I am 25, turning 26 in May. I™ve had acne since I can remember, I™ve tried proactiv, all the drug store brands, and a couple higher end brands such as Vichy and Clinique, using some of The Ordinary skincare serums/oils to help. Right now I™m on Stieva-A (second tube, 2 months), I™ve been on accutane before for 3-4 months and it worked short term. Before/in the summer my skin is really oily, in the winter usually pretty dry, I get sore dry spots and it stings when I apply moisturizer sometimes.
My acne, is mostly where it is in the photos, they™re like unnoticeable bumps, in clusters. Sometimes if I pop one a seed like pimple comes out (not milia) and the seed has a hair in it. Most times they don™t pop, and can dry out, but usually come right back. A couple bigger ones do hurt, but other than that they don™t hurt.
What the heck is this acne? Is it hormonal? Potentially Folliculitis?
First pictures are what it is now, (ignore my double chin) other picture (wing earing) is how bad it was before.
Yes I am a chronic picker unfortunately, I also bite my nails and pick the skin around my thumbs (anxiety issues)
I'm not sure what type of acne this is but it does look aggravated. Could this be from your picking? If it is Folliculitis that would mean you should watch out having your shirts or hair, brush against rub on the skin, and watch out for perfume.
Can I ask what The Ordinary products you use?
Acne.org has been amazingfor my back/bum acne. Do you treat your neck different to your face? You should. For example I found that BP for my chest is best, AHA is best for back, bum and sport treating my face.
would you say that your skin has never responded to any creams or washes? it might something other than standard acne?
have a read of this website, it's example of something that looks like acne but is not.
http://longhairedatheart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/yeast-had-caused-my-bad-skin.html