What have you tried to try and clear your skin? I know it isn't easy, but keep trying and eventually you will find what works for you. My acne started at a young age too and only started to get clear almost 3 years ago when I tried doing The Regimen. You can see my story in my signature below.

I'm 39, been struggling with bad skin since I was 10 or so. Skin cleared up a little in my early 30's but the cystic acne is back with a vengeance now. Deep brown/red/white scars all over my body. Active cysts on my arms. Red spots all over my chest, back, butt, thighs.. just miserable. Been trying bleach baths, on acticlate for 6 months now (which has helped my face quite a bit but my body acne has gotten worse) Any words of advice or encouragement are greatly appreciated.

What have you tried so far diet wise?

I understand what youre going through, I have horrible cystic acne which thank God for filters because you cant tell in my picture but Ive been suffering from this for almost four years now, Im 29. Most days I dont want even want to leave my house....finnally I decided to try acutane, I went through all the motions and now its being held up by my insurance. We'll see what happens. Just wanted to reach out and let you know you are not alone, I feel exactly what you are going through....I wish you all the best.

PS. Ive used diaper rash cream (Desitin) in the past with 40% zinc oxide.....it actually made a significant diffrence in reducing even the larger cysts. Read up on it, maybe that could help.

Hi,

Just wanted to reassure you that you're not alone. I really wanted to call in sick to work today, but I've been pushing through and trying to stay positive. I know all too well the doom and gloom feelings that come with acne, especially as an adult.

If you'd like some support, feel free to PM me. Acne is such a lonely disorder.

If you have not already considered, Accutane may be an option to try. I wouldn't normally recommend it, but it could potentially help with your case. It is really unfair just how far science has come without a definite cure for acne, but at least there's Accutane.

I have a few suggestions:

- Accutane

- Hormone Tests

- 'Diet'

For diet, I would take it with a grain of salt because I think most of the time it doesn't have to do with it. There's always exceptions like insulin problems, Candida, gluten intolerance and etc though.

I started getting cystic acne at age 17 and when I went on Accutane it made it 100x worse before it got better and then it came back, so I wouldn't call it a miracle. Everybody is different. It caused a lot of scarring I didn't have so I would be careful with this unless you have nothing to lose - which I thought I hadn't.

I think personally hormones play the most important part in acne but it's hard to pin point them. I'm not sure if males can take Spironolactone but that's something I heard really good reviews on. Maybe also Doxycycline or Minocycline.

Holistically, I would try vitamins A and E, zinc, and get recommended a probiotic because a lot of the times people don't get the right kind and further aggravate their acne.

I wish you luck and we will continue this journey together...

Hi,

Just wanted to reassure you that you're not alone. I really wanted to call in sick to work today, but I've been pushing through and trying to stay positive. I know all too well the doom and gloom feelings that come with acne, especially as an adult.

If you'd like some support, feel free to PM me. Acne is such a lonely disorder.

I'm 31 and actually called in sick to work due to my bad acne. The thought of travelling in on public transport and having meetings made me feel sick.

I feel like it's pathetic at my age but my acne is a bad as its been since I was a teenager.