Acne.org Products
I use the first Clearasil and the Clean and Clear morning and night in the shower. Then I use the Thayers Witch Hazel to tone. Then I moisturize with the Equate (knock-off Cetaphil brand, not sure if that matters) and use the Acne.org AHA in combination at night, OR sometimes I just put the Clearasil Acne + Marks Wash and Mask as a drying agent for acne overnight to kill pimples. Initially I thought that was helping my acne tremendously but it could just be drying my skin out and creating pimples that cause ice-pick scars. It seems that every pimple I get, instead of just forming and going away eventually just turns into an ice-pick scar whether I pop it or not. I use to use salicylic acid on pimples when I was 15-18 after popping them and they wouldn't scar at all. Every single pimple scars now and I'm pretty sure they're all mostly ice-pick scars, correct me if I'm wrong and tell me how to cure them, please. I can't afford surgery or peels. The other two, being a baking soda wash and a blackhead clearing green tea scrub, I use at random to exfloliate.
Please help. I really can't stand this anymore. I cannot afford a dermatologist, so do not recommend one.
Hi, there. First off I don't think you should be using so many products on your face. Keep it simple. That is much better for acne.
I really recommend Avene Cleanance expert it's been fantastic for me. It works as both treatment and moisturizer. Win/win. It actually works. It just does not allow pimples to form! And you can use BP with it if you want.
What country are you in? Just asking because you said you can't afford a dermatologist, and that will probably be the best thing for you if you can find a way to get either free healthcare or insurance coverage. Anyway, there is an online website where you send pictures of your skin to a dermatologist and they send you back their recommendation and even a perscription. It is called curology.com and it is supposed to be very affordable and easy. Another option would be to change you regimen to the Acne.org regimen, which many people have found success with. Hope you can find something for you! This website isa great support system as well, so I am glad you are on here!
On 4/2/2016 at 11:35 AM, FIAF said:Hi, there. First off I don't think you should be using so many products on your face. Keep it simple. That is much better for acne.
I really recommend Avene Cleanance expert it's been fantastic for me. It works as both treatment and moisturizer. Win/win. It actually works. It just does not allow pimples to form! And you can use BP with it if you want.
Okay, so which products should I use that I happen to have and in what order?
That is a win/win, maybe when I run out of these?
On 4/2/2016 at 1:25 PM, TaneBabe said:What country are you in? Just asking because you said you can't afford a dermatologist, and that will probably be the best thing for you if you can find a way to get either free healthcare or insurance coverage. Anyway, there is an online website where you send pictures of your skin to a dermatologist and they send you back their recommendation and even a perscription. It is called curology.com and it is supposed to be very affordable and easy. Another option would be to change you regimen to the Acne.org regimen, which many people have found success with. Hope you can find something for you! This website isa great support system as well, so I am glad you are on here!
American, but yeah, I'm a college student and I don't really have the funds right now. I tried Acne.org and it didn't work for me...sucks. I thought my skin would finally get better. Thank you! I just want to be cured.
12 minutes ago, elro said:Okay, so which products should I use that I happen to have and in what order?That is a win/win, maybe when I run out of these? American, but yeah, I'm a college student and I don't really have the funds right now. I tried Acne.org and it didn't work for me...sucks. I thought my skin would finally get better. Thank you! I just want to be cured.
Curious to know, how long did you use the Acne.org regimen. How did you use it? Did you use a substantial amount of BP? I am very curious, as my acne looked very much like yours and I have been acne free for almost a year now. If you only have access to over-the-counter products, I would do research into the best Benzoyl Peroxide available, a good moisturizer, and a cleanser that has the ability to clear the face of oil well (Acne.org cleanser is great for this).
The person above made a great point that less products is better for acne. Remember, irritation = acne. Exfoliating scrubs are NOT beneficial for people with acne. Instead, use a chemical exfoliant and try and limit that use to 2-3 times a week. (Research Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Acne.org brand sells it).
I am curious as to how you used Acne.Org Regimen so please let me know. Maybe I can try and find what went wrong then help you with suggestions I have found worked for me. We have similar cases.
P.S. I can tell that your face is irritated under your eyes, I should advise from NOT scrubbing or causing too much friction on your skin when applying facial products. When cleansing, moisturizing, applying ANY product the pressure should be MINIMAL. Remember, the skin on your face is highly sensitive, and irritating your skin = acne.
Agreed with the above posters who say keep it simple when it comes to acne treatment. All you really need are 3 things:
1) a gentle noncomedogenic cleanser (Purpose brand cleanser is a great one and derm recommended, gentle as water)
2) an acne treatment, preferably something that actually kills acne bacteria (such as 2.5% BP)
3) a good noncomedogenic moisturizer
Forget toners, exfoliating scrubs, anything abrasive on the skin, etc. They'll cause too much skin irritation and lead to more breakouts. I'd also lose the acne washes...they can be unnecessarily harsh while at the same time not really providing enough protection against bacteria which quickly recolonize after the active ingredients are washed off. Having a treatment that kills acne bacteria (and continues to kill bacteria for several hours) is more effective than a BHA which does help break down pore clogs but will not prevent new breakouts from occurring.
People who's bodies produce excessive acne bacteria can benefit from 2-3 months of oral antibiotics, which will help level the bacteria playing field so that topicals can be more effective and enough to maintain clear skin. My son is actually doing both (Acne.Org Regimen plus 3 months of antibiotics) and this cleared up all his severe cystic acne and bacne.
BTW, his marks/scarring looks pretty similar to yours...take heart: most of these marks are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and are not permanent, they eventually fade. My son also had a few bad indented areas but even these are starting to flatten out so am hopeful they will continue to shrink and flatten with time. 10% glycolic acid mixed in with the moisturizer a few times per week can help speed up the fading process. Dan's AHA+ is the bomb!
I'd consider giving the Regimen another try if you can't get to a derm. Good luck with whatever you decide! 
OK. According to those products I recommend you keep using the BP and the moisturizer. Plus, get a good gentle non-medicated cleanser. I can't tell if those are non-medicated. Once you run out keep using the BP in combination with avene cleanance expert. Just a thin layer for both. That should be really good.