Inflamed, angry, acne skin! Help!

[tigerbear]

My skin has been really bad for about three weeks, with massive breakouts on my chin and around my mouth. I've always been prone to spots but nothing this bad, and I'm in my 40's!
I had a few bad ones to begin with and tried to treat them with salicylic acid, but ended up using too much and it sort of burned the skin, so then I had massive red marks from that, then peeling, and still the spots.
Over the past 2 weeks, the original spots have gone, only to be replaced on a daily basis by more, and they're all joining up with the old bumps and marks into a horrid red lumpy mess! :-(
What can I do - is going to the GP for prescription meds the only option, or has anyone cleared up their skin with other methods?
The skin is now both oily (especially in this weather!) AND with dry bits.
I'm using a combo of L'Oréal pure clay purity wash, and every other day a charcoal mask. In the day, Sudocreme in the tube to moisturise, and a tiny bit of Boots Skinclear gel on the big spots at night. They don't have a head, just big lumps under the skin.
Please help! Thanks!

[trigger2]

I would make an appointment to go to the GP. If I were you, in the meantime I would drop any spot treatment like salicylic acids, and just cleanse and moisturise. Has anything changed for you recently - hormones, medications, diet, laundry ?

[missbonita]

I had this 10 years ago. I would very strongly recommend going to your gp. Retinol sorted me out within weeks.

[missbonita]

Oh and I'd stop trying to dry it out entirely as this left me scarred. Use a simple non foaming moisturiser, a mild acid toner and a simple light hydration lotion.

[tigerbear]

Thanks for the recommendations. I haven't really changed anything in my routine or diet, but have been a bit stressed with work - stress always makes my skin flare up immediately, but never been this bad. I've booked an appt to see the GP.