection. You don’t have to do everything perfectly, just keep showing up.
This process has taught me patience in a whole new way. It’s also reminded me that sometimes we have to stop trying to fix everything ourselves and let professionals help.
I’m excited to see where this journey goes, and I’m committed to staying the course so I can see real results. More than anything, I’m learning to give myself grace while my skin figures things out.
If you’re reading this and you’ve been on the fence about seeing a dermatologist, take this as your sign. You don’t have to struggle silently, and you don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.
I’ll update you at my one month mark with progress and honest thoughts. Until then, thank you for being here and walking through this with me. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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