DD had quite bad cystic acne. Red, raw skin, bleeding, and scars. She started Marvelon, but got very depressed, then moved into Yasmin, which is more expensive, so not first go to. Insist if you want it. That really really helped.
However, what additionally helped for DD was cutting out all the skincare products which are promoted/suggested for bad skin. Everything was irritating and inflaming her already damaged, reactive skin.
She cut out everything and anything with alcohol, all the acids, perfumes, additives. Even in her shampoo/conditioner. We binned so many bottles, lotions and potions. She sought out products with minimal ingredients, and natural based.
She also ditched all the make up she was using to conceal the acne.
She also concentrated in good food, lots of water, and exercise.
Antibiotics would have been next step, but she didn't need them, and she wasn't indicated for Roaccutane because of mental health issues.
Now her skin is glowing. The odd faint scar remains, but she doesn't need make-up, and still sticks to basic natural low ingredients skin care.