Any advice for my acne?

Question

So i'm turning 17 in a couple months and i have severe acne. It started when i was 10 and has just been progressively getting worse over the years. I live in the UK and the doctors aren't too helpful when it comes to acne. My doctor always tells me it is related to my hormones, which i could believe, but i don't get worse acne around that time of the month. I've tried all solutions from over the counter products, to creams and solutions from the doctor, to just not wearing make up and leaving my face to clear up itself, but nothing is working. It's really diminishing my confidence and i want it gone by the time i've gone to University. I'm tempted to ask for oral antibiotics but i've heard a lot of negative reviews about them. What should i do?

Darkfairie17 · Accepted Answer

I think you need to keep trying different things. Do a lot of research and try to figure out what is happening. I had/have bad acne still at 26 years old. It sucks big time, especially when the advice I get from most people is just "clean your face". Um ya, tried that, it's not that simple!

I clean my face everyday. My body produces lots of oil, but I also have very dry skin as well. I have combination skin and I haven't found a product that works perfectly on it yet.

As I have gotten older, my acne has improved greatly. But it's still there and sometimes it gets really bad. Especially when it's warm.

Basically, what it comes down to is trying all sorts of different things. I've found that the only moisturizer I can put on my face is Olay. Any other one causes me to break out.

I also found that olay toners and cleansers work best for me. So that's what I stick to.

If you have the funds, keep trying different products. Buy them when they go on sale and give them a try. When you find one that works really well, then you can buy the big size.

I also find that I have to change my routine through the year. In the winter I have to do a lot more moisturizing. In the summer I need to do more deep cleansing to get rid of the oil and dirt.

Acne can be really sucky. I hate having it, and people rarely understand what it does. Anyone who judges you for it is a jerk., Just because someone found that using something over the counter works well for them does not mean it's a miracle cure all for everyone. If anyone gives you crap for your acne, give them crap back for being rude.

doobie345621 · Accepted Answer

Not guaranteed to work for you but I have had moderate-severe acne for about 5 years and used just about any acne product I could get my hands on. The best thing I EVER did for my acne was to stop using any acne products completely. Instead I use diluted Apple Cider Vinegar twice a day, I put it on a cotton pad rub it on my face gently and just let it dry, it balances the ph of your skin and sanitizes it as well. Before I put on my makeup and after i take it off I exfoliate my face with fine grain sea salt, I just use my fingers and gently rub it in circles. Also I always try to not let water touch my face unless it is purified AND boiled but I'm not sure how sanitary the water is in the UK, for me it is necessary. I also use the sea salt as a spot treatment overnight. My acne isn't completely cleared up but no acne medication has made my face look better, both work wonders for me. Acne washes and such throw off the balance of your skin and strips it of oils, this is not good for your skin in general. Drink lots of water and never ever pick at your acne as this can cause scarring and may make your acne even worse. Don't let your hair in your face and avoid touching it unless you just washed your hands. Change your pillowcase AT LEAST once a week as this can cause acne too and also use a clean towel that you use only for your face to dry it off, change the towel frequently as towels get dirty faster than you would think. And always always always wash your makeup brushes. I use mixture of olive oil and dish soap to clean my brushes, you might want to look up directions so you can do it properly.

thorthorley · Accepted Answer

I heard stress can cause acne. You also need to wash your face to clear the oil and use acne products. Im not really sure whats best since i never really had bad acne. Try the top brands for acne prevention. I think its Clearasil or something like that.

AmongTheApples · Accepted Answer

Use benzoyl peroxide two to three times a day (you might have to build up to that) and stick with it. It will work.

Hollywood-Glam · Answer

Use a turmeric mask once a weak. For that you will need turmeric, rice flour, and yogurt if you have oily skin or olive oil if you have dry skin. Applying lemon and rose water also helps. For products I recommend using Clearasil rapid action deep pore treatment toner. It's an incredible product. I have used it and in just one week it has removed all my acne.
www.amazon.co.uk/.../B001AUJEZG
Diet helps too, eat healthy and include a generous amount of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.

Anonymous · Answer

Let me save you the trouble... these comments don't know what they're talking about. Your acne is hormonal and no matter how many creams and stuff you put on your face, it will NOT get rid of it. Why? Because what's going on in your body is the real problem. STEP 1: buy one of those clarisonic brushes to clean your face. Best thing I ever did. STEP 2: find a cream that works pretty good for yourself at night. STEP 3: you need pills to balance your hormones. ask your dermatologist for antibiotics, Or get on birth control... OR... this is the ONLY thing that got rid of my acne... It is called Spironolactone. I highly recommend you try this. It takes a few months to kick in, like 2-3 but once it does, it's great.

XRabbitHeartX · Answer

Tea tree oil mixed with water or jojoba oil. This should clear your skin up but make sure the substances are 100% natural and always always dilute the tea tree oil with something. If you don't, you could burn your skin. Put this on your acne areas every night.

Alternatively consider going on the pill or even mini pill for results.

Kuraj · Answer

Your doctor gave you the answer already, "hormones" doesn't mean your period it means a wide array of conditions that affect your hormonal balance such as PCOS.
Go see a gynecologist, they will know right away once you mention bad acne.
If it is indeed hormone related you will have to take hormonal medication, no skin care products will help.

Anonymous · Answer

1. Go to a different dermatologist
2. Try perscribed topical creams and a face wash given to you by them.
3. Oral mediation if necessary. Or go on the pill.
4. Get facials. My insurance covers it because acne is classified as a "skin condition". If you are able to, I suggest it.
5. The clarisonic is a new face took that you use to wash you face. I hear it's very good. But I don't have one.

AzureGirl · Answer

I use medicated face pads. Another option you could see about is birth control. I used to get bad acne around my time of the month and my gyno actually brought up that it would help me with that issue. Which it does!

Titanic1912 · Answer

Did you ever try Proactive or Clinique? My sister uses Clinique and her face is so sexy and it's soft as a baby's bottom.

mntwins66 · Answer

I use a microfiber washcloth and some water or in shower product. It's surprising, but using the cloth has made it a lot better.

fiodor99 · Answer

vegan diet with elimination of all foods that cause you inflamation. there are no "cures and treatments" , health changes from the inside out.

Anonymous · Answer

i have had success with drying my face out... like make your face really dry it works but your mouth hurts when u open it wide.. but thats what i do

Dancer_guY · Answer

look i used a pill threatment at least and i have clear scin now

AthleticMom · Answer

Short & easy = join swim team, The End of all that

amazon-boy · Answer

proactive is your bestfriend..

SirenDep · Answer

find a better dermatologist

apple24 · Answer

Fire your determologist!

SteamBuns · Answer

I'm turning 17 in April

Any advice for my acne?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Any advice for my acne?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.