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I was recently asked by a female poster via PM about some ideas for treating acne that appeared during a cycle. This particular person is taking a fairly potent designer (over-the-counter)AAS. Typically AAS associated acne effects the back and shoulders and she reported problems with it on her back.
Here's what I've personally found to work, in order of observed effectiveness.
1) Loofah the effected area daily to keep it clear of dead skin, which facilitates release of oils and toxins from the skin. Apply a mild astringent in the form of Witch Hazel, which is only about 10% alcohol. For mild acne, this cleaning and drying may suffice. (Note: If you have dry skin and are concerned about using an astringent, you can try a glycolic serum like this one, although it will be a substantially pricier alternative: 15% Glycolic Hyaluronic Serum)
2) Next step up is daily use of a sulfur based acne cream. I use DDF brand which is 10% sulfur and is available online or at cosmetics stores. I believe Murad also makes a very good sulfur based product. I have never found benzoil peroxide acne products to be effective in this application. Keep using the loofah every day even if you are using the sulfur cream. (A glycolic peel is also an option, but using a good quality peel product to cover a rather large area will not come cheap.)
3) I consider macrolide antibiotics to be the "big guns". Common examples are erythromycin and clarithromycin. These are wide spectrum antibiotics known to penetrate well into the dermis where these problems begin. If I recall correctly the typical dose for this application is 500-1000 mg daily in divided doses.
A proactive approach is the best way to deal with AAS related acne. You might want to have some sulfur based cream already on hand before cycle. Once you get those dark spots below the epidermis that never emerge to a pimple that indicates significant deep acne, which in my experience can take months to clear.
Here's what I've personally found to work, in order of observed effectiveness.
1) Loofah the effected area daily to keep it clear of dead skin, which facilitates release of oils and toxins from the skin. Apply a mild astringent in the form of Witch Hazel, which is only about 10% alcohol. For mild acne, this cleaning and drying may suffice. (Note: If you have dry skin and are concerned about using an astringent, you can try a glycolic serum like this one, although it will be a substantially pricier alternative: 15% Glycolic Hyaluronic Serum)
2) Next step up is daily use of a sulfur based acne cream. I use DDF brand which is 10% sulfur and is available online or at cosmetics stores. I believe Murad also makes a very good sulfur based product. I have never found benzoil peroxide acne products to be effective in this application. Keep using the loofah every day even if you are using the sulfur cream. (A glycolic peel is also an option, but using a good quality peel product to cover a rather large area will not come cheap.)
3) I consider macrolide antibiotics to be the "big guns". Common examples are erythromycin and clarithromycin. These are wide spectrum antibiotics known to penetrate well into the dermis where these problems begin. If I recall correctly the typical dose for this application is 500-1000 mg daily in divided doses.
A proactive approach is the best way to deal with AAS related acne. You might want to have some sulfur based cream already on hand before cycle. Once you get those dark spots below the epidermis that never emerge to a pimple that indicates significant deep acne, which in my experience can take months to clear.
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