Acne for 15 years. I don't know what else to do.

Jun 3, 2015

blaaah b.

Hello beauties!

I need some help. My wedding is coming up pretty soon and I would like to do something about my skin. I've suffered from acne since I was 10. I've tried multiple products and nothing has worked. Not quite sure what else to do/where else to go. I've had everything and anything from blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and zits. Some ones were so painful I couldn't move my face in a certain direction.

I've used products like Aveeno, Neutrogena, different soaps, toners, and blackhead scrubs. Nothing works. I've also used Proactive for about 2 years. It did nothing for me. I hate to admit this but I was so desperate that I listened to my old-world grandma and used my own urine. Gross. I know. I haven't used any products in the past few years. My skin is extremely sensitive. I'm also very pale and I don't tan well. I hide from the sun more than a vampire does.

I'm hoping that you beauties can help suggest something that would be able to help me. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

*I am not looking for anything like Accutane. I would like to start a family soon and do not want anything that could be detrimental to that.

Jun 3, 2015

Alexis C.

I would go to a dermatologist. They'll be able to give you expert advice and be able to prescribe/suggest something that won't interfere with any pregnancies.

Jun 3, 2015

Julie F.

My coworker has horrible acne... Until she stopped eating dairy! She said she had tried everything.. But Once she cut dairy out her skin cleared up immensely. Worth a shot!

Jun 3, 2015

Julie F.

Had***** horrible acne

Jun 3, 2015

Tessandra R.

I've suffered from acne since I was around 12. I've tried multiple products as well, and my skin is very sensitive too. The only products that have done anything for me are from the brands Simple, St.Ives, and Clearasil. Simple is specifically designed for sensitive skin, so it's very gentle. St.Ives has an apricot scrub that, if used gently, works wonders for me. And Clearasil has a rapid action daily face wash that helps clear up a lot of the pimples and zits. The only thing about the Clearasil is that it is more harsh on the skin so only use a dab of it :) I hope I helped Love, have a wonderful wedding day!

Jun 3, 2015

Tessandra R.

And @Julie my cousins had the same experience! They're all dairy sensitive, so they cut it out and it helped them immensely. But I never listened to anything they said for acne treatments, mainly because they used rubbing alcohol on their faces to dry up acne lol

Jun 3, 2015

patty s.

I would go to a dermatologist and drink more water.

Jun 3, 2015

Samantha H.

There is a acne solution that worked miracles for me, but I can't remember what it was called. I know I bought it at Clinique and the smallest bottle was about the size of a finger or smaller. It was kind of pricey, but it worked. I believe it was around $17. It was in a light blue bottle and was more of an on-spot treatment. My acne dissapeared in one to two days. Also, wash your face 2 times a day with just water. Don't over wash! It can cause your pores to over produce more oil to replace the oil washed away, causing more acne problems. I'm sorry I couldn't help much.

Jun 3, 2015

Melanie S.

Definitely go to a dermatologist, especially if you don't want to go on Accutane. Maybe Retin A or Ziana instead? They're both prescription but their side effects aren't as harsh as the ones from Accutane.

Jun 3, 2015

blaaah b.

@Alexis, Patty and Melanie
A Derm isn't covered by insurance and the one I am considering visiting is quite expensive. Unfortunately this doesn't help since I am planning a wedding. Haha. Thank you very much for your help!
@Julie I've never once thought that dairy could be affecting my skin! I love my Greek yogurt so that is going to be though but I will give it a try! Thanks!
@Tessandra I've used Simple face wipes before and I got this horrible burning sensation on my face! Clearasil is something I always wondered about but never tried! I might have to. Thanks!
@Samantha I love Clinique but Clinique doesn't love me back! I've use two different products from them and had pretty bad reactions. Thank you though!

Jun 3, 2015

Shanae J.

If you've been suffering since 10, going to the derm would definitely be #1, the most important thing you could do. Save money aside for it if you have to, overtime you'll come up with enough to pay it off.

Jun 3, 2015

Tessandra R.

Oh I'm so sorry you had that experience! Forget what I said about Simple. Hopefully St.Ives and Clearasil will help if you decide to give them a try! Also, if you decide to go to a Derm, I know some will gladly do a payment method. So you can pay so much a month until it's paid off. I don't know if any in your area do, but it doesn't hurt to ask, especially since you're planning a wedding! :)

Jun 3, 2015

Kitty K.

How much time do you have until your wedding?
If you have sufficient time, your best would be to see a skin esthetician/facialist.
Each session includes extraction and for the price you pay slathering on creams and hoping it works, its worth the while. The most I've paid was $45..
Black heads... white heads.. best extracted. Better off focusing on healing them then trial and error for your big day.

Jun 3, 2015

Gabriela S.

I've tried the retinol cream by Roc (just the serum) and it worked wonders on my scars and existing breakouts! Vitamin E and A as well. Accutane contains vitamin A to speed up the healing process.

Jun 3, 2015

Becky G.

You should ask your doctor to put you on Accutane. its a pill that helps dry out pimples immediately. also mynocyclin comes in a pill form & I take that one once a day its only $10 with my insurance. ^.^

Jun 3, 2015

Carrie B.

Even if you can't go to a dermatologist some primary care physicians will prescribe medication as well. In addition many women find birth control may help their acne if that is an option for you. I know it makes mine manageable.

Jun 3, 2015

Stephanie G.

Is it cystic acne? That's really painful. Retin-A worked great for me, but it is quite expensive even with insurance. I also got a prescription for a mild antibiotic. My friend swears by rinsing her face with really hot water then immediately after using really cold water.

Jun 3, 2015

Melissa B.

Try cutting out dairy! I notice that my skin improves when I do this. And also go visit your doctor! When nothing from the drug store was able to clear my skin, my family doctor was able to prescribe some acne creams that have helped immensely. And no need to go see a dermatologist, your doctor can prescribe you acne creams.

Jun 3, 2015

Kaylee D.

I have had terrible acne for many years, I finally switched to just a nice and simple ski care regimen. I use the garnier charcoal face scrub, and then my indie lee squalane facial oil, this has surprisingly cleared all my acne!

Jun 3, 2015

Audrey O.

The products that you tried, you said they didn't do anything, and I'm guessing what you mean by that, is that they didn't clear up your skin, yes? Did they irritate your skin? Or was your skin fine with those products? If so, I would give Neutrogena another shot, but watch for ingredients. Most people have heard of looking for products with the two ingredients of 'salicylic acid' and 'benzoyl peroxide', however when a product contains both those ingredients, they cancel each other out and that product is now useless. you need two separate products where one contains SA and the other contains BP. also, toners...seeing how you mentioned your skin is very sensitive, I would advise you don't use a toner. toner is alcohol based which causes the skin to dry out. and if you have oily skin or an oily t zone, your skin will now over compensate and produce more oil for what you have taken away, thus causing more acne. As for an exfoliating scrub, this should only, ONLY be used once a week. over use of an exfoliant won't only dry out the skin, but it also causes permanent damage that you won't see now, but years to come. Most importantly is water! drink lots and lots and lots and lots of water! I cannot stress that part enough!

Jun 3, 2015

Maria L.

Try a clarasonic, drink tons and tons of water, and try not to wear any makeup when possible!

Jun 4, 2015

Grace B.

I was just reading the earlier comments and I saw someone recommend cutting out dairy, I am dairy free, (for other reasons) but I Have never had any big problems with my skin, of course it just might be personal experience!

Jun 4, 2015

Grace B.

But it might help!

Jun 4, 2015

Maggie F.

You should see a dermatologist and get Acccutane. It's life changing. I doing much over the counter will help at this point.

Jun 4, 2015

Ayesha S.

Try Dalacin Topical Lotion, I get mine on prescription from the doctor, it works straight away and helps to reduce scarring and redness also with no bad side affects x