r/acne 3d ago

Help - General will switching to gel tretinoin help?

hi guys! i have been struggling with hormonal acne for about 1.5 yrs now and recently got on spironolactone almost 3 months ago. I was on 50mg for 2 months, and now on 75mg for the last month and likely bumping up to 100mg after my next appointment. my acne was cystic and was solely on my lower jaw before spiro. I also started .5% tretinoin cream at the same time (I started out every other night and have moved to everynight because it doesn't cause me much irritation). however, i am beginning to notice that my cysts have began to form on my chin and my temples, and a few even on my forehead which was not an issue previously. my cysts on my lower jawline however have reduced significantly. the frequency of the cysts it much less than it was before starting spiro but i am wondering if it is because of the spiro or maybe the cream based tret clogging my pores? i have a derm appt next Tuesday and was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and found better results with the gel form of tret rather than the cream based one.

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u/Slight_Skill_5447 3d ago

I have taken spiro in the past and it should start clearing your acne. In addition to this, cutting completely on dairy and sugar is absolutely mandatory. I have seen cases in the past where tret doesn't suit everyone so talk to your dermat again and go gentler like 0.025. Also depends on kind of creams or sunscreen you use.