I am a 29 y.o. female, suffer from persistent hormonal/stress acne.

I have a skin picking addiction, which I know exacerbates my problem.

I consulted expensive dermatologists, did regular microdermabrasion, tried chemical peels, etc - nothing worked to last.

The only thing that worked 100% was Spironolactone, which, unfortunately, was giving me severe chest pains, so I had to discontinue. And every time I'd discontinue it, my acne would return in a more aggressive form.

By accident I've discovered the following routine that so far keeps my skin clear, smooth and, most importantly, decongested, which stops me from picking clogged pores. I thought I would share, because I know how frustrating it is to keep searching and not finding anything that truly heals.

1. Wash your face with a hot (warm) towel/face cloth. It has to be dump rather than dripping wet, and it has to be on a warmer side, but, of course, not too hot. Warm water from the faucet works best. The fabric has to be 100% cotton towel fabric. Put the wet towel on your face, let the steam work on your skin for a few seconds. Gently wipe your face, don't rub too hard. Repeat once or twice. The whole "towel procedure" should not take more than one minute.

2. Proceed to wash your face with your regular acne wash. You will feel that the product penetrates deeper than usual after the warm towel wash. (I use Neutrogena. They have lots of different washes, I currently use Oil Free Acne Stress Control. With this wash I can actually feel little tingling in specific pores on my forehead where I have large pores).

3. Wipe the wash with the same warm towel, soaked in warm water again.

4. Pat dry. Pat, don't rub.

5. Then I, personally, apply retinol treatment. You can skip this step if you don't use retinol. I don't think it does any significant favors to my skin.

6. Very important last step. Miracle treatment - Aquaphor from Eucerin. Squeeze a small amount on your two fingers, rub it with your other hand until it melts a little and gets soft. Apply to your skin evenly all over. Don't pull your skin. As you apply it, the cream will get softer. Do a thin layer and leave it overnight.

7. Wake up with a soft, inflammation-free, smooth skin.

So far it has been only a week of clear skin for me. But I hope it will stay this way.

I use the warm towel and a facial wash in the morning too, followed by a sun screen and a moisturizer.

The most amazing part is that I don't seem to have the urgency to pick. The pores are clean, no congestion.

My other advise is to exercise and drink plenty of herbal teas (chamomile or lemon/ginger) or water.

I truly hope this regimen will help someone else. The most important two things to remember: warm towel and Aquaphor.

Merci.

Misstee