Hi im from IL and I'm going to be a junior in high school. I usually would never go on the internet searching for answers, but i felt like I had no other choice. My next dermatolgist appointment isnt for another two weeks and my acne is getting BRUTAL.


I use to a PERFECT skin. I would never even get close to a blemish. About two years ago i started to get mild acne which didnt bother me as much. Now, it is starting to be moderate to severe. It has stretched all over my cheeks to my temple, and keep on spreading all over my face. I lost half of my friends because im seriously depressed. Acne hasnt only taken my appearence, it has taken over my mental stability. I dont go out anymore, and ignore half of my family. Acne has made me loose interest in everything I use to enjoy. I cry every night thinking about how I had taken good skin for granted. I always feel that people dont even consider me attractive anymore because of this acne that has taken over my life. I need someones help, please ANYBODY, before I end up being suicidal.

Please, someone respond with help or advice!

Right now ive been on minocycline for about 4-5 weeks. (no improvement)
I wash my face twice or maybe three times a day.
I use benzaclin once a day. (improvement has decreased)

Alice,

I have been dealing with acne in some form ever since I was about 14 years old, so I can relate to your ordeal. At times, my acne wasn't a big deal--maybe a spot or two-- while at other times, it was really bad. At the beginning of this year, I knew that I would be starting college in the summer, so I decided to once and for all get rid of this plague on my face. I scoured over hundreds of sources, trying different methods along the way. The most notable methods I tried:

1) Oxy system: 10% BP wash, 2% Salycylic Acid pads, and 10% BP spot treatment.
My verdict: It worked decently but I never achieved complete clearing.

2) Tea Tree Oil: Twice daily application to only my right cheek with a cotton ball.
My verdict: Absolutely horrible idea...broke me out bad.

3) Aloe Vera Gel: Twice daily application to only my right cheek.
My verdict: Helped with red marks, yet did not prevent new acne.

4) Lemons: Once daily application before bed with a cotton ball.
My verdict: Lightened my skin tone to help with red marks, yet did not fully prevent new acne.

5) Caveman Regimen: For about a week, I did absolutely nothing to my face.
My verdict: I had the worst breakout in my life to every area of my face.

These are all the methods that I tried this year, not to mention all of the things I've used in the past. Overall, I was like you when I found this site--desperate and frustrated. I was extremely skeptical of this site at first, thinking it was like every other "can't miss" treatment. But, in the end, I realized that this site isn't promoting its products or trying to get you to spend money. This site just posts a proven method for treating acne and the people who operate it actually care about something other than scamming people. So, with great reluctance, I decided to get on the Regimen. I wanted to start off right, so I ended buying all of Dan's products as well. Now, it has been nine weeks since then and I am almost entirely clear. I'm not saying that the Regimen will work for you, but I think that it will significantly help. My advice to you is to read everything that you can on this site about the Regimen several times and get on it. You don't have to buy Dan's products, but be sure that everything you do get is on the recommended product page. If you do decide to get on the Regimen, follow Dan's instuctions EXACTLY. Don't use too much benzoyl peroxide at first. Be extra gentle with you skin. Don't add any other products at the same time.
Also, remember that clearing will not come overnight. It may take at least three months for you to be totally clear, but won't that three months be worth it?

Lastly, this is just my two cents worth of advice. Do the proper research and decide what you think is best to do. Also, don't think your derm's advice is like the word of God. They do not know everything about acne because, if they did, acne would not exist today. Whatever you do, I hope it works for you and you will be acne free in a few months time! Feel free to ask if you have any more questons.

I understand where your coming from. I've had bad skin for about 8 years, dealing with breakouts then clear skin then breakouts again. Its so frusterating and is very embarassing. I know its miserable but don't let it ruin your life. You obviously have good family and friends who love and support you so try not to let your skin prevent you from enjoying life. This site is great for advice and support on how to deal with and get rid of acne. If it bothers you that much to the point where you are suicidal you really need to talk to someone, anyone. Just remember your not alone, its one of the most common skin diseases and millions of people have to deal with it. Sorry to sound cheesey but its true. Just keep trying and eventually you will find a way to help your skin clear up. Take your derm's advice and be patient.