Acne problem not clearing up.?

Question

I'm 22 and still have a huge acne problem. It's even getting worse then when I was a teenager. I've tried everything from clyndomyacin phosphates to peroxide and just plain soap. Nothing works. Not even that Proactive stuff I tried. I even had several perscriptions from a dermatologist that my insurance won't cover anymore. She told me I have cystic acne level 3 and foliculitis. I am too embaraced to wear a bathing suit when I go to Florida in 2 weeks because my back looks awful. Can someone please suggest a new idea to help me? It would be greatly appreciated. And please, no suggestions for Proactive as I have said I've tried it and had no luck. Thanks

Thanks for the suggestion, 1st answerer (sorry, your name is not showing up). I haven't tried that yet. I will try that soon.

Thanks for all your answers. You are all making me feel like I'm not alone in this. I appreciate it. I know it won't clear up in 2 weeks so I'm thinking I'll just wear a tank top that covers my back when I go swimming. Hopefully something will work though. Keep up with the great answers.

Answer 1

sounds like you have just as sensative skin as i do. the soap i use to wash my face is called cetophil (they make a lotion to) and it has no additives that will aggrevate your skin. you can buy it at walmart in the same place they sell all the other acne products. getting on an antibiotic helps as well. hope this helps.

Answer 2

The skin is covered with tiny holes called pores. The pores have what are called ‘sebaceous glands,’ which make sebum (oil to moisten your hair and skin). If you’re lucky (unlike us), the glands produce the correct amount of sebum and no acne occurs. If you’re not lucky, the pores get clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Whitehead – a pore that gets clogged, closes, and bulges out from the skin

Blackhead – a pore that gets clogged and stays open (top surface darkens)

Pimple – a pore with broken walls, leading to a buildup under the skin

Hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make sebum. Acne is caused by the glands being overactive. Acne is not caused by the greasy foods you eat, chocolate, soda, or any of those other fun stories we hear about (unless you’re smothering these products into your pores!!)

What I learned:

Do not scrub the affected areas. This can make it worse by irritating the skin.
Use your hands instead of a wash cloth.

If you do find a moisturizer to use (or even with sunscreen), be sure to use oil-free products.

If you have long hair keep it away from the affected areas and wash it regularly (limits the amount of oil).

When you are stressed, your pores may make more sebum, so yes avoid negative stress.

When finished (or during) exercising or excessive sweating (gotta love _ _ _ ), wash the affected areas.

Try not to touch these areas (I also put sanitizer on my hands before messing with the fun of acne, which leads me to my next point – DO NOT PICK, SQUEEZE, or POP your acne.

Two ingredients to look for in products used to destroy this monster: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. The first one kills the bacteria that leads to acne and can reduce swelling. The latter causes skin to dry out and peel (which also helps rid you of acne). And again, we come to another point – DO NOT OVERUSE your acne products (follow directions exactly). If you use too much, your skin can become very red and very dry. Always, try a little before putting it all over yourself to check for any potential allergic reactions.

In researching acne, you may want to search for “acne vulgaris.”

Try a dermatologist – they can prescribe stronger medications than what you can get at the store.

Good luck!! Hope I helped a little.

Answer 3

Pro active did not work for me either...however, your acne will not clear up in two weeks...get better maybe but not clear up. For sensitive skin like this you need all natural elements to bathe and wash with. Try the unscented Aveeno soaps, oils, oatmeal baths, lotions, etc. They have no fragrance, no added colors, no perfumes, etc. Use NOTHING that has additives. Also, you should probably get on an antibiotic depending on how serious it is to help.

Answer 4

umm, I don't think your acne will clear up in 2 weeks, so instead of wearing a two piece, wear a one piece with the back covered and dipped low in the front.
and the only thing i can suggest is proactiv, it worked for me

Answer 5

You need to see a dermatologist , they can perscribe an antibotic for acne. or you all can take birth control pills