Haha, this was an old post, but that's okay! I actually haven't updated this in a lonnnnnnnnnng time.

I completely stopped using the St. Ives, and I just use a foaming cleanser instead. To exfoliate, I use a soft microfiber washcloth to wash my face at night and it's super gentle and works great.
I'm using Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid solution and my skin hasn't looked this good in over 6 months. St. Ives is good for once in a while, maybe once or twice a month... But I don't over do it anymore. The times that I DO use it, my skin is supppppppppper soft afterwards.

hi ive just read your logs! i have to say its pretty interesting! cos you are very narrative

and your beautiful btw!

i really get what you mean by horrible cystic acne. mine's pretty much under control but sometimes it'll pop up in a small lump and ill quickly ice and and put TTO on top as well ! before it becomes big.

im thinking of starting a log as well, but im not sure! anyway good luck!

Wow.
I've had the exact same history (though it's because I decided to quit the pill and never gone back).
I've also tried lots of things and so far loved SA and gentle peeling. Everything that has SA and peels without that "scrubbing" effect works wonders on me.
I love Tea Tree oil so much that I've put a drop in all my face creams =)
Keep logging, it's really cool!