To think I will just have acne forever?

[coconutdonut]

I’ve had bad skin since I was a teenager which got slightly better during my early 20’s but now at 30 it’s the worse it’s ever been and so sore. I haven’t had clear skin for at least 7 years now.

I’ve tried lots of different skincare routines from cheap to expensive to just plain old water and nothing seems to help. At best I have the odd week here and there where it’s ‘Ok’ meaning I don’t have red, angry spots and just the scars (which I can just about cover with make up)

I’ve been to the doctors and was prescribed acnecide which I ouldn’t use for very long as it made my skin extremely dry and tight and bleached my pillow

Not sure if it’s worth going back to my GP and asking for something else or just accept going to look like this forever.

Unless any one has any ‘miracle’ cures?

I can't recommend roaccutane enough. I had acne for years which didn't respond to antibiotics, topical creams etc and were like blisters. I now don't have a single blemish and get complimented on my complexion nearly 4 years later

I'm another who discovered that milk was triggering cystic acne. I always thought that my skin just produced excess sebum and there was nothing I could do about. I gave up drinking cow's milk as part of a diet, and a few weeks later I was clear. I wish I'd tried it sooner.

Persevere with the acnecide. Use moisturiser. Buy cheap pillow cases you don't mind being bleached, or cover with a towel. If you're not getting good results after you've given it a proper go, then go back and ask for something else.

Go vegan.
I am 19, my partner is 26. We have both suffered from acne since puberty began (as early as 9 for me!). My DP despaired at the fact that he was about to turn 26 and was STILL experiencing acne almost as bad as when he was a teen. I became mostly plant based 18 months ago and my partner became vegan in January. Both of our skin has DRAMATICALLY improved. I still have the odd meal containing dairy products and my skin’s reaction is almost instantaneous. My DP’s skin has completely cleared and you would balk if you saw a picture of him just 6 months ago.
It took a few weeks for our systems to adjust, and for the first week and a bit our skin actually got worse but since then the results have been life changing.
People may think that is an exaggeration, but if you have ever suffered from true acne then you’ll realise it isn’t. Not having to worry about my skin has changed my life.

I also used a moisturiser designed for people with bad skin ( i used to suffer with dry patches too)
It's one from euercin and it's the one for problem skin.
I think unless you've suffered with you're skin people don't understand.
Some people assume you don't wash ( seriously) or that you eat crap all the time.
I was miserable. I assumed that once the teenage years were over i'd have good skin! My friend and i wore makeup permanently.
My friend suffered till she was almost 30 too!
We frequently share tips on new products

Your*

My teen dd went through early puberty and had pretty severe acne by age 12. Nothing worked but very high doses of acnecide, which left her skin excruciatingly dry and peeling.

Last year we paid to see a private dermatologist who prescribed a very low dose of roaccutane. I was terrified at the thought of such a strong drug, but thank god it has worked miracles. Not only is she completely spot free, but her skin is as smooth and glowing as a baby’s bottom! No dyness at all. The only side effect is slightly dry lips. She is very very happy and says she would never go back to the acnecide