Hi all,

I've been struggling with moderate-severe acne for the past few years, and my treatment regimen has escalated up to the point I'm doing just about as much I can without moving onto an Isotretinoin or similar high-level treatment plan. My current regimen is a Salicylic Acid wash in the morning, followed by .1% tretinoin gel on my face back and chest after dinner with 100mg Doxycycline. Before bed I use a 10% BP wash, oil free moisturizer, and Acanya (clindamycin and BP topical gel). I live a healthly lifestyle with good nutrition, playing sports and running 6-7 days a week, as well as working out 4 days a week.

The issue is that after over 8 months on this treatment, my acne has not improved around my shoulders and around my jawline. My dermatologist is rather conservative and continues to tell me that all I need is time, leading me to wonder if there is another possible explanation for why after so long and with such good daily habits and hygiene, my acne only appears to be transitioning from pimples into large raised bumps, which hurt like no other if I even attempt to scrub my face and back with a towel.

Thanks in advance.