I'm a 20 year old woman and I've had acne since I was in 5th grade. It just won't go away and I've tried everything (including pro-active). I've been okay the past few years in accepting it and I was becoming more confident, but the past few weeks it has really been bothering me again. I feel like no one can see past it and that that is all they see when they look at me. It also bothers me that I couldn't be more beautiful for my boyfriend. I just want to know how you all think when you see someone with acne or how you feel yourself if you have it.
214696
OK do one thing smile..look yourself in the mirror and be proud of who you are don't worry about what others think. if they are going to be shallow let them and just think how more mature you are. Ive had acne every1 has its just something every1 goes through. some have it worse then others but i think by you worrying about it .it makes it worse like when I'm stressed i break out . you can go to a dermatologist if it really bothers you but being more pretty for your bf isn't something that you should worry about. when your older looks fade whats left is the heart and that's something that cant get ugly if your a good person. it does bug me if i have acne but i try to look past it . i hate seeing girls with perfect skin lol
371954
im 14, i have it, my brother who is 19 now had it..it was really bad..for years and now his skin..its unbelieveable!\nIgnore all the bad comments..ive heard it all before..i just say "cool" and smile..then the other kids are like..gees, they dont care..lets go pick on someone else..plus if your a girl..it kinda gets worse as your period comes and goes..just work hard at school :)
456674
OMG!!! We are just alike!! Our skin is the same, and mine breaks out at that time too. How old are you? I'm 13. But anyway, I'm using AcneFree right now, and it seems to be working for me. You should try it. Get the main pack with the cleanser, toner, and lotion, and they have a lot of other creams to put on too. I use the Blackhead and Acne Remover cream.
71273
Hi, I've had 3 boys and 1 girl go through this problem and it's no fun.  I think it may be a combination of things that you need to do.  One of the biggest things I noticed is that when my boys were in basic training for the Air Force, all the physical demands on them made them sweat a lot of toxins out of their system and they also were required to drink about a gallon of water per day.  Their skin never looked so good before or since.  My college boy recently started using Phisoderm for an unrelated problem and then Avon's Clear-skin after that.  Both have salicylic acid in them.  There seems to be an improvement in his overall complexion - that is, the big red angry blotches seem to be lessening so maybe that's helping him.  (I sell Avon so I was able to get it for him pretty easily.)\n  In short, use a combination and stick at it.  Drink lots and lots of water, cut out as much sugar and soda pop as you can as well as fried foods.  Eat lots of veggies and healthy stuff.  Don't pick!  Wash thoroughly morning and night and perhaps a touch up of a cleansing pad mid-day.  Good luck!
10118
While it is true most guys will approach or not approach based on looks. But, the person you describe could be very attactive. Talk with her about her appearance and other outward traits. She has to believe in herself as this will show immediately on the outside. Self confidence is a must. The acne is deffinately fixable. Best wishes :-)
631253
First, it's possible that the bumps on your arms and legs aren't acne. If they don't hurt, and are harder and kind of spiny feeling, it may be something called keratosis pilaris. It's usually found on the backs of arms, and sometimes on the legs and torso. It's harmless but annoying, and can be treated with alpha and beta (like salicylic acid) hydroxies, and urea. There are many other acne "imposters" - check out the website below.\n\nNow, for the acne itself. It is most common on the face, back and chest. While foods can cause acne outbreaks for some people, most recurring acne has nothing to do with diet, water intake, smoking, washing, or any other external factors. Your skin is just prone to acne. (By the way, a lot of people who suffer from chronic acne also have dandruff. Check your shoulders lately?) Basically, the oil your pores produce is "stickier" than normal, and dead skin cells don't slough off as easily. This causes the pores to clog, and presto! - a zit appears. Hormones can also affect it - acne is common in teenage boys, and also in adult women. Some women have acne that appears during a certain time in their menstrual cycle, clearing just in time for the next bout to begin. \n\nI use Proactiv, and have for ten years or so. I love it, but it doesn't work for everyone. It has a money back guarantee, so if you're interested, give it a shot. They also have body wash products. After I used it for a week or so, I realized that my skin felt different, even at the end of the day, before I washed my face. Have you ever had a bottle of vegetable oil spill a little? If you don't wipe it up right away, it sort of dries out, and then it's impossible to clean. Soap doesn't get it. It feels tacky and thick. That's what my face felt like, even after washing with soap and other facial cleansers. Now, even when it's oily, it's slick instead of sticky - and I don't have acne.
187198
As a sufferer of mucho acne; I feel your pain.  It might be a large cystic pimple, where as trying to pop it wouldn't help much.  In fact it could make the situation worse.  Have you tried a hard-core acne cream, such as 10% benzoyl peroxide, and DONT TOUCH IT!  I'm a zit-popping freak, obsessive at times, so I know it can be hard to resist.  If all else fails; see your doctor.  perhaps a cortisone shot will make it dissapear!
479238
see i have that prob and i seen pics of me when i was younger a dont know what its from but if urs is acne it should go away as long as u dont touch it and get it all oily and all
539580
I had really bad acne in my teens but now when I tell people that they can't believe it. It's probably an annoying thing to say but look for a long term solution. \n\nI used Physohex which is heavily chemical and it cleared my acne up but it damaged my skin. I have since concentrated on eating a fairly healthy diet and washing my face twice a day with just a cheap, chemical free cleanser. Moisturising is good even if it makes you feel oily bc you are balancing the drying effects of cleansing.\n\nYou can massively change your skin but think 6 months rather than 6 hours - remember your skin regenerates totally new skin cells every 6-10 months so look after the next layer rather than the one you see in the mirror.
448317
I used Accuatane in high school and I am happy with the results.  I used to have bad acne.  Not only on my face but also on my back and chest.  I was on the yellow pill which I believe was only 20mg and as far as I know there is at least another dosage (40mg, red I believe).  \n\nThe side effect for me where that my skin was very dry all the time so I had to use lotions every day and sometimes twice a day.  The constant lip balms/chap-stick.  Usually doctors tell you to go on this medication during the summer since the air is not as dry then.\n\nThis medication also puts a huge stress on the liver.  Since there are monthy blood test to see how your body is reacting to it, it is a good idea to use the least amount of antibiotics as possible, not to mention alcohol.  In the last month of the treatment I was told it was having an effect on my liver but we finished the last month.\n\nI haven't been told I have any liver problem and my skin is pretty much acne free. I still get a pimple from time to time but from the 6 month of taking care of my skin continuously I still use face product in the morning and at night.  BTW I used Accuate about 9 years ago.  I also had many friends at that time use it and they had good results too.  Hope this helps
205962
Acne is a tough problem. Unfortunately, it doesn't always disappear as you get older, which could develop into adult acne.\n\nFurthermore, if left untreated, acne can cause semi-permanent scarring.\n\nThe good news is that it's all pretty much preventable.\n\nThe bad news is that I suggest if your acne is quite bad, you see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Save up some money, even if it means that you have to cut corners elsewhere for a while. You should make sure that your health and well-being is a priority.\n\nYou could try to tame acne with a regimen of over-the-counter solutions. You should make sure to wash your face at least 2 times a day, use a toner for oily or acne-prone skin, and use a topical cream to help dry out existing blemishes. You may also wish to try a system called "Proactiv Solution," which you may have seen on tv. People have used this product for acne with varying degrees of success. Google "Proactiv Solution" for more information.\n\nThe problem with this solution is that often, with acne, the problem is below the skin - where creams and washes can't reach. This is why it's so important to see a dermatologist.\n\nFor more information on this topic, google the terms "acne solution" or "acne tips."\n\nGood Luck!
505245
My kids were on it for 12 months and their acne was gradually better starting at about 6 months and on, even getting better when they stopped.  It has been 4 years now, and they still look great.  It is well worth it if you can afford it and can stand the side effects, such as achiness/tired feeling.  Try to stick with it.  It is hard when it gets worse at first, but it is due to your pores cleaning themselves out and closing up.  \n\nGood luck!
455207
Because of my weird working shifts etc, I tend to go to sleep at approx 4am, and not wake until midday, sometimes later. My skin is just as healthy as anyone else's. I'm 20 years old too, so if acne were gonna set in, i'd be a prime target for it.\nGotta be a myth. That, or i'm damn lucky!
562058
I never really had a problem with acne but I did have dry skin. I just apply this lotion, Curel Ultra Healing, on my face and it does the trick.\n\nJust try to keep your face clean and make sure your hair isn't in your face.
351133
Hi there...\nI have had pimples since I was in Primary School, I'm now 23. It sounds like they are scars left behind from blemishes. They will fade in time but in the mean time, you could try something called "Rose Hip Oil". This is fantastic for any type of scars on your body, as it makes them fade. They may not go away entirely, however, it will make them less obvious.  I have just started using Proactiv Solution, and already it is clearin up my acne and my scars are evn fading a little.  I hope you get the answer you are after, because I know how it feels :)
657698
hey there is no such thing like "im ugly" why are you buying what those silly pple who dont want to be friends with you think of you?? there is no ugly person in this world, " Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" so pls stop that you are pretty and you should from now onwards see yourself as the most beautiful person in this world. dont let evil pple bad behaviour get you. we can all look the same, so be proud of yourself and raise your head high, just coz you have acne doesnt mean you are ugly, go see a dermatologist you will get treatment for that, it no big deal. be happy, smile and the world will smile with you!!!
665537
When I was a teenager, I had awful, awful acne on my face, chest and back.  I went to a dermatologist who prescribed Accutane.  If I recall correctly, I had to take it for about three months. Twenty years later I am still acne free!