The Healthy / Kaitlyn Chamberlin
Going to the dermatologist was the best thing I’ve ever done for my skin.
Let me preface this by saying that my skin’s never really been that bad. In fact, my skin was pretty clear throughout puberty, middle school, high school, and college. Sure, I’d get an occasional pimple (especially around my period), but I never had to deal with daily acne struggles. Unfortunately, this changed when I turned 22. Painful cystic acne popped up around my chin, mouth, and jawline.
My mom, who owns a medical spa, taught me the importance of a good skincare regimen. She initially attributed my acne to environmental stresses associated with moving across the country and starting a new job. My gynecologist agreed and put me on a low-dose birth control pill to help stabilize my hormone levels. Incidentally, here’s everything you need to know about hormonal acne and how to clear it for good.
Feeling embarrassed and defeated
The birth control pills certainly helped. I had fewer breakouts, which was great. However, they didn’t clear up my cystic acne entirely. I was left feeling embarrassed and defeated.
I went from rarely ever wearing makeup to applying heavy foundation before leaving the house.
Feelings of frustration and confusion set in. After all, I took good care of my skin. I washed my face every morning and before going to bed. I also applied my serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen religiously. Still, my acne remained.
Spironolactone for acne
My mom encouraged me to see a dermatologist to discuss whether oral antibiotics could help my acne.
I saw Maryann Mikhail, MD, a dermatologist in New York, NY. She examined my skin under a giant magnifying glass and explained that I was definitely experiencing hormonal acne. The giveaway? My pimples were located in the “beard area.”
She prescribed 20 milligrams of spironolactone to take twice daily, along with a very simple skincare regimen. That regimen consisted of washing my face with a gentle cleanser every morning and evening. After, I applied moisturizer. In the mornings, I used SPF. I stopped using all my serums, retinoids, and face masks.
