Acne Help

Im almost 20 years old and ive had acne since I was about 14 years old. It started with just one on my chin then it started to spread. I tried Proactive when I was 15 and it made my breakouts even worse.  I found out I was really sensitive to benzoyl peroxide (main ingredient) because when I used their products, I broke out in a heat rash. It itched and burned when I tried to stratch it.  My face was red and irritated all over but more so on my jaw line and cheeks. It was so embarassing because it was really hard to cover.  I was put on birth control when I was about 16 which didnt help much, except it cleared up the breakouts that were on my back (eventually came back). I was also put on doxycyclin and clindomicyclin (spelling) and those two didnt work either. Ive tried Murad, which didnt irritated my skin or anything, but it seemed like it was taking forever. Im thinking of trying it again and giving it more time than I did before.  Currently Ive been using Neutrogena for spot treatment and Clearisal for washing my face. The spot treatment has been kinda working even once and awhile, but it doesnt really clear up the pimples, it just keeps them from turning into a bigger whitehead.  For the past 2 weeks Ive been having  huge breakouts on my cheeks, chin and near my mouth.  The ones on my cheeks are deep bumps that take forever to go away, the ones near my mouth and chin area are little bumps, mostly black heads that then turn into a few whiteheads. I dont know what to do!  Has anyone tried Differin? Since Im sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, I cant use anything that contains that. I also have some discoloration on my cheeks from past acne and the deep ones on the sides of my face arent helping the matter. The marks are red and blotchy, they dont itch/burn or anything. Anyone have any suggestions?

[ambi88]

I too am almost 20 and have been suffering from acne for several years as well. NOTHING ever worked..not proactive..not anything...i went to a spa place where i was given facials every week to help with them...this didnt seem to be working either.  i have been trying a glycolic gel and it seem to be working. i too have VERY sensitive skin so benzoyl peroxide was very harsh on my face too.  ive found that using products with benxoyl peroxide sparingly help with keeping it from being so harsh on my face.

i now use glycolix gel (10% glycoli acid and 2% salicylic acid by derma topix) (www.cosmeticsurgerydallas.com)...every day after using noxzema microbead cleanser with vitamin c....my face is starting to clear up. im happy, but i dont want to get my hopes up yet....but-it is looking better i think this may help. my acne isnt as active as it has been in the past so i think it is clearing up. i do still get acne but it is less severe.  i do still have blemishes...badly...but the active acne is clearing up a little bit.  after these i use benzoyl peroxide 10% wash every now and again. ive found that yes, it can be a little harsh and it dries the **** out of my face, but this is good sometimes...for your face to peel off all the dead skin cells and such...

i do know that if you watch your face too often, it can result in more and more acne...you may dry your face out too much if you wash your face too much...i would try washing it 3 times a day and using the benzoyl peroxide once a week to help clear it faster. the reason why some people find benzoyl peroxide to be too harsh is because it dries their face out and burns...this is not necessarily a bad thing to do everyonce in a while like 2-4 times a month...i say this because it has been working for mebut it took a while for me to be able to tolerate the benzoyl peroxide...

i hope this helps..

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

There are several treatment options available for acne - topical application creams, oral medications, laser treatment etc.

It would be best to consult your dermatologist to decide about the best treatment option in your case.

Comedonal (non-inflammatory) acne: local treatment with azelaic acid, salicylic acid, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide.

Mild papulo-pustular (inflammatory) acne: benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids, topical antibiotics (such as erythromycin).

Moderate inflammatory acne: benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids combined with oral antibiotics (tetracyclines). Isotretinoin is an option.

Severe inflammatory acne, nodular acne, acne resistant to the above treatments: isotretinoin also known as Accutane, can be prescribed by a doctor, or contraceptive pills with cyproterone for females with virilization or drospirenone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris#Treatments

Let us know about how you are doing and what your doctor advises.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.