If you have/had acne, what has actually made a difference?

[NothingBreaksLikeAFart]

Really fed up with my skin. No longer get big cystic lumps on my cheeks but lots of big pores, whiteheads on my chin and hormonal sore ones on my jawline (these ones are usually before my period).

What has actually helped?

I had painful cystic acne on my jawline for several years after having DS. I spent a lot of time researching Korean skincare and invested money in a really thorough routine. My acne magically cleared, although of course I can’t be certain whether it was the skincare or just conincidence that my hormones settled down around the time that I switched.

Currently using Effeclar cleansing wash (foaming) which is visably reducing the oil slick on my face.
Reducing dairy helps my skin massively.
Not touching your skin/hair and keeping hands clean.
Cleaning phone screen daily.
Topical Retinol.
Oil free mosturiser and mosturising daily regardless if you have oily skin.
Dermabrasion has really helped my cystic acne, open pored and pigmentation - just completed 6 treatments and have had 2 pimples in 7 weeks.
Zinc supplements.

To be fair, I did take a couple of rounds of medication

Benzoyl peroxide

@Fibbke
I honestly didn't notice change during the period I was on medication, and stopped taking it after seeing the dermatologist and changing products/diet. Thought I should mention it but I don't believe it is what made the biggest difference.

Going through the menopause. Silver lining 😃

erythromycin

I use moogoo milk wash as a cleanser and the Moogoo MSM cream which is brilliant.

I've also used the carbon theory soap which was good. If you google it its had amazing reviews.

Roaccutane.

Tried all the topical and oral meds incl dianette but only roaccutane has worked.

I’ve learnt that if your skins not pumping out oil and colonised with p.acne bacteria you can use any old face wash/moisturiser etc and still wake up with clear skin.

I’ve been allergic to cows milk for 14 years with no improvement at all and if you exclude dairy you must make sure you get enough calcium in your diet.

Following as another longboard term acne sufferer

For some reason I randomly get mild acne on my back/chest - the Superdrug deep action body spritz really works! Completely clean my back and stopped new ones from forming. Very cheap as well so worth a try.

I guess it depends what causes your acne though, for me I think the body acne was just from sweating and not showering in the evening immediately, eg because I need to travel home from work first.

Completely cleared*

Roaccutane. The only thing that worked for me.

I found most things I used made it worse
I use the charcoal soap by lush and the refreshing gel overnight stuff by nip and fab. Skin has never been better