This is so embarrassing but I'm desperate...

Jun 27, 2016

Kim M.

I think a dermatologist is your best bet.

Jun 27, 2016

Diana T.

Yeah a dermatologist is definitely your best bet because that is cystic acne - which is usually caused by hormones - products can treat them but they can't cure them - only something you can get from a doctor or derm to control your hormones will cure them - I have them too and I use a lot of different products to treat them and I can usually clear up my skin for a week or two but once that time of the month rolls around I get break outs - the products I like to treat them include the tea tree oil spot treatment by the body shop to reduce redness and swelling - or a couple of products by Mario badescu - their buffering lotion works great to bring the pimples to a head making them easier to get rid of - then I use a sulfur mask (Mario badescu drying mask) to get rid of white heads and dry out the pimples - I usually follow that the next day with their healing mask to help my skin heal itself after the acne is gone and has scabbed up - but I have to be diligent with my skincare everyday - and I use the paulas choice exfoliants to keep my skin clear between breakouts because it sloughs away dead skin cells as well as pushes out impurities within the pores - which can feel like it's making the problem worse by bringing more pimples to the surface - but it's actually a good thing and doing what it's supposed to do - if you keep using it on a regular basis then you will see the benefits after everything is out - these are things that help with my cystic acne but it may or may not work for you - so seeing a derm is still your best bet to get treatment tailored to your skin type.

Jun 28, 2016

Soha S.

Can I ask how old are you?
Because I have polysistic ovaries and that caused me to have irregularities. Like periods and acne and getting tanned.
So I'm on treatment.
Go to a gynaecologist and a dermatologist.

Jun 28, 2016

Roz X.

I agree that hormonal acne needs a Derm for care and maintenance. You can also talk to your gynie about birth control targeting acne.

Changing diet to take in less hormones also often helps, so try pulling back a bit on dairy and meat. Look for natural "no added hormones" meat options and seafood, greens, etc.
I'd also try alternating drinking Green Tea with Chamomile. This naturally fights inflammation.

There are some things you can do to help a bit. A BHA needs to be slowly introduced to many skin types. The percentages also vary. They should be paired with a tea tree or Salicylic wash and toner that will hydrate and calm skin, such as Paul's Choice Recovery toner. You may find her gel to be more gentle or start with a lower percentage than what you are using. After applying a BHA, a moisturizer with niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid will help skin calm and repair itself.

You want to avoid potential clog-poring products and ingredients such as very thick moisturizers, (think light layers), waxes, mineral oil, coconut oil, and drying alcohol such as sd, denatured & isopropyl. Fragrance is another potential irritant, even if it is natural. Use a breathable pillowcase, such as 100% cotton or silk changed every 3rd day.
If you aren't dry, you might benefit from a clay mask.
I'd look into getting a light peel and facial to kick start your skin care regimen. I cannot relate how fantastic a custom peel to target acne can be. Many spas and Drs. offer specials mid-summer.

Jun 28, 2016

Roz X.

(I always recommend BHA every 3rd day for oily skin and once a week to start for dry and sensitive types upon initial use, followed by a fragrance-free moisturizer...and bumping up usage gradually based on skin's response.) You may find an AHA works better with your skin type. I love the Alpha Hydrox (Alpha Skincare) line.

Jun 28, 2016

Madi M.

Definitely see a doctor. I had the same issue all over my back and face and I started taking a birth control pill and it's totally fine now.