Hi!

I am here to share a success story! After suffering from moderate acne for most of my life, I'm finally clear! I can't express how much I love not having to use concealer, or even really having to worry about the way my skin looks - sure I'd love to shrink my pores down and get rid of some of the acne scarring, but after having pimples forEVER, I'm happy with what I have.

Now, I've tried just about everything, and I think that (unfortunately) acne regimens require trial and error. When I say I've tried just about everything, I mean it! I gave Accutane a try when I was in high school, but I didn't really like the way I felt while I was taking it; I felt kind of sluggish and meh. So I gave that up. I've tried all of the acne systems, including ProActiv. I don't think it's necessary to use expensive products like that.

So..what has (seemingly) cured my acne?! BIRTH CONTROL!! I started taking Ortho Tricyclen Lo in November 2014, and I had pretty good results with that. The only downside to the Lo is that there's no generic, so a prescription costs anywhere from $35-50. Holy moly! When you can get BC for free at many clinics, that's outrageous! I'll say though, I'd rather pay that than have pimples! I decided to talk to my Gyno about Ortho Tricyclen (which has a generic), and she explained that transitioning to that would be simple, and that the hormone increase isn't very significant. So, I made the switch, and now I'm paying a whopping $5 a month for clear skin! If birth control is an option for you, I definitely recommend the Orthos. I may have had some mild nausea and headaches the first week I started, but other than that, nothing! Absolutely worth it!

When I notice anything coming through that looks like it might become a pimple, I zap it right away with Clearasil Daily Clear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream (10% Benzoyl Peroxide) - pictured below. I only use this as a spot treatment! I wouldn't recommend putting this on your entire face. Of course everyone's skin is different and may have different sensitivities, so again, trial and error. I've never really thought that 10% Benzoyl Peroxide is necessary, but THIS STUFF WORKS! On multiple occasions, I've had a few deep pimples start to form, and I put this stuff on right away, and 24-48 hours later: GONE. This is definitely a keeper.

As for cleansers, I highly recommend Simple's Foaming Cleanser, and most Paula's Choice Cleansers. Paula has done her research, and all of her products are created to have a pH balance that makes them effective. If a product doesn't have the right pH balance, it's basically worthless - the ingredients won't work together to help you! All of her products are fragrance free, which I think is very important to those who suffer from acne and sensitive skin. I'm currently using the Resist line "Perfectly Balanced Cleanser". I love this stuff! It doesn't dry me out, and it makes my skin super soft. The downside to Paula's products: they're a little more pricey than what you find in the drugstore. HOWEVER, for most (if not all) products, you can try a sample for 30-80 cents a pop, so you can buy a few samples of this and that to find something that works for you. I've had the Resist cleanser for months now, and I still have plenty left. Good stuff!

My goal here is to help even just one person reading this forum. If you have any questions, comments, whatever, please feel free to respond! Good luck!