Acne will not go away. Please help

Hi, I am 15 years old and have normal skin, not dry, not oily. I recently developed(about 4 months ago)full blown acne that stretches across the bottom of my face. This includes my chin, and the sides of my mouth (full of red mountains). My acne consists of mostly whiteheads, red growing pimples, and red pimples that i have popped, combining together to make the red and white mountains of my face. Now i have tried most of the topical products out there (proactiv, nuetrogena advanced solutions system, clean and clear kit, pure and clear kit, tea tree oil, ect.) and the closest thing that got me clear was the nuetrogena system, however after about 1 month or less my face gets used to it or something and my face stays the same or starts to get worse. (same with proactiv). Neither benzoyl peroxide,sasilic acid, or glycerin has seemed to really work for me. I have a pretty good diet, and drink a ton of water each day. If you have any advice, or know of any topical treatments that might work for me i would greatly appreciate it! Also, my friend went to her dermo, and she got a benzoyl wash 4 % with the CeraVe collection and it has worked wonders for her. Think it would do the same with me? Thank you for your time it really does mean a lot.

[loiloi]

Hi.
Acne is caused by raised levels of androgens such as testosterone -common in people your age. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin. Bacteria on the skin feeds off this sebum, blocks the pores and leads to inflammed spots. Unfortunately, a good diet and drinking water is not enough to clear acne as it will have no effect on androgens and sebum production.
If over the counter products are of limited benefit see your doctor for one of the many more effective prescription products. He may recommend a facial wash like your friend has, or a course of oral antibiotics to kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Eloise.

[Eckin]

Thanks for the quick reply! I actually just went to the dermotologist and was prescribed 10 % benzoyl wash and .025 % Retin-A to apply before bed. Personally, i think that this is going to be very drying on my skin. Would using a moisturizer ruin this regimen? Thank you

[Eckin]

So after some research, i have now found out that you are not supposed to use benzoyl peroxide with retin-a. What was she thinking? Should i still use both?

[loiloi]

Hi.
I would not use another drying product with Retin-a, unless you have very strong skin. If you can tolerate both use Retin-a at night and the other product in the morning. Personally, I would use a bland cleanser and moisturiser (either Cetaphil or La roche-posay) with Retin-a. Use Retin-a every other night to start and gradually build up to nightly use. If you cannot tolerate Retin-a, ask your doctor for Differin (adapelene 0.1%) a gentler retinoid which is generally very well tolerated.
Eloise.