A pox on me

[breakinglight11]

My acne is really starting to bug me. I’ve been making a more concerted effort to deal with it than ever, and the results have not been great. Thanks to HabitRPG I’ve used my medicated face wash and moisturizer almost every day for a month now, which is way better than I was doing. Still, chronic acne like mine probably needs an application twice a day, and I haven’t worked up to that yet. My skin, weirdly, does seem improved, as my complexion seems brighter, softer, and smoother in the places where I do not have acne, but the spots seem to be as persistent as ever.

I think it’s due to a lot of factors. Genetics are certainly one; I simply am prone to it. I’m fairly certain the way I like to wear my hair touching my face all the time also aggravates it. And God knows I put my hands on it a lot, which every source tells you not to do. When I was on birth control I think I remember it not being so bad, but since I got pulled off it due to my migraines it’s back full force.

It’s probably at the point where I need a prescription from a dermatologist. Unfortunately getting a referral to one is likely to be a huge pain, and my finances are such that a big copay for a non-necessary medication would not be welcome. I’ve also heard that there can be a lot of side effects, ranging from the pain-in-the-ass to the possibly fatal. So I should probably resign myself to my spotty self. God, I am so physically blessed in so many other ways I should probably be grateful that’s the most messed up thing about my body.

Of course I haven’t been on the current regimen long. I should probably wait and see what being a little more consistent would do, try doing it twice daily. In the meantime, a pizza face I remain. :-P

Comments

[redfishie.livejournal.com]

Just as a note, I have really never noticed your acne. I'm glad you are doing something about it if it bothers you, but it's not what I think of when I think of your face.

[breakinglight11.livejournal.com]

Thank you for telling me that. I actually do worry that it dominates people's perception of me, given how much it stands out to me. But I appreciate hearing that it's not a big deal to others!

[jducoeur]

Ditto -- it really only ever penetrates my consciousness when you mention it...

[blendedchaitea.livejournal.com]

I use prescription generic clindamycin 1% gel combined with OTC benzoyl peroxide. My insurance covers part of it, but some Googling tells me that it's about $70 per tube without insurance. A tube lasts me well over a year. It has no side effects as far as I can tell and it's simple enough that you could probably convince your PCP to prescribe it to you.

[breakinglight11.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip, that could be very helpful!