I feel for you on every level, especially the light I get so nervous if I have to do something outdoors or during the day because I feel like everything can be seen. Have you had your hormones checked at the doctors it could be contributing to it. If nothing externally is working its good to consider the internal hormonal factors. You're not alone!! hang in there lovely !!

@*sugababy...Hummm,,I don't know where to start.

The things that you have used and are trying, are they prescribed or over the counter?

Sometimes over treating can cause the skin to loose its balance .that plus using make-up or products that are comedogenic .One way to find out if what you are putting on your face is causing irritation and more inflammation is checking the ingredients, cosdna.com is a website where you can check the ingredients,although it can be different from one person to another.

Start making a list of how your face reacts with each product, that way when you see the dermatologist you might have an idea of what could work for you .

If your acne is mild to moderate ,maybe ziana could work for you ,ziana is a retin a plus clindamycin antibiotic, you will be able to use this topical antibiotic included in the retin a ,ziana , without problems if you don't have any medical condition or problems with your colon or digestive system.

Before seeing the dermatologist,analize your face and write down where you have the most problematic areas . It's good to have a list , of questions and concerns before you see a dermatologist or any other doctor.

Also , some people seem to have skin problems with the foods that they eat , these days there are a lot of preservatives in our foods, too many greasy food, and too much sugars.

Not counting our stressed lives,forgetting to drink water and even to breathe.

Acne is something that can be controlled , not cured , so there is hope, it can be managed at least.

I would recommend to read on the different acne treatments that members recommend here , maybe you will find someone who's acne shares similarities with yours.

Do not give up and keep positive , concentrate on getting the skin under control, and once you achieve success, maybe you will feel so much better and start sharing with those who need help trying to figure out their acne problems.

There is a lot of support and advice here in the acne.org

Best wishes.

I can really relate to everything you're going through, all of my acne came back after I quit BC. I have become obsessed with trying to find something that will work.. And everyday a new pimple pops up! It's so disheartening. I'm going to see a naturopath in hopes of finding some natural ways to balance my hormones.

As for looking at others skin, I do this and have done this since my acne started (many, many years ago!) -even when I was clear. I fantasize about having others' skin and wonder if they even know how good they have it. I will wonder what hormone combination/levels they have and wish there was a way to duplicate such levels in another person. It's actually pretty embarrassing how much I look and think about other peoples' skin.....Having naturally clear skin, though, is so freeing. It really let's you be you. I can't help but want that. So, just know you are not alone. I am laying in bed next to my husband sleeping with perfect skin and I'm slathered with zit cream.. Trying to stay hopeful.

You are not your skin. The beauty industry may have convinced you of that, but it is not true.

I can really relate to everything you're going through, all of my acne came back after I quit BC. I have become obsessed with trying to find something that will work.. And everyday a new pimple pops up! It's so disheartening. I'm going to see a naturopath in hopes of finding some natural ways to balance my hormones.

 

As for looking at others skin, I do this and have done this since my acne started (many, many years ago!) -even when I was clear. I fantasize about having others' skin and wonder if they even know how good they have it. I will wonder what hormone combination/levels they have and wish there was a way to duplicate such levels in another person. It's actually pretty embarrassing how much I look and think about other peoples' skin.....Having naturally clear skin, though, is so freeing. It really let's you be you. I can't help but want that. So, just know you are not alone. I am laying in bed next to my husband sleeping with perfect skin and I'm slathered with zit cream.. Trying to stay hopeful.

Yeah, I do exactly the same with fantasizing about having other people's skin! As i said in my post, i'm like obsessive. It's pretty bad. I am also considering going on birth control in the hope of getting clearer skin, but unfortunately, I know that I won't be on them forever and therefore I also know that there's a pretty big chance that my acne is going to come back just like yours did (sigh). But to be honest i'm almost willing to do anything to get clear skin right now, at least just for a year. Then i could be free for a whole year!! Aaaaah! Just the thought of it seems amazing. Just experiencing clear skin for a day would be magical!

I am also in the middle of dating a new man and he, of course, also has absolutely perfect, gorgeous, glowing skin. I have told him somehow that I break out but I haven't told him how fully bad it is and that I dont just break out from time to time, it is there permanently. Clearly he can see that my skin is somehow bumpy while wearing makeup, but I can still take most redness away which makes it seem more minimal that it is. He has seen me with very little makeup on, though I was still wearing heavy duty high coverage concealer at that time to cover any redness or spot possible.

We are long distance so we dont see each other all the time which also helps me from kinda "hiding" my acne from him. I'm just afraid it will put him off, even though I know it probably wont. He seemed pretty calm when I told him that im vulnerable to break out, but yeah.... it's not just break outs from time to time i experience, it's permanent. So it just gets a little harder.

And thank you all for your words and tips! I am already very aware of the ingredients included in my skincare products and products that i put on my face and I do at all costs try to avoid fragrance, alcohol and other irritating ingredients that will possibly irritate my skin. Also, the skincare I use does work - if i didnt use it, my case would definitely be more severe - it does keep the worst at bay, it just lowers it to moderate acne (but that still not enough for me).

Sorry for my long post, lol! It's just great to hear from you guys and share my thoughts as well. Thank you all so far

It's always challenging dating someone with perfect, photoshopped looking skin.. I know. That's been all of my boyfriends and my current husband. When my husband and I were first dating, I ALWAYS wore foundation, even to bed. It took me awhile to go without makeup and to talk openly about my skin struggles. Luckily, he suffered from acne in high school so he could relate to an extent. I think that was helpful. He, like many, just grew out of it (why not us???). But honestly, he really couldn't care less about my acne. Other boyfriends would point it out and make it clear that they noticed which made me feel so insecure. He on the other hand, acts like its so not even noticeable and acts like its crazy for me to worry about it or think it changes how attractive I am. That feels really good to hear from the person you love. If your guy is a decent, compassionate person, I'm sure he will be the same way.

I don't blame you for wanting to go on BC just to have some relief. I don't think anyone would judge you for that! And know that there are ways to lessen the severity of breakouts when you decide to quit. I was just an idiot and didn't do any research until it was too late and my skin sucked horribly. I could have weaned myself off BC slowly and taken estroblock (read so many great things about it everywhere) or saw palmetto to try to keep my hormones from going bananas. So mad at myself!

It's always challenging dating someone with perfect, photoshopped looking skin.. I know. That's been all of my boyfriends and my current husband. When my husband and I were first dating, I ALWAYS wore foundation, even to bed. It took me awhile to go without makeup and to talk openly about my skin struggles. Luckily, he suffered from acne in high school so he could relate to an extent. I think that was helpful. He, like many, just grew out of it (why not us???). But honestly, he really couldn't care less about my acne. Other boyfriends would point it out and make it clear that they noticed which made me feel so insecure. He on the other hand, acts like its so not even noticeable and acts like its crazy for me to worry about it or think it changes how attractive I am. That feels really good to hear from the person you love. If your guy is a decent, compassionate person, I'm sure he will be the same way.

 

I don't blame you for wanting to go on BC just to have some relief. I don't think anyone would judge you for that! And know that there are ways to lessen the severity of breakouts when you decide to quit. I was just an idiot and didn't do any research until it was too late and my skin sucked horribly. I could have weaned myself off BC slowly and taken estroblock (read so many great things about it everywhere) or saw palmetto to try to keep my hormones from going bananas. So mad at myself!

IT IS!!! Luckily (well i guess.. kinda haha, but still not for him!) my ex boyfriend also dealt with bad dermatitis in his teen years so he at least could relate to the fact of not having great skin and actually being quite down about it. But this guy? Nope. I mean, he probably can't relate but it seems like he'll understand to some extend though. I dont feel like you can fully understand how it's like before you know how it is to have permanently bad skin, but i think you can imagine to extend as said earlier! Men (and boyfriends for that matter) luckily haven't ever pointed my skin out, but i guess that's mostly due to my makeup skills. I still feel like everyone are staring at my skin though and thinking it looks disgusting, even though it isn't the worst case..... sigh!!

Yeah, I've really been thinking about birth control. My mind is getting into retin-a as well, but i'm not sure if that would work as i think my skin problems is mostly caused by my hormones. That estroblock sounds really good though, i'll definitely take a look at that when i want to quit due to having babies i think would be the reason, if i decide to go on birth control. I am just desperate for something that will give me the experience of clear skin just for a while!! I feel like clear skin people have NO CLUE how good and easy they have it. Lol. Im so bitter

I totally agree! Wow, so much less stress everyday. Just wake up and go.. And not be thinking about your skin when people are taking to you or constantly analyzing the type of lighting you're in and how it makes your skin look. Ugh!

It's always challenging dating someone with perfect, photoshopped looking skin.. I know. That's been all of my boyfriends and my current husband. When my husband and I were first dating, I ALWAYS wore foundation, even to bed. It took me awhile to go without makeup and to talk openly about my skin struggles. Luckily, he suffered from acne in high school so he could relate to an extent. I think that was helpful. He, like many, just grew out of it (why not us???). But honestly, he really couldn't care less about my acne. Other boyfriends would point it out and make it clear that they noticed which made me feel so insecure. He on the other hand, acts like its so not even noticeable and acts like its crazy for me to worry about it or think it changes how attractive I am. That feels really good to hear from the person you love. If your guy is a decent, compassionate person, I'm sure he will be the same way.

 

I don't blame you for wanting to go on BC just to have some relief. I don't think anyone would judge you for that! And know that there are ways to lessen the severity of breakouts when you decide to quit. I was just an idiot and didn't do any research until it was too late and my skin sucked horribly. I could have weaned myself off BC slowly and taken estroblock (read so many great things about it everywhere) or saw palmetto to try to keep my hormones from going bananas. So mad at myself!

Ha, it's challenging just to get a social life and a relationship. I have problems with just getting people (and girls) to like me.

AlexanderJ86, on 06 Jan 2015 - 09:29, said:

Ha, it's challenging just to get a social life and a relationship. I have problems with just getting people (and girls) to like me.

This. I've always been somewhat skeptical as to the severity of one's acne when learning they are in a serious longterm relationship. The extent of my own skin, and its accompanying anxiety, has prevented me from even attempting to engage with other people my age.

This post made me cry because I could relate so much to it (as if i didn't already cry about my face today). Even though I see that it can get so much worse for some people, my constant and daily breakouts (and then lasting scars) is causing me such a level of anxiety and heartbreak that I sometimes question how much longer I can handle this. I would consider my acne to exceed the ranges of "normal acne", though not as terrible as those with cysts and nodules everywhere. It is tearing me apart emotionally.

And I'm so glad I'm not alone in obsessing over everyone else's clear faces. It seems like I see everyone with bad acne on this site, but out there in the real world, everyone seems to have manageable skin. I'm scared that anyone looking at my face is actually just looking at my acne. With people I'm closer to, I will actually snap and be like "are you staring at my pimples?" and they become so confused and are like "no...im just talking to you". And the sunlight/strong lighting thing is just so exhausting to have to worry about on a constant basis. I'll avoid going to the bathroom in unknown bathrooms because I'm scared about what the new lighting will reveal. I have become a hermit, trapped in my house, because I don't want to go through the emotional struggle of trying to look normal enough to go out with friends. This disease is absolutely destroying me. I cry constantly. Every morning is painful because I have to face the mirror and struggle to look socially acceptable.

I have a long term boyfriend, who has seen me through some ups and downs of acne. But this latest outbreak (lasting 2 months now) is starting to affect our relationship. He tells me he doesn't care and that what I look like won't change how he feels, but I've always worn cover up in front of him and am terrified of him seeing what lies underneath (because how can you NOT think differently about someone who looks like this?). It's gotten to the point when i get nervous/anxious when we're cuddling or when he kisses me because it could rub off the makeup, and its a terrible way to live. I dream of the day that i can hang out with him without foundation all over my face and without being scared about what he might see.

It's an awful awful struggle, and as good as it feels to know we're not alone, that fact doesn't make living our daily lives any easier. I just always hold out hope for the future, and that one day I'll have the clear skin that I dream of

You are not alone in how you're feeling, I too get a lot of anxiety about my skin-my acne is mild to moderate but I have tiny non inflamed bumps all over my chin, cheeks and forehead- and thiugh I try not to, I tend to obsess over it and envy those I see with clear skin. Can I ask, when you say bumps, do you mean the non inflamed, comedonal acne? Thats what I have, and thid type is quite stubborn so you just have to really work at it. Ive researched tons about it and alot of things lead to the conclusion that comedonal acne is affected/caused by hormones, diet etc. Have you had your hormones checked? Even still, you can try to balance them out naturally thriugh diet, excersise and de-stressing. Makeup can also be a factor with comedonal acne but I know how hard it is not to cover up with makeup. Perhaps see a derm or a dietician? Its costly, though, so just try to exfoliate a few times a week and perhaps use the least amount of products on your face possible? Its all a matter of trial and error, I'm still struggling with figuring out what works, but please, please try not to let this ruin you. Think of it this way-if someone is going to treat you negatively based on a skin condition that SO MANY go through, are they really worth havingin your life? the important ones will see past your acne- remember that you are a beautiful individual and acne or otherwise will not change that.

I feel exactly the same like legit acne has ruined my self esteem completly and I used to get soo upset and makeup wouldnt help especially in lighting , but I've used soooo many different skin products and all of them either dried out my skin or made them worse so we decided to go to see my doctor about it and hr gave me so anti biotics and some sort of liguid thing and omg it actuqlly works!!!!! Like I've had acne since I was about 11 until now (I'm 14) and all that time its been hell also some quick tips try and get as much sun on your skin as you can because in the summer my acne pretty much went also I know people say this all the time and you may think it doesn't work but drink as much water as you can!!!! It helps so much and resists popping them because that is the main issue they don't go hope this helped!

Hey, I feel the same way. I was clear for a year on Spiro but have recently been breaking out. Having completely clear skin was so freeing to me. I could go out without makeup, not feel like everyone was looking at my skin, and just truly be myself. I kind of took it for granted--I thought maybe, just maybe, my skin problems were gone forever. But they've come back, and I have two active spots right now which are really getting me down.

I know it sucks. But what helps me is knowing that people really don't think of you differently when your skin is acting out. My friends have told me they've barely even noticed, and I don't see anyone staring at my skin or treating me differently since I've been breaking out. You just have to hold on and know that there will be ups and downs with your skin, but eventually, it will be clear again. It may take months, even years to achieve, but you'll get there. In the mean time, don't let acne stop you from living life and enjoying things. I had worse acne years ago and really regret the times I stayed in or didn't hang out with my friends because of my skin. In reality, people have so many other things going on that they barely notice 'bad' skin.