Oh goodness, hunny! I'm a 17 year old girl with moderate acne as yourself. Sometimes, it's worse, other times; its better. What I've learned is that sometimes when you keep switching from cream to cream, facewash to facewash- it actually aggravates your acne even more! I know how you feel, it's horrible to have lumps and bumps on your skin (especially the redness and purple marks) but you can't put yourself down! I've cried, screamed and wanted to pick all of my skin off BUT that's not the answer, it's not. It takes patience, I'm sorry to say that... but it does. In a few sentences, I'm going to tell you my acne journey. When I was your age, I had NO acne, occasionally I would get a lump but that would fade in a day or two. For around 3 years now, I've struggled with acne going from severe to now where sometimes I'm severe-moderate (especially near my period) and other times I'm mild where my skin is normal apart from congested pores. What I think you should do is maybe do go to a dermatologist- I've personally, never been, and with slow progression- I can tell my skin is getting better. I am using Proactive+ and for someone with sensitive/dry skin- it's quite good. (I've been using it for about 3-4 months now) Please, please, don't compare yourself with clear skinned people or be jealous of them, that will only put you down more. I hope that helped a little bit, if it didn't- let me know what else you'd like to hear xx

thank you so much for replying. It's cool to have someone go through the same thing I'm going through. I've also heard that the earlier you first had acne, the earlier it will go away (Not sure how true it is haha). Thanks!! xx

21 hours ago, Juwalker said:

A dermatologist is a good idea. They are experts and can give you a diagnosis of the type of acne you have and explain all the treatment options. You have nothing to lose by getting advice and you will feel better taking action rather than struggling with acne on your own. If you get the right treatment you could avoid scarring too.

Keep strong and proud. Your friends can't help it catching their eye. It doesn't mean they like you less. Keep smiling and getting on with your life. Don't let acne change your personality. That it what attracts good friends.
Tell your mum again that you want to see a dermatologist and how your acne is making you feel. How you feel about it matters. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Thanks! and you are right about everything you said. thanks!

Hi Audrey, I literally have the exact same problem as you, to the t. Im 13 and I have moderate acne and I asked my mom if I could go to the dermatologist but she said it wasnt that bad, and it would go after for a few years. I have oily skin in the T-zone and I dont know what to do, I've tried everything for acne.

hey Audrey although I'm have mild acne, like you I feel extremely self conscious about it.I'm currently 14 but I had acne since I was 10 I wasn't even sure if that was possible but it happened . I tried to use differin but it didn't work so I tried epid that worked for a while until recently where my acne got worst. My acne now is considered mild but I find that my acne is extremely annoying and when It comes it literally stays there for like weeks . Acne is also another reason why I hate taking pictures, because whenever I see it I just get so self-conscious. Another reason why I hate acneis because most of my family members and friends have almost close to no acne which makes me the odd one out all the time. I recently went to a dermatologist and he said that accutane would be good for me .Therefore I'm thinking if I should take roaccutane although I'm kinda scared of all the side effects. My mom also said that my acne is not bad at all and it would be gone in like 5 years however that got me frustrated even more . That also means that I to suffer with all these spots on my face for 9 years nooooooooooo I really don't want that. I really want o take roacctane I don't know what to do...

14 hours ago, Sarahx8 said:

Hi Audrey, I literally have the exact same problem as you, to the t. Im 13 and I have moderate acne and I asked my mom if I could go to the dermatologist but she said it wasnt that bad, and it would go after for a few years. I have oily skin in the T-zone and I dont know what to do, I've tried everything for acne.

Hi Sarah, looks like we are in the same boat. My mom also said it would go away on a few years. Do you put anything on your acne cream/treatment wise?

7 hours ago, FinerMake said:

hey Audrey although I'm have mild acne, like you I feel extremely self conscious about it.I'm currently 14 but I had acne since I was 10 I wasn't even sure if that was possible but it happened . I tried to use differin but it didn't work so I tried epid that worked for a while until recently where my acne got worst. My acne now is considered mild but I find that my acne is extremely annoying and when It comes it literally stays there for like weeks . Acne is also another reason why I hate taking pictures, because whenever I see it I just get so self-conscious. Another reason why I hate acneis because most of my family members and friends have almost close to no acne which makes me the odd one out all the time. I recently went to a dermatologist and he said that accutane would be good for me .Therefore I'm thinking if I should take roaccutane although I'm kinda scared of all the side effects. My mom also said that my acne is not bad at all and it would be gone in like 5 years however that got me frustrated even more . That also means that I to suffer with all these spots on my face for 9 years nooooooooooo I really don't want that. I really want o take roacctane I don't know what to do...

That's great that you went to a dermatoligist! I've been wanting to go for so long. But if I were in your position, I would take it! I would be down for anything in that position.
Good luck!

Hey, I think I have decided to take roaccutane. I'm just waiting for my mom's consent .I just hope she supports me! I really suggest you to go to dermatologist, It would really make your questions regarding acne clear and possibility give you hope like it did to me after he suggested taking roaccutane.
Good luck to you as well! YAY to positivity!!

Thanks! Let me know if it helps, I will try to convince my mom to take me to a Dermatologist!!
Hope everything works out well!

9 hours ago, FinerMake said:

Hey, I think I have decided to take roaccutane. I'm just waiting for my mom's consent .I just hope she supports me! I really suggest you to go to dermatologist, It would really make your questions regarding acne clear and possibility give you hope like it did to me after he suggested taking roaccutane.
Good luck to you as well! YAY to positivity!!

NP! Still trying to convince my mom about taking it!!! If I actually somehow convince my mom, I would probably do after examinations which is next month! Thank youuuuu!! I hope so too!

You can do it. Don't stop asking until she says "Yes". Your determination and persistence will be what shows her how important this is to you. All the best.

On 2017-09-14 at 11:02 AM, FinerMake said:

NP! Still trying to convince my mom about taking it!!! If I actually somehow convince my mom, I would probably do after examinations which is next month! Thank youuuuu!! I hope so too!

Hi audrey and finermake, I was just reading this thread and felt like sharing. I'm 15 and struggled with acne for 2 years before my mom finally let me go on accutane in February of this year. It was a life changer and I now have almost perfect skin and I don't have to worry about being self conscious. I highley suggest you both consider accutane because the side effects are nothing compared to the self confidence boost you have when you can feel confident and happy about your skin. I hope you both are able to clear up your skin the way I did this spring/summer, let me know how everything goes! And don't worry, everyone will get their fair share of acne by the time you're in Grade 10, and you will already be done with it!

Hi @audrey2626! I am only thinking why your mom doesn't want to let you go to a derma at this time. Maybe due to financial reasons too? You can politely ask her if going to a doctor is in her budget or if she could set aside a part of your family budget if it's really important to you. Perhaps discuss with her the pros and cons too so she could understand further why.

It is true, it makes you paranoid when people in general are looking at your face and you wonder if they are really listening to you when you're talking, so like I always say to the youngsters here, don't let acne get in your way and hold you back from achieving your dreams and doing the things you love. You don't want to regret it in the future when yhouth is not there anymore.

Live and love life with family and true friends who will never judge you for what you look like. Best of luck!

On 19/09/2017 at 6:55 AM, Eliza Peters said:

On 14/09/2017 at 11:02 PM, FinerMake said:

NP! Still trying to convince my mom about taking it!!! If I actually somehow convince my mom, I would probably do after examinations which is next month! Thank youuuuu!! I hope so too!

Hi audrey and finermake, I was just reading this thread and felt like sharing. I'm 15 and struggled with acne for 2 years before my mom finally let me go on accutane in February of this year. It was a life changer and I now have almost perfect skin and I don't have to worry about being self conscious. I highley suggest you both consider accutane because the side effects are nothing compared to the self confidence boost you have when you can feel confident and happy about your skin. I hope you both are able to clear up your skin the way I did this spring/summer, let me know how everything goes! And don't worry, everyone will get their fair share of acne by the time you're in Grade 10, and you will already be done with it!

I rly want to take it still convincing my mom, I guess she is just scared of the side effects of roaccutane and wants me to be vey sure of my choice on taking it. Just wondering, how long did it take you to clear your acne cause my dermatologist suggested 6 months for me on very low dose and also what type of side effects did you face during your process .

Hi Audrey, I am much, much older than you, but developed a problem with acne and rosacea about 5 years ago. It seemed to have come from nowhere as I never had acne growing up. After many useless visits to the dermatologist and a lot of research and trial and error, I found a cure for my condition. It has also worked on a few teenage children of a few friends of mine. The parents saw what I went through with my skinand asked me for the details. They were so happy for their children when it worked for them, too.
I used a product called ZZ cream at night and in the morning(search Google) in combination with probiotics (100 billion per day, sounds like a lot, but you can get that amount in one capsule. I wouldn't think you need that many at your age, though.). If it works for you, you can expect clear skin in a few months. You'll know within a week if it works, using the cream alone. A simple affordable solutionand natural. Good luck and would love to hear if it works for you!

On 9/18/2017 at 6:55 PM, Eliza Peters said:

On 9/14/2017 at 11:02 AM, FinerMake said:

NP! Still trying to convince my mom about taking it!!! If I actually somehow convince my mom, I would probably do after examinations which is next month! Thank youuuuu!! I hope so too!

Hi audrey and finermake, I was just reading this thread and felt like sharing. I'm 15 and struggled with acne for 2 years before my mom finally let me go on accutane in February of this year. It was a life changer and I now have almost perfect skin and I don't have to worry about being self conscious. I highley suggest you both consider accutane because the side effects are nothing compared to the self confidence boost you have when you can feel confident and happy about your skin. I hope you both are able to clear up your skin the way I did this spring/summer, let me know how everything goes! And don't worry, everyone will get their fair share of acne by the time you're in Grade 10, and you will already be done with it! 

Thanks for replying!  I keep hearing great things about accutane and hear it™s a life saver. Glad everything worked out for you!

On 9/25/2017 at 9:09 PM, skyesthelimit said:

Hi @audrey2626! I am only thinking why your mom doesn't want to let you go to a derma at this time. Maybe due to financial reasons too? You can politely ask her if going to a doctor is in her budget or if she could set aside a part of your family budget if it's really important to you. Perhaps discuss with her the pros and cons too so she could understand further why.

It is true, it makes you paranoid when people in general are looking at your face and you wonder if they are really listening to you when you're talking, so like I always say to the youngsters here, don't let acne get in your way and hold you back from achieving your dreams and doing the things you love. You don't want to regret it in the future when yhouth is not there anymore.

Live and love life with family and true friends who will never judge you for what you look like. Best of luck!

 

Thanks so much! Great advice also!! And my mom just says œGoing to a derm wouldn™t help your acne. Which I disagree with because I™m hearing of others my age going to a derm and having perfect skin.
thanks for your reply!!

12 hours ago, JHlo said:

Hi Audrey,  I am much, much older than you, but developed a problem with acne and rosacea about 5 years ago.   It seemed to have come from nowhere as I never had acne growing up.  After many useless visits to the dermatologist and a lot of research and trial and error, I found a cure for my condition.  It has also worked on a few teenage children of a few friends of mine.  The parents saw what I went through with my skin and asked me for the details.  They were so happy for their children when it worked for them, too.
I used a product called ZZ cream at night and in the morning (search Google) in combination with probiotics (100 billion per day, sounds like a lot, but you can get that amount in one capsule.  I wouldn't think you need that many at your age, though.).  If it works for you, you can expect clear skin in a few months.  You'll know within a week if it works, using the cream alone.  A simple affordable solution and natural.  Good luck and would love to hear if it works for you!

Sounds interesting, may have to try it! Thanks for your advice!! xx

If you haven't already tried these a salicylic face wash, bp face wash or toner, aha/bha lotion, and doing sulfur (bye bye blemish) spot treatments will help. I think if you show your Mom that you are washing your face twice a day and following a skin care regiment without seeing good results she will be more likely to take you to a dermatologist. Ok so I included a pic of the products I use. I have dry skin and hormonal acne so I wash my face in the morning with a salicylic and a benzoyl peroxide face wash at night both have a light chemical exfoliant, I use a vit C toner with tea tree, 10% glycolic (aha) lotion, hyaluronic serum ( you won't need this until you are 25) salicylic/azelaic/latic acid serum (admire my skin ultra-potent brightening) I love acure's radical resurfacing to get rid of red acne scars and perfect images pineapple pumpkin enzyme peel for that once/twice a week chemical exfoliation. I also use vit e oil to help acne heal I'm an esthetician (skincare specialist) you could ask your Mom for a acne facial as a gift and that also might help you if a professional recommends that you should see a dermatologist. I also use a charcoal mask and Elemis Papaya Enzyme peel once a week. All the products I bought came from Amazon or the grocery store. 

8 hours ago, audrey2626 said:

Thanks for replying! I keep hearing great things about accutane and hear its a life saver. Glad everything worked out for you! Thanks so much! Great advice also!! And my mom just says Going to a derm wouldnt help your acne. Which I disagree with because Im hearing of others my age going to a derm and having perfect skin.
thanks for your reply!! Sounds interesting, may have to try it! Thanks for your advice!! xx

As a mother myself, I would not let my daughter use Accutane. It is poisonous stuff. Please do give it a try before you go down the chemical route. Like I mentioned, you will know right away if it works for you.

And in my experience, the dermatologists don't want to even consider what other causes there are for acne (try asking about mites, it freaks them out).

Good luck Audrey. Keep us posted. 

On 9/28/2017 at 7:25 PM, Juwalker said:

Good luck Audrey. Keep us posted. 

Thanks!! And will do. 
Thanks everyone for your help!! I really appreciate it and it helps knowing I™m not the only one with this problem. ¤ï¸

I took accutane twice it is very effective. I took it when I was only 15 the first time. No problems at all from it. I did have dry lips and skin but thats it. I took high dosages and the maximum dose second time around.

I am 22 now and when I first got my acne problem I was about same age as you. Our family doctor told me I should visit a dermatogist but my mother refused to take me to one cause she used to have acne at her teenage years too and she like tried everything and nothing helped her and they disappeared itself so she told me not to waste time and money on anything and wait for them to naturaly go away.
Here I am almost a decade still having acne that are faaar away worse than in the begining.

I went to a dermatologist finally after I turned 18 and no one of them helped me. I think that maybe if I went earlier this would have not come this far.

I advice you to make a serious conversation with your mother cause acne are not just some stupid teenage problem, they are more than that and only those thay have it lnow the mental struggle and it should be taken seriously.

Aww, I am sorry to hear about your acne struggles. It totally sucks when it seems like you're the only one going through it. Believe me (although this might not be overly comforting), many of your friends will soon go through some acne issues as well. Anyway, as many others have probably suggested, it is important for you to go see a dermatologist or at least talk to your family doctor. Sure, you might grow out of your acne, but the sooner you find a treatment that works, the less potential for scarring (both of your skin and self-confidence).

In terms of convincing your mom that this is what you need, you need to talk to her again. My mom said similar things to me when I was your age. She actually said, "It's so weird that you have acne. I've had like two pimples in my life." Thanks mom....super helpful... After that comment, I was embarrassed to talk to her about how much my acne affected me. If I could go back in time, I'd have a heart-to-heart with her about it, including discussing how her comment made me feel. So, I suggest that you take a similar approach with your mom. And perhaps let her know that treating your acne now will probably be a lot easier than dealing with potential scarring down the road (Don't worry though, many people do not scar! Just don't pick). Good luck!!

On 09/10/2017 at 11:36 PM, audrey2626 said:

Thanks!! And will do. 
Thanks everyone for your help!! I really appreciate it and it helps knowing I™m not the only one with this problem. ¤ï¸

Hi Audrey, if you google "long term side effects of accutane" you will read about the possible damage that it can do to your body. This can be irreversible and appear only after you finish the treatment. Therefore I urge you to try everything else before.

Avoid all sugars and milk products:
"Acne is absent in populations consuming Palaeolithic diets with low glycaemic load and no consumption of milk or dairy products."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22419445

Then try the less aggressive ointments and try to find a dermatologist who treats acne with an excimer laser or other types of phototherapy.

Some women do really well with taking the pill.

Only if all of that fails take accutane. Please.