Hello,

I was wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation to me that could help me, please.

I started to get adult acne around 3 years ago, it is adult acne as I was 25 at the time and now 28.

It gradually got worse over time. I never went to the doctors and went to a skincare specialist who helped me organise a specialist routine for my skin, which took a while to work but eventually after about 3 months my skin was clear for a year. I started micro-needling and was on the road to recovery, however, after introducing a retinol serum, stopping using my BHA 2% St Paula's Choice exfoliant and starting university which meant my stress levels and diet has been affected, my acne is now back with a vengeance and worse than before.

I have spent over 1500 on products, consultations and micro-needling for scars (which are still here) and now I have to deal with the acne coming back again. I decided that I had enough, and went the doctors for help. They put me on lymecycline and gave me a benzoyl peroxide. I was advised that acne is not caused by diet or skincare and that this is the only way to help my skin. Which if true, then why did my skincare work for a year?

I have started the antibiotics but they have so far not worked and I have actually got more frequent spots and sore ones too! I havent started benxoyl yet as I am scared that this irritates my skin and makes it horrible and dry, plus I have read that you need to be on it forever? Which is something that I do not want to do.

I have had enough! I am tried and I am drained. I dont want to leave the house or socialise. I have cancelled so many plans. And I cant stop crying everyday when I look in the mirror.

What I am doing now is my usual skincare from before, starting to eat more healthily again, and taking the lymecycline. I am trying to decide if I should stop the retinol serum and go back to st paulas choice 2 x nights a week? Or start benzoyl peroxide 3 x a week? Or start Epiduo cream 3 x a week that I bought myself online?

If anyone could please give me some help or advice, if they have been through a similar situation that would be amazing. I feel so alone and this is having a severe effect on my mental health.

Thanks,

Lauren