Hi forum,

I have fought acne the majority of my life. I am 28 now and have not had clear skin since I was 12!!

Please look at this cheek scarring and let me know any suggestions--and what kind of scarring this is! I really hate my skin. It controls my life!! Won't ever leave the house without makeup but make sure I cleanse my skin thoroughly.

Here's my current routine--wash with Purpose facial cleanser, moisturize with cerave lotion and Jergens facial tanner, use primer and then makeup...at night I wash my face thoroughly and use either an upscale tanner (Clayton's non comedogenic) or cerave moisturizer. I also spray tab occasionally.

I have tried the following acne treatments--differin .3, differin .1, aczone, acanya, retina a, proactiv, Zeno, tazorac, Yaz, Ortho tri cyclin, ortho tri cyclin lo, Doryx, Oracea, doxycyclin, monocyclin, zapzyt--okay EVERYTHING except accutane!

The ONLY THING that made ANY difference was Spirinolactone. No topical put a dent in my skin. I am currently on 100 mg of Spiro and take Yaz. I still get active acne occasionally, but not the deep cystic acne that left the mess on my cheeks!! All thanks to Spiro.

Now on to the scarring...both cheeks are a mess. There is a mixture of indentions, large pores, and redness. The red bump on my right cheek has literally been there for 4 years. Any idea what that could be? Also, the scarred skin really flares up after i wash my face. i try not to look in the mirror!! I have REALLY large pores on my nose, spreading out to my cheeks, on my cheeks, and my forehead. It's so ugly and depressing.

Okay there is my story. I would love feedback! I have considered laser but then have heard horror stories about it making scars worse. I also have developed a lot of "peach fuzz" on my face as I approach 30. Is it all just hormones? Please send any suggestions they will be much appreciated!! I don't even want perfect skin--just normal skin!!