Guess Who's Back, Back Again, My Acne's Back. Don't Tell Your Friends

It's been a hot minute since I posted anything on here because for the past four months I actually enjoyed my skin.  Random hormonal zit or two here and there but nothing that sent me running to the hills.  I felt my confidence come back and the best part . . . . I even stopped wearing foundation everyday, I would just conceal the zit or two that I had at the time.  What an amazing feeling to only wear eye and lip make up.  
Alas,  I had a FREAK breakout that started about three days ago so Wednesday and its Saturday now.  I mean this breakout literally came without warning, there were no "under ground bumps, congestion" going on that I thought, "okay, I might break out soon." nope. just nice smooth skin and I woke up Wednesday morning to look into the mirror and be greeted with my old face again.  6 large, red, sore papules staring back at me like a bunch of bastards.

I made an appt with my derm and had them injected with a corticosteriod shot - I hate paying to do this but otherwise I will be the hell out of them and make the situation waaaay worse so this helps me.  The next day the inflammation was much better thanks to the injections but of course the redness is still there (which I HATE because I am very pale and it takes FOREVER to fade) which makes me want to run to the nearest tanning salon, pay for a monthly package and fry the fuck out of my skin so I get nice and tan and the redness hides easier...but I know, I know, this is bad and will only prolong the situation in the long run.  I'm just so impatient and always looking for a quick fix, but who isn't?! Acne blows.

Anyways, take a look at my clear skin - to my latest breakout - to three days post breakout.  The last pictures (where I look like a man and my hair is on top of my head) are taken an hour ago when I just got done washing my face and applying all necessary acne creams etc.  

I feel so defeated because I was just getting used to loving my skin.  I haven't introduced any new products into my routine, I'm taking my BC the way I should.  The only thing that crosses my mind is that I had a lot of dental work done and after words my TMD/TMJ acted up terribly for three weeks, I was in so much, constant pain, which caused a ton of stress, and I was on a crap ton of painkillers....so maybe that sparked a flair up?! I'm hoping so and that I will be back to my old self shortly.  Oh and yes I have "pimple cream" on one of my larger zits that I didn't get injected because I am trying to smoother that thing to death so I wanna keep it covered for a while today in hopes of it going away (wishful thinking)

Again, there is no way I'm going on Accutane and I'm hoping this was just a sudden and brief set back.

Update you on my current regime:

PM: Washing with Skin Ceuticals LHA Cleanser (obsesssssed!) Once a day - two times is wayy too harsh for my skin, and I don't need it. and washing only once has made a huge difference the past four months.

   Apply Obagi's Clenziderm Soluble BPO 5% all over face

   Moisturize if needed with aloe vera or 100% glycerin from Obagi

   Take ortho tricyclene

AM:  Rinse face with cool water, pat dry, moisturize if needed (usually not needed)

Apply any concealer to spots I may need and do eye make up and go on with my day

Take a B Complex Supplement

Now since being to the derm he wants me to do Retin A 1% and go back on doxycyclene 2 times a day. BLAH.  Idk why but I HATE the idea of RetinA's and as a skin care professional I know they can make a world of difference but I don't feel like drying the crap out of my skin and breaking out and purging for no reason, especially if my skin was doing okay  . . . IDK I purchased it anyways and did use it last night.  And I'm starting my Doxy today.

Here's hoping.

Anyone have opinions of 1% Rentin A? Should I listen to the derm or just keep up with what I was doing?  Anyone else's skin flair up out of nowhere when under a ton of stress?

I will keep you all updated!

My Skin Before the Break Out


My Breakout Three Days Ago


Breakout Today (Post Three Days)


This is the first time I posted pics of my breakout, I don't even let me friends or family see me when I look this disgusting and I just go to work and go home until my skin looks "better."  I know it could be worse and there are acne sufferes out there that are having a harder time, and I am not trying to sound annoying but for me this is bad and I am just as upset about it.  It breaks my heart, I cry everyday-numerious times and I don't feel like myself.  Any suggestions or tips would be welcomed!