Face Breakouts

Hi... Im getting really frustrated with my face breakouts lately.  Ive never had a problem with pimples before but now my chin keeps breaking out.  The pimples i keep getting are cystic acne.  They hurt really bad and nothing helps them go away.  This is currently what i use on my face:  Face wash with .5% salicylic acid and another facewash with 3.5% benzoyl peroxide.  I MAKE SURE to take really good care of my skin but it dosent seem to work.  Also i have a prescription face medication cream called BenzaClin which is 1% clindamycin and 5% Benzoyl peroxide.  Also, i am away at college far from my house so could it be my face isnt use to the water here? Im not sure what else it could be. Does anyone have any ideas of what i can do to help??? Can someone tell me what has helped them get rid of annoying and stubborn pimmples? Pleasee helpppp.. thanks!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Acne needs to be assessed so it may be graded.The more complicated the acne, the more that topical medications may not be able to help.

Do you know a dermatologist in the area? Some forms of acne require injections and surgery. An experienced dermatologist will be the best person to do this.Do not pick on your pimples.Only use  medications that were prescribed by a physician .

Some dermatologists may ask you to change your soaps and shampoo.The water may also play a role.Stress due to changes in environment,lack of sleep and poor dietary habits may also cause acne.

Discuss all these with your dermatologist as he/she is the best person to explain the condition to you after a thorough assessment.

[loiloi]

Hi. The main factors which lead to acne are oil, bacteria and hormones. As Vanessa says, your doctor or dermatologist will assess your acne and decide whether a topical or oral treatment is best for you. Dermatologists have found the most effective topical prescription gel to be Differin especially when used in conjunction with oral antibiotics or an anti-androgen contraceptive pill like Diane35 (females only). Also check out our Acne forum. Loiloi x