I've had acne since I was 16 (currently 18). My face nearly cleared up beginning in September, but now it's back with a vengeance. I recently just started using Tretinoin/Retin A (3-4 months) and maybe that's causing these initial breakouts? I heard many things such as hormonal acne/late puberty. Any advice on how to better my situation?
AM
- CeraVe foaming facial cleanser
- CeraVe moisturizing lotion
- Erythromycin & Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel (5% BP, 3% Erythromycin)
- Antibiotic - Ampicillin TR 500 mg
PM
- Desert Essence thorougly clean face wash - Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi
- St. Ives Blemish Control - Apricot Scrub; every other day
- Cetaphil moisturizing cream
- Tretinoin Gel 0.01%
- Antibiotic - Ampicillin TR 500 mg
My acne was in the same places yours is. Have you tried going gluten free? Even for just a couple weeks to see if it makes a difference for you. It got me completely clear...and then I took B12 for 6 weeks and made my skin freak out again (stopped taking it and now it's healing. Long process tho ugh). But anyway, I would suggest doing that before anything else. Also maybe look up the vitamin D for acne studies. They are very interesting and it seems like its gotten 90% of people who've taken it pretty clear. I'm currently doing that as well as gluten free (after my skin freak out! Aargh! Lol).
It only took retin a about 3 months for me to be about 80% clear (used it in my high school days, and broke out horribly when I stopped using it), so I would say it may not be working for you. And do a google search on going gluten free, because its not the same as vegetarian. I've actually heard that cutting meat out of your diet can make acne worse. Haven't read any clinical studies on it or anything, just people's personal experiences.