Just thought I could help out anyone experiencing difficulty w. her acne by sharing my own experience & resolution. (coming from an 18-yr old female, btw)
My experience with it has been especially frustrating for 2 reasons: one, while I really never had severe acne (only recalcitrant cystic acne on my chin/jawline/hormonal area and flawless skin everywhere else), the acne I did have was unresponsive to treatments and resilient to the point where I was seriously considering Accutane. And two, I work in the high fashion industry, which (needless to say) has a zero-tolerance policy as far as blemishes of any kind are concerned.
To the point, I have very fair & sensitive skin (red hair, blue eyes = a complexion tht sunburns & scars easily) and when I tried EVERYTHING (pro active, oral antibiotic, differin, benzoyl peroxide - burned me - salicylic acid, acid peels, facials, extractions, this list goes on and on, etc) and nothing was working - I finally developed a routine that has given me a flawless complexion:
Initially, for both scarring and limiting oil production, I visited the dermatologist for Smoothbeam Laser treatments (these can be pricey, approx. $400 per treatment and you need 1 every month for 4 mos. to see 70% improvement on average). I just completed my 5th last week and, a moderate amount of pain aside, every treatment has been worth it. As is constantly the case w. acne, you have to be patient - but, by the 3rd treatment, you should see significant results.
My twice daily cleansing routine is comprised of using a Gentle Cleanser Neutrogena wash to prep my face, followed by a thorough washing w. one of my doctor-prescribed Plexion Clothes. I finish by rubbing in my also-doctor-prescribed Akne Mycin 2% (or cld be .2%, I'm forgetting) over my entire face, esp. my problem areas. Since my skin is incredibly oily, yet very dry if left unmoisturized and to its own devices, I adore my Akne Mycin. It's a thick white cream; but, if thoroughly rubbed into the skin, becomes clear and creates the perfect balance between leaving your skin dewy and fresh-looking (and feeling moisturized) and concurrently fighting off all bacteria.
However, to make the most of my prescribed products, I've been maintaining a stringent diet (although my profession has demanded that I always be selective abt what I eat), which advocates all foods & liquids known to help not only acne but the quality of your skin, period. These are "my rules":
foods/liquids should include only the following to give your skin the best chance possible:
Blueberries (incredible source of antioxidants, makes your skin scream w. pleasure seriously)
green apples (one of these babies has more caffeine in it thn an entire cup of coffee, bizarre I know)
a small serving of coffee every day (coffee - rinds and the caffeine - has been proven to benefit skin, if consumed in small amounts)
at least one cup of green tea (caffeinated is best) per day, though 3 cups is ideal (ps, add lemon and honey to it instead of sugar, cream, or splenda)
wild salmon
add lemon to as many meals as possible; it's acidic composition is helpful for fighting acne, as well
try to drink at least 2 liters of bottled water every day; 4-5 is ideal
my favorite salad, which has nothing fattening or irritating as far as your acne is concerned:
fresh lettuce mixed w. spinach (I don't like spinach so I have to mix it w. iceberg), few splashes of vinegar, xtra hot bell peppers and splashes of the pepper juice, dashes of Adobo (a Spanish seasoning), abt 2-3 spoonfuls of extra virgin olive oil (if nothing else, always try to include extra virgin olive oil in your salads - v. good for keeping clear skin)
almonds and brazil nuts contain fatty acids (which are GOOD for you) and help maintain healthy, glowing skin
FINAL TIPS:
if you are exercising, be absolutely sure to at least rinse your face w. water as soon as you are done (sweat breeds bacteria and it is important to not let it fester)
NEVER PICK. I'm serious. It always makes it worse; no exceptions.
Also, never touch your face unless you are washing it. In this case, use your hands (wash them first though) and not a washcloth, as washclothes only irritate the acne more. And when you dry your face, be sure to pat it dry - never wipe.
Get at least 7 hrs of sleep and no more than 10
Be sure to wash every morning, every night (it's hard for me to not be lazy and do it in the morning, so trust me - I know)
Try your v. best to stay away from carbs and dairy - they irritate your acne and the lactose in dairy increases your oil production
*note: if you're craving somethign startchy, eat a handful of salted, roasted almonds. Good for your skin, satisfies the craving.
Take Vitamin E and Zinc supplements daily - both benefit skin, again
Ultimately, though there is no question that genetics and then hygiene play the pivotal roles in what happens w. your acne, diet is more crucial than you know. Now, I consider it a blessing in disguise that I had to go through this 4-yr. ordeal w. my acne - now my diet is impeccable, as well as my psychological and physical well-being. Obviously no one is perfect, and I don't expect everyone to stick w. this diet - but honestly, I think the more you can incorporate it, the more flawless your skin (and everything) will be.
Laters,
Blakely