I'm 25, female and have had severe cystic acne since I was 14. (Long time, right?)

Every time I looked in the mirror, the urge to want to scrub my face with a nail brush or use a scalpel to cut open these cysts was almost overwhelming.

(Please do not even think of trying this, it has made my scarring SO much worse and didn't really help at the time either... It just made my face bleed) Sexy!

Like many of you (I would imagine) I have been scared for a long time about talking about my acne. Purely because, we all assumed that we are going to be judged.

I have done years and years of research on what products and foods to avoid and trialed lots of ideas that I thought may be helpful.

Some have proven to make a small difference, some not so much.

During my search for 'the cure' I came across Accutane. But was instantly put off asking my derm to prescribe this as the side effects can be quite horrific. So, my search for other products or medication continued.

I cannot even begin to list how many products I've used. But for the past 2 years, I have noticed a visible difference in my skin having religiously stuck to the same products and a good cleansing routine.

So, if anyone is seeking any advice please feel free to read on. I hope this can help.

(Please note, I am not a derm, or an acne guru) But I wanted to share my routine and product list to any who may be interested in other options before moving on to Accutane.

1: AVOID CLINIQUE!!

Their products are a cocktail of harmful chemicals which will completely dry out your skin. Causing your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive... Making your acne worse.

Don't allow them to convince you that their acne products work. They don't IMO.

Also, products like clearisil etc... Waste of time.

The best products are ones that contain natural ingredients. Always avoid harsh chemicals.

2: Cleanse. Tone. Moisturise. (Exfoliate maybe twice a week) to remove dead skin cells. But don't be too rough as this may aggrivate your skin.

3: Use a cleanser that contains good bacteria. The BEST range I have ever used is Manuka Doctor. I read that Manuka honey is full of good bacteria and also has healing properties. So I bought a jar of honey (£60!) and lathered it on my face every night. This really helped with redness and inflammation. Then I came across a cosmetics range which had Manuka honey in it and also bee venom. I SWEAR by this range. Each product is around £15 so not cheap but the difference it has made is unreal. I'd really recommend this range to anyone with acne. It's really gentle on your skin and I have noticed a visible improvement on my scarring also.

This product has not cured my acne. I still occasionally get a cyst. But nothing like what I used to get. But it's definitely kept it at bay. For years I had cysts on my face the size of walnuts that were deep under my skin that never developed a head. But when they burst OMG!! The result was like something from a horror film. Not pretty. I felt like a leapor. I literally felt like some 21st century plague was eating away at my skin. But the difference Manuka doctor has made is amazing. It may not work for everyone. But I wanted to share my success (sort of) and if it can help anyone else, then that's great