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My skin is naturally oily, and annoying at that. My father told me at a young age when we were discussing "taking care of yourself" and "regular boys' stuff" that I would have acne pretty bad. Both my mom and dad fought acne for several years, but eventually got over it. Just from looking at them you can see a sheen on their face, as do I even after a rigorous showering.
So, I've been battling acne now for about 8 years. Started sprouting zits around the typical, ripe age of 16. Looking back on my teens I feel that I really messed up. I ate absolute shit for food, lived on carbonated beverages(sprite was my favorite), and just plain didn't take care of myself like I should have been- I'm by no means even near overweight. I had the naive mindset that acne was a passing phase and I would just "ride it out" and it would be gone. What's left is a lot of redness, scarring, and regret.
My derm had me on a few medications, one that I remember is Retin-A. I'm sure there were more but it's been far too long to remember.
I've been on a plethora of medications, creams, cleansers, moisturizers, etc., some even recommended from a physician. My chest and neck areas have it the worst. Face has the occasional pimple here and there, but for the most part it's the chest and neck that I'm most embarassed of. My acne is not really a cluster of pimples, moreso larger, more aggressive pimples that stay for awhile.
What kind of acne?
The most common are lumps(not sure what the actual name for these are) that form on my neck, top of shoulders, and mid-chest. These are quite bothersome. They seem to be dormant, do not pop, and are gone within a week or a few. My chest and shoulders are very red and blotchy, whiteheads are not uncommon. Most shiny redness.
I also get really bad pimples on the sides of my nose(not actually on the nose), temples, and upper-chin/lower lip areas. Some easily pop and secrete, others tend to stay for days on end despite applications. These leave the worst scar and red blothes.
What have I done?
Well, for the past four years I've cut out most sweets and may induldge in soda maybe once a month or two. I stay far away from soda as I can and usally opt for an iced tea if I go out to eat. I've been active in my daily routines and fitness and watch more of what I eat(more salads, natural foods, fruits, veggies, etc). I also take Opti-Men twice a day as a multi-vitamin. I'm okay with drinking spring water on a daily basis and have recently been drinking green tea from Lipton. I'm on DK's regimen. I apply the treatment twice daily(followed by Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion 10% Glycolic AHA Anti-Wrinkle) and use Clean and Clear facial cleanser twice a day in the shower - all applied to the really bad regions of the neck, shoulders, chest and back. I was on DK's regimen a few years ago and didn't see the best results, but I also wasn't following the treatment to a T. It's been about a week on DK's regimen. Just keep this up? Should I be seeing results at this stage?
This next month I want to be kicking it up to high gear.
Why am I here?
I just want to know what is causing this and the best route for my condition. Is my acne simple hereditary? Is it what I eat really making a difference? What treatments can be used? Please do not recommend accu-tane. I do not believe my acne is near that severe to warrant such a resort. At this point in time, it's not as bad as it once was.
Any tips or suggestions, dos/donts/should bes are greatly appreciated.
Some sample pictures of what best represents my condition..
http://3dsciencepics...cne_390x290.jpg (close)
http://www.skincarep...cne_scars14.jpg (not exact, but fairly close)
http://img.ehowcdn.c...cne-800x800.jpg (<- concentrated mid-chest)
If you need actual pics let me know. I am reluctant to post pics online, but if need be.....
Edited by Umbrello, 17 January 2013 - 12:52 PM.
