the uphill battle

I really hope this is your answer! My cousin began Accutane in high school for her severe acne and it cleared it up completely and permanently. Hope you experience the same thing!

Well, keep in mind I had numbing cream put on 30 minutes prior, that may be why it only felt like scratching to me. Anyways, tired of defending myself. My skin looks great and I'm really happy. I'll think twice next time I try to post any successes.

I haven't gotten one pimple since using it and I've been putting it on my entire forehead, nose and chin. I'm incredibly susceptible to breaking out and have sensitive skin so I'm kind of surprised I haven't had any reaction to it... but I haven't. I would say it's worth a shot. The consistency is more goopey than greasy in my opinion, but I couldn't care less, it's working. It has been effective on really old red marks too from what I can tell. I've got quite a collection from the past 10 years.

So I have FINALLY gotten my acne under control, it's not perfect by any means, but definitely manageable. So as expected, I have a new obsession now; my red marks! I hate how they have this special way of looking like acne when I'm clear.. it's awesome. My skin is really fair and I get red marks no matter what, even if I don't touch the pimple! It's not fair. ANYWAYS...

I started this cream that I found at Walgreens of all places for $8. It has 2% Hydroquinone which I guess is supposed to be the devil, but I didn't care..I was desperate. I tried Meladerm, which was Hydroquinone free, for months and saw zero results. So I gave this cream a shot. I've been using it for probably less than a week just at night and have already seen a pretty drastic reduction in my red marks with no side effects whatsoever besides the nasty smell. I just wanted to share in hopes that others could achieve the same results that I did. I know that I personally would want someone to post about a product that worked for them. Goodluck!

My experiences in life - or lack of, as the case may be - and how I feel about myself are down to how I responded to having acne, not due to the acne itself. The only thing not having acne and not having to worry at all about my skin would give me is that sense of being like so many I know of who don't pay attention to what they eat or to maintaining a regimen and so on. It just takes that stress away I suppose, not having to give it any time or thought at all. Otherwise, everything else - lack of confidence, lack of self esteem, lack of experiences, lack of social life, feelings of loneliness and depression - is down to me. The acne may have been the reason to start with, but it just formed a series of habits and behaviours. Rather than facing up to that and tackling it, I placed all the blame on the acne and used it as a crutch. I let the acne dictate what I did and how I felt for so long that I genuinely have forgotten how to be in charge of and accountable for my own feelings and happiness. In that respect, you could give me the most perfect skin but it wouldn't actually change anything about me or the way I feel. It would probably give me a bit of confidence, taking away that main insecurity, but the rest of it is about my perception of myself and how I've been too scared to face up to my fears and make changes in life. The fear of failing or getting it wrong or being laughed at is what has stopped me for such a long time, and only by reaching a point where my skin has finally started to improve after thirteen years have I realised that they are in fact two separate issues and the acne is actually the smaller of the two. In fact, that one actually seems like the easiest to fix for me. With the self esteem and confidence issues, it feels like that's going to be quite a tough journey.

lol dude, gtfo. I don't even get why you are here. Your pic shows no sign of acne, the aftermath or whatsoever, and you are here posting everyday. It's starting to annoy the shit outta me. What the hell is wrong with you? Maybe the thing you need is a haircut?

Op, it is all about the confidence it gives, which is, in this case, feeling normal.

Wow.. way to tear someone down just because they finally found a successful treatment for their acne! Shouldn't we as members of an acne support site be happy for him? I can tell you that we would be for you when/if you conquer your acne as well. I personally think its admirable that PaulH85 takes the time to offer advice and support to others that are still suffering, he's seen the light at the end of the tunnel and is trying to give hope to others who haven't yet.

Now to answer the question... Clear skin gives me the freedom and confidence for me to be ME. There is nothing more beautiful and valuable than that in the world!

Yeah...parents compliments are the worst, lol. My mom thought I was adorable with acne and headgear. She lost all credibility.

I can totally relate, my fiance has beautiful skin! I stare at it and examine it with envy. It must be nice to have pretty skin at all angles and in any sort of lighting. I'll never know, though.

Ahhhh, I'm sorry. I got a huge one under my eyebrow that left a nasty mark. I was so pissed! The skin around my eyes should never have acne.. so lame. You think some parts of our face are safe from acne and then BOOM.

Congratulations on your success! And thank you for taking the time to share your insight.

Totally! Same thing with pictures. I will see pictures and see someone completely different from how I see myself or how I WANT to see myself, not sure which. I discard those pictures immediately! lol. I know exactly what you mean though. I see such a range of versions of myself depending on several factors; lighting, angle, etc.

This forum! The reassurance it brings me that I am not suffering with this disease alone despite how alone I often feel with my acne fight. Also, my fiance. For some reason he wants to marry me and see my far from perfect face everyday! Even without makeup..wow, It baffles me, but I'm so grateful! Lastly, my german shepherd...she loves me day or night, fat or skinny, pizza face or clear.

I wish I could be more helpful, but I really suck at pinpointing the different types of acne I just wanted to say that I think your skin looks beautiful! Congrats on your improvement.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, bless your heart!! I know first hand how miserable it is. Aside from the cream, has your derm prescribed you any antibiotics? If not, those may be a God send for you. Minocycline was a miracle for me when I was first put on it. I'm thinking if you haven't gone the antibiotic route yet, you have greener pastures ahead! You will most likely respond very well. Make sure your derm. prescribes you some antibiotics AND cream next appointment. Good luck to you!

I've had micro-dermabrasion treatments before and they did not improve my scarring at all, unfortunately. It's mostly like a great exfoliator, your skin will feel so smooth after. I'm looking into some peels for my scars. The dermatology office had some amazing before and after photos for both active acne and scarring. Maybe you could look into something like that as well.

Reading all of these, it's really amazing to see how so many of us lead a secret life in a way.