Chloe Landymore, now 26, has found relief from severe acne that had plagued her since she was 13. For years, the condition significantly impacted her self-esteem and social life, leading to anxiety and a reluctance to leave her home without makeup. Landymore described recurring anxiety dreams about her wedding day, where her acne would prevent her from feeling ready.
Her struggles began with bullying in school, where she was nicknamed 'pizza face.' By age 16, she had tried numerous topical treatments. At 17, she was prescribed the contraceptive pill to manage hormonal acne, but it provided only temporary relief. Later, she underwent two courses of oral isotretinoin, a potent drug also used in chemotherapy, which caused side effects like cracked lips and dry skin. While it offered a respite, the acne returned.
Landymore’s boyfriend, Isaac, whose mother Louise is a health writer, was supportive and understood her challenges, having experienced acne himself. He helped tailor their social life around her self-consciousness. Louise, having also dealt with acne, and Isaac's father, Jon, who participated in an early trial for isotretinoin, were determined to help Landymore find a lasting solution.
In October of the previous year, Louise arranged a consultation with dermatologist Dr. Adam Friedmann. Unlike previous doctors who suggested more aggressive treatments, Dr. Friedmann proposed a novel approach: microdosing isotretinoin. Landymore began taking a 10mg tablet every other day, a significantly lower dose than she had previously taken. This regimen was supplemented with a daily antibiotic, Erythromycin, and a prescription rosacea gel, Rozex, to address redness and scarring.
Initially, there was little change. However, after four months, Dr. Friedmann increased the isotretinoin dose to 20mg daily and switched the antibiotic to Trimethoprim. Gradually, Landymore noticed that new spots stopped appearing and existing ones began to heal. This improvement continued even when she was made redundant in March, a situation that in the past would have triggered a severe skin reaction.
By May, she realized she had left the house without makeup and her skin remained clear. Dr. Friedmann subsequently reduced her isotretinoin dose back to 10mg daily and discontinued the antibiotic and gel. She continues to take a low dose of isotretinoin, with plans to gradually reduce it further after her wedding. Landymore now feels liberated and is looking forward to her wedding day, focusing on details like her hair and dress rather than her skin condition.