As a preface to this little article, I'd like to establish my credentials as something of an expert in acne treatment, having used just abut every prescription and OTC remedy available. When I was 18, I developed a nasty case of acne that did not respond to conventional treatments and had to go on Accutane eventually. Ultimately, I needed 2 courses of Accutane to obtain long-term relief, and I had little to no scarring.
As I started my first cycle of test and dbol last year, I began to break out again pretty badly, so I tried Pro-activ, and it did not work very well. I saw my dermatologist, and she prescribed me a new topical medication called Tactuo (Epiduo in the US), which is a combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and a retinoid called Adapalene. The medication worked quite well, but not nearly as well as Accutane. However, I consider Accutane a med of last resort, and advise that people only use it under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Anyhow, my cycle was cut short, and the acne eventually started to disappear after PCT.
This time around, I prepared myself much better for acne before I started my cycle, and have managed to find a very effective regimen that should be effective for 90% of AAS users. Most of this information comes from a book called The Acne Cure by a dermatologist whose name I cannot remember. Having tried so many different approaches to acne over the years, including tetracycline, minocycline, benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical cream, Salicylic Acid, Proactiv, and many other treatments, this regimen has finally cleared my skin entirely of acne, and is flexible enough that it can be adjusted for the severity of the situation. The regimen consists of three parts, two of which do not change. It is the final step where some changes can be made. So here we go:
Step one: 2% Salicylic Acid face wash. Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Wash is the best product I could find because it contains no sulphates, parabens, or other irritants. If you can't find it, any 2% Salicylic Acid face wash should be sufficient. Wet your hands and face with warm water, apply a small amount of face wash, work into a lather, then work it into your skin thoroughly. Leave the soap on your face for about two minutes before rinsing off. Do this twice a day - once in the morning, and then in the evening, as the first step of the three-step process.
Step two: 8-10% glycolic acid toner. Neo-Strata Step One Toner is a great product with an 8% glycolic acid content. This step is especially important because it will dissolve plugs that lead directly to pimples. In the evening, after washing your face with the Salicylic Acid face wash, dry your face comletely and apply the toner. It will burn a bit, and might take some getting used to. Allow it 10 minutes or so to do its thing, and them proceed to step three.
Step three: the reason step 3 can have some variation is because, based on the severity of the acne, different products can be used. For mild to moderate cases a simple high-quality 5% Benzoyl peroxide acne cream will suffice, while more serious cases should be treated with a stronger topical cream like Tactuo (Epiduo), or any other topical medication with Benzoyl Peroxide. Consult a dermatologist to find the best topical medication for your needs. Other than your choice of medication, step three is fairly simple. After allowing the glycolic acid to do its work, get an ice cube or two, a paper towel, and your topical med of choice. Now rub the ice on your face until the skin is cold but not frozen - this is apparently a dermatologist trick that helps the skin absorb topical medication. When your skin is sufficiently chilled, quickly dry with a paper towel, and then apply the medication all over your face.
To avoid any confusion, remembers that only step 1 is repeated twice daily. The other two steps are done in the evening before bed.
That's the regimen, and after 14 years of dealing with acne, it is by far the most effective I have encountered other than Accutane.
In addition to this regimen, you can possibly take an antibacterial antibiotic like minocin in addition to topical stuff in more severe cases. The point is, this can be customized depending on the severity of your problem, using a high-quality OTC BP topical cream if your acne is fairly mild, or using a prescription strength medication that includes clindamycin or Adapalene if your situation is more severe.
Also, even though I have described using this procedure on your face, your back and shoulders will benefit equally, though you may need a partner to apply the various compounds. Use ths daily for the month leading up to your cycle, and all through your cycle, and you will find acne to be much less of a problem.
Hope this is helpful.
TOkidd
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Originally Posted by bigbawse
