Acne frustration

[Melissa]

I am 25 years old. I have never had good skin, but now it is worse than ever. I've tried so many things to clear it up, but to no avail. It is now mostly on my cheeks and chin. I've tried over the counter and infomercial products. I wash my face 1 to 2 times a day, and drink plenty of water. I think I take care of my face, but obvoiously I'm doing something wrong.

My friend told me about Accutane, but I read about it online and it doesn't look like something I'd try, because of the whole pregnancy thing (it said that be prepared to get an abortion if you get pregnant while on it!). Um, no thanks to that one.

I'm lost, can you offer any advice? Thanks!

[helpless]

Hey,
  I have been dealing with acne since I was in the 7th grade. I have tried Accutane,Benzoyle Peroxide, Tetracycline (spelling), Monocycline (spelling), ProActive, Defferin gel, and Retin-A (both gel and cream). I wash my face 2 times a day and I do not scrub it. I use to have cycstic acne but after taking accutane I have seemed to get rid of those. I now have minor acne on my face but It doesnt want to go away. My worst area's seem to be on my check's and sometime's on my forehead. I have also tried using toothpaste and alcohol to dry them up but they just seem to burn for awhile. Ever since I have been able to remeber I have had low self asteem do to my acne. I always wear a hat...even though I know a hat doesnt help acne onthe forehead. I was in the hospital once for a severe ear infection..while in the hospital I was given Rocephine(spelling). It seemed to be the only antibiotic that really took them away. The thing with other antibiotics is that they work for about a month then my body get's use to them.....I have given up all hope on any types of medication. Please tell me there is something that can be done..

                                      Sincerly,
                                     Hopeless

[nancy]

Hi!  I understand ur frustration completly!  I tried tonnes of prodcts and absolutely noting worked, just a waste of time and money.  I had severe acne on my cheeks, horrible ingrown ones as well!  I have been on Diane-35 for about 8 months now and the results are amazing.  The thing is is that it is a birth  control pill, so unless theres family planning in the way, i would strongly recopmmend it.  The first few months u wont notice much, but hang in there, the end results are great!
Good Luck!

[Julio Preciado]

I hate pimples so much I would like to peel off the skin off my entire face!

[Suzanne Sullivan]

Go to a licensed aesthetician (skin care professional) before you go on any medication.  A lot of people make the mistake of using the wrong products - let someone who specializes in the field help you.  Be sure the professional you go to is licensed & experienced & prefer alternatives to medication.

[Jessica]

I have also heard that Acutane is very bad.  But at the same time I also heard that it really does work for severe acne.

[To Justin]

Melissa, I would recommend "Dalicin". It is one of the strongest in it's field. With most people, dryness of the face or other reactions don't occur. You need a prescription to get it though.

Best of Luck
Dr. Goldstein

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sure, Melissa.  See a dermatologist about treating postadolescent acne.  This is very common indeed, and there are lots of things milder than Accutane to be considered: cleansers, antibiotic gels, pills, etc.  And while you're waiting for the appointment, hide the spots with a water-based or oil-free makeup and don't squeeze the pimples!  Thanks.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff