I am stuck.

I (22F) have been dealing with constant acne that turns into hyperpigmentation no matter if I pop a pimple or it goes down by itself. A few years ago my GP recommended Minocycline. I took the drug for about 5 months and it cleared up my acne over time. This is where my downfall begins. Over time I realized that I would intermittently see darkness which wouldn’t return for a minute or two, or have on and off tinnitus. I didn’t care about it, I moved on. I then realized things got worse, I’d wake up and see nothing, my peripheral vision was closing, I was getting tunnel vision, and headaches. I booked an optometrist appointment, only to then be seen by an eye specialist and then a neuro ophthalmologist, which confirmed I had developed IIH (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension). Basically my optic nerves began to swell from an increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure. I was basically going blind in the matter of weeks. I was then forced to stop the medication and any oral vitamin A products or derivatives. It is now listed in my medical file that I am now allergic to Vitamin A and oral isotretinoin.

Moreover, this has made my options decrease. I cannot take any other oral acne medication, I cannot take Accutane, and other types of antibiotics. I was then sent to a dermatologist who then recommended Spironolactone, which didn’t really help. I felt like I was just gaining weight. She also prescribed hydroquinone and some other topical creams to clear the hyperpigmentation, which helped but was short lived.

I am now trying to see if I can use skincare products to relax my skin, but I feel like I’m doing nothing. My acne is still very much present. I wash my face on schedule, I’ve tried benzoyl peroxide, differin gel, vitamin C, and other things. I changed my diet, drank more water. I use sunscreen a lot to avoid hyperpigmentation. I just can’t find the perfect solution. The only thing I do not want to use is birth control.

Does anyone have any advice to lighten stubborn hyperpigmentation? Does anyone know of any other topical product that can at least lesson painful pimples? Other ways to lesson acne topically?? I’d take any type of advice right now.