Hi all,
A little bit about my "regimen":
- I've been on Differin for 3.5 months
- I've been on Doxy for 1 month
- I now use Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Lotion (switched from Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream a week ago, before from Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 several weeks prior)
- I cleanse with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
Before I started this regimine my acne was on and off for several years. I would be clear for a few months, then have acne for a few months. It would mostly be pustules and whiteheads, but it was never as bad as it is now. About 3 years ago I was cleared when using a combination of Differin and Clindamycin (although I'm not sure if it was due to the meds), but my acne was never more than mild until 2 years ago. It took me about a year to get clear, but I got clear through a lot of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, in conjunction with differin. When I was clear, I got rid of the benzoyl peroxide and differin. Regrettably, my acne came back a half a year ago and about 4 months ago I visited a dermatologist. I figured since Differin worked the other two times, it should work now. It was getting better and clearer approaching the 12 week milestone, but then I had to go back to Massachusetts for winter break (I go to college in Los Angeles), and the combination of the cold weather and the plane flight (or at least I assume) made me break out like crazy. Now I'm back in Los Angeles but my skin seems to be just as bad, if not worse. Remember that saying where Differin gets worse before it gets better? Well it's only gotten worse.
I need advice on many things. Should I stop the Differin and Doxy (because shouldn't the Differin have shown effectiveness by this point)? Should I add/remove anything from my regimen?
It also seems like I am getting 2-3 new pustules a day no matter what I do. I also change my pillow case frequently and try to not sleep on my face. I cleanse and moisturize twice a day. Also, you may be able to see from the picture, but everywhere except for my eyelids seem to be very red (like a sunburn). However, I'm not in the sun often, so I doubt its a sunburn. Could I be allergic to one of these products?
Sorry for the loaded post, I'm just a bit frustrated at the moment. And thanks to anybody who read through this entire blurb, I appreciate any constructive feedback regarding my current state.
hey bro! the first pic makes it look like you dont have to much acne:) your a good looking guy and seem pretty confident! keep your head up.. how is your diet? water intake? have u tried home remedies such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or lemon? i personally started using tea tree oil for a week and a half so far.. so far i see a huge difference.. i had a whole bunch of raised pimples and white heads and right now they are flattened and broke out only with a few small white heads. but thats a good process for only a week and a half! i dilute it with olive oil. 50/50. try it out!
hey bro! the first pic makes it look like you dont have to much acne:) your a good looking guy and seem pretty confident! keep your head up.. how is your diet? water intake? have u tried home remedies such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or lemon? i personally started using tea tree oil for a week and a half so far.. so far i see a huge difference.. i had a whole bunch of raised pimples and white heads and right now they are flattened and broke out only with a few small white heads. but thats a good process for only a week and a half! i dilute it with olive oil. 50/50. try it out!
Thanks! It's great to have a community of such nice and supporting people. I tried tea tree oil before and it never worked for me. I did just start using Bragg's ACV yesterday though (orally and topically), so we'll see if that helps.