True Story: I Have Cystic Acne

acne medicine Finacea Aczone Acanya

Buh-bye, laziness

Phase one of Shamban’s plan: Oral and topical medication. She prescribes three different at-home topical creams for my skin: Finacea, Aczone, and Acanya. Finacea decreases the production of keratin, a natural protein in your skin that can lead to the development of acne. Aczone’s main ingredient is Dapsone, which is an anti-infective to help prevent infections in the cysts. Acanya is a topical antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria. Shamban also gives me an oral prescription of Spironolactone, which is the same pill I stopped taking two years ago.

I know I said I was done with meds, but I’m so fed up with the way my skin looks. Plus, I remember that Spironolactone sort of worked for me in the past, and Shamban thinks there’s a good chance I’ll get better results when using it with these topical creams.

Shamban also gives me a strict, four-step regimen to stick to: Wash, Medicate, Moisturize, Protect. Not easy for a lazy girl like me. Usually, if I’m already in bed and realize I forgot to wash my face, I think, “Screw it, I’m just going to sleep.” Wish me luck.