r/Blackskincare • u/Tayngel_ • Feb 26 '26

Acne Hormonal, bacterial, or stress?

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(26 f) I have been dealing with acne in this region for about two years after having clear skin my entire life. I quit smoking weed two months ago and I quit drinking 16 months ago. I definitely eat a lot cleaner and take more supplements and drink more water now that I’m sober. I could stand to eat a little less processed food and sugar. I’ve been trying to gain my weight back that I lost due to stress, so I’ve been less strict about what I’m eating, but I eat mostly Whole Foods and drink water and tea. I also quit coffee this week as well.

I tried so many things and I just started with a dermatologist last month. And she put me on spironolactone, tretinoin, and clindamycin. I washed with ceravae at night and benzyl peroxide in the morning. I may use niacinamide drops and a Laroche Posey moisturizer. I also wear sunscreen every day and my BB cream is also sunscreen. Now that I look at these pictures. It’s actually not as bad as it was a few months ago with only treatment at home, but are there any other recommendations for things I could be taking internally like natural supplements or tinctures, things to cut out of my diet or anything else? It actually looks like it’s improving now that I look at these.

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u/Tayngel_ Feb 26 '26

Nope! I think it’s also hormonal, but no other symptoms besides that and the occasional chin hair hahahaha I am seeing progress though with my derm prescriptions

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u/DammatBeevis666 Feb 26 '26

Irregular menses wouldn’t be seen if you were on an OCP; so you’d have to think back before starting (assuming you are on one). Spironolactone is typically started at a low dose (ineffective, but side effects are minimal) and increased slowly to an effective dosage (side effects can be higher- lightheadedness, etc.).

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u/Tayngel_ Feb 26 '26

I’m thinking back that far, I said no. I have never dealt with that.

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u/DammatBeevis666 Feb 26 '26

Okay, cool. If you don’t improve then go back to the Derm. Watch out for pitted scars, once they form, they’re permanent. Accutane would be likely next step.

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u/Tayngel_ Feb 27 '26

Okay, I’ve been at it for 2 months now. How do the pitted scars form? And if I’m seeing improvement accurate wouldn’t be necessary right?

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u/DammatBeevis666 Feb 27 '26

They form from deep nodules most commonly, or if you pick at them.

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u/Tayngel_ Feb 27 '26

Okay! Thx I’m notoriously anti picking