Hi guys, I've been lurking the forums for years now looking for a 'cure' for my cystic acne, and haven't found anything that works until recently. It has worked so well I thought I should share for those who have been suffering from (adult) cystic acne like I have.

A little background: I'm in my early-mid thirties, female, have suffered from cystic acne really horribly for the past 6 years, and really severe acne for the 7 years before that. In high school I had flawless skin and never noticed many skin problems other than a random pimple during my period.

I tried everything. Countless prescription topical creams (a few I remember: duac, differin gel, some white powder in a pot I had to mix with alcohol, etc.), microdermabrasion, this thing called "sasaki needle" in which a copper needle is inserted in my pore and then oil gland and "electrocuted" <- the most painful experience in my life, along with many other procedures I'm sure many of you have tried.

I got on birth control (Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo) about 3 years ago with noticeable improvement, and then all of a sudden last winter my cystic acne came back with a vengeance. It was as bad as it was before (bottom half of my face was basically swollen from the cysts), and the pain was uncontrollable. I then changed my birth control to Ortho Tri-Cyclen (regular) and hadn't noticed any changes.

After many weeks scouring the internet, I found a combination of supplements and topicals that literally slowed and ultimately "got rid" of my cystic acne. It's been one month since I started and I have not had any cysts since (and this period of time includes my menstural cycle).

This is what I used:

Vitamin E 400IU

Vitamin A 25000 IU from fish liver oil

Borage Oil 1000mg

Zinc 50mg

Thayer Cucumber Witch Hazel with aloe vera

Mario Badescu drying lotion

Skinceuticals LHA cleansing gel

St. Ives blemish control green tea scrub (at night, on occasion)

I'm also gluten free and have been for years, but recently cut out dairy as well, I'm still on birth control, and change my pillowcases every other day. My moisturizer hasn't changed (Neutrogena oil-free moisture), but I recently bought CeraVe AM facial moisturizing lotion that I plan to try in a month or so if my skin continues to be free of cystic acne.

The only bad thing about this is that the Zinc does make me nauseous especially if I haven't had time to eat beforehand. Now please note that I am not a doctor and this is only what has worked for me and may not work for you/agree with your body and/or underlying health issues. Ultimately it is your responsibility to research what you put in your body.

I have also heard that prolonged consumption of high levels of Vitamin A may be harmful to your health. Once my acne is somewhat under control (for a period longer than a month), I plan on reducing the amount of supplements.

Anyways, I hope this helps at least one person as it has me. Good luck!