Very useful information, Thanks for sharing this article this has been a major disease affecting personal life

by fakargian Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 02:02AM Report as inappropriate

"I have terrible cystic acne but I don't want to take prescription medication!" she whines. Puh-leeze! You are given treatment, have access to products other than cleansers, but won't use them. This is a ridiculous article. I cleared my skin with soap, water, alcohol, and a complete dietary adjustment. Zero sugar, starch, breads, oils, fried and processed foods. I eat broccoli, greens (lots of greens), steamed and poached veggies, broiled or canned salmon, tofu, quinoa, brown rice, half a lemon a day over food or in unsweetened green tea, and blueberries. Someone else mentioned the sugar/insulin/hormonal imbalance link. You have to take responsibility for your lifestyle, as well as your treatment.

by sandra_lewis Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 02:13AM Report as inappropriate

I can't disagree with much of this. I was almost half expecting some wild remedy. :) When I was younger I had very bad cystic acne. I took tetracycline, minocycline, doxicycline, I used topicals like Retin-A, Cleocin-T, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide. I began using the Citrus Clear products on a regular, daily basis. Also I never touch my hands to my face, and the result has been acne free. NOt even an occasional pimple.

by melissa_locks Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate

I am so glad that I have never suffered from acne like this; what a difference in the end, but also what an ordeal!

by TheDivaRose Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 08:27PM Report as inappropriate

very helpful!!

by rna Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks to Doxycycline, I am now acne free!

by EricaF123 Friday, February 22, 2013 at 03:35AM Report as inappropriate

I suffer from acne and I found this article extremely helpful. Thanks

by Misselizabeth Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 07:37PM Report as inappropriate

Adult acne is tough to clear, women or man it is tough. I am wondering if she stayed with her treatments long enough for them to help. Hormonal acne is the toughest, and findin the right balance for the hormones is a hit and miss process.

by duncan101 Monday, December 24, 2012 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate

Good for her. I just started suffering from acne (weird) but i think i'll try a different approach.

by nicky22 Monday, December 24, 2012 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

good for her( :

by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 06:28PM Report as inappropriate

Wow this girl when through a lot. I'm happy it all worked out in the end.

by EricaF123 Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 12:14PM Report as inappropriate

The doctor said its hormonalm so i dont understand why not solving the probkem from the root?! And not with bcp!!! Its abhormonal imbalance caused by insukine resistance! Leaving sugar is the first step. Eveyone who has this problem should google IR and PcOS,these acnes are typical pcos symptoms!!! Good luck eveyone!

by Provence13 Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 01:54PM Report as inappropriate

i started getting cystic acne during my adult years and it takes a long time for it to be cured. will try these tips

by springsblue Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 08:36AM Report as inappropriate

It took me a year of going to the dermatologist trying product after product to find something that semi-worked for me.

by Chris213 Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 07:03AM Report as inappropriate

I have been breaking out for about a year now, I had very few pimples when I was a teenager so I was shocked that now I have this problem but then I learned that adult acne is common and can be pretty stubborn to deal with. To me this is a great story, it goes into details, if you have the money and if you decide you want to go this route, you just have to stay positive and be determined, be patient, it takes time. I am considering to try the laser therapy at least. The only thing is I absolutely refuse to take oral medication, I will do anything that has to do with topical treatment. I have tried Photodynamic therapy and it worked wonders for about 4 months, I did it once a month, then for some reason it lost all effect on me, which is too bad because I was really hoping that I wouldn't have to look for any more treatments and alternatives.

by Natalia379 Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 06:37PM Report as inappropriate

keeping my sugar consumption down (yes that means no checkout-aisle chocolate) has been a huge help.

by veryvanilla Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 09:52PM Report as inappropriate

Wow, those sound like very expensive treatments.... Unfortunately, a lot of it is trial and error. I tried numerous drugstore and department store and prescription products before going on Accutane, which did get rid of my cystic acne for about a year. My acne came back but wasn't as bad. Now I just use a cleaner+baking soda morning and night. (At night I use a makeup wipe first). The exfoliation and drying properties of the baking soda have really helped my acne and it's looking smoother than it has in years.

by LipglossandSpandex Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 02:17PM Report as inappropriate

Great article, so happy I read this. I suffer from cystic acne on my chin and its always an issue after the bump is gone! That red mark stays forever. I agree that the Clarisonic works magic for acne-prone skin.

by BrookeSS Friday, August 24, 2012 at 09:10AM Report as inappropriate

The clarisonic seriously saved my skin. It has helped my cystic acne so much.

by michellefuentes Monday, August 20, 2012 at 08:42PM Report as inappropriate

Are those $3000 EACH TIME or for the course of the 3 of them?

by veryvanilla Friday, July 27, 2012 at 10:31PM Report as inappropriate

I really want to do all this stuff since my cystic acne is bad. Though I don't understand why she's complaining so much, from the pictures her acne is not that bad, and I could've done without her talking about her boyfriend constantly, I don't care, this artical is supposed to be about getting rid of her acne, not bragging about her relationship

by rachaellh13 Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 01:44AM Report as inappropriate

i've fought with cystic acne forever but not to this extreme. i no longer feel sorry for myself.

by JessBailey Friday, June 22, 2012 at 07:24PM Report as inappropriate

well i have Acne Treatments, Acne form ilanitcohen that is good

by ilanitcohen Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 11:39PM Report as inappropriate

The before and after pictures are a bit "off" for me. The before is full profile with her hair pulled back. The after doesn't show her entire chin and jawline because she's tilted towards the camera and her hair is pulled over her face at bit. I would have liked to have seen real before and after pics.

by Nancy_M Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 11:03AM Report as inappropriate

What an experience!

by TBjunkie Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 11:56PM Report as inappropriate

expensive but it looks like a sound strategy. after years of strugle i have also consulted dermatologists. it really helps..

by BerenicePonce Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 06:24AM Report as inappropriate

This article was very informative...I suffered from TERRIBLE cystic acne for years, I finally figured out how to control my acne. A good diet, regular exercise, a Clarisonic brush, Neutrogena products, occasional DDF Sulfur masks, and Clinique's gel moisturizers.

by MizzPink Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:35AM Report as inappropriate

I have never had bad acne! But great transformation!

by yestfl Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 09:06AM Report as inappropriate

That great for her but must have money, this sounds very expensive, most of us don't have that kind of money.

by lastone4me Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 12:45PM Report as inappropriate

very good information would try this

by nikkiq Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 11:30AM Report as inappropriate

I suffer from acne and can't wait to try some of the products listed

by jamie_spar Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 11:51PM Report as inappropriate

Nice article. My favorite part, though, is Ben helping Claire peel her skin! For me, however, a combination of 2% salicylic acid, retinols, and sulfur products have pretty much erradicated my cystic acne. But I'm happy Claire found something that worked.

by KurleeTop Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 06:45PM Report as inappropriate

way to much for me...unfortunately i guess i will just have to live with my acne

by BrenBren Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 03:58PM Report as inappropriate

Acne is just another disease of inflammation (along with arthritis, IBD, etc.) that needs to be healed from the inside out. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet and your skin will gradually heal - mine did on a paleo diet. Google "paleo" and "acne." My moderate acne cleared up in about a month after switching my diet. Some faint crow's feet I was getting also disappeared. I wear mineral makeup and "wash" my face with only water and almond oil. My skin looks amazing.

by gowestman Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 02:22PM Report as inappropriate

This sounds so extensive. I am glad that it worked out for your skin though.

by MzWayne Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 02:01PM Report as inappropriate

I am SO glad I have never had bad acne. I could only imagine how people feel. So glad this girl found something that works, even though it was expensive and painful! I just wonder how often the treatments have to be done.

by laura_schulz Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 01:53PM Report as inappropriate

this was very interesting

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 01:42PM Report as inappropriate

What was the cost of the PhotoDynamci Therapy?

by trendsjody Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 12:21PM Report as inappropriate

I will tell a coworker about this she has been trying everything under the moon.

by beautybody Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 04:20PM Report as inappropriate

Wow this is a crazy transformation! I wanna save up enough money so that one day I can treat my boyfriend to this treatment!

by MissXu Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 02:08PM Report as inappropriate

Sounds painful, but I'm glad it was worth it in the end!

by tallredamanda Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 01:45PM Report as inappropriate

I'm very lucky that I've never had cystic acne. I do currently take Finacea and Aczone. I would love a chemical peel, but those are ridiculously expensive for a good quality peel from a professional. Even though this article is inspiring for people who do have worse acne than me and it's remarkable to see the results, let's face it--not many people will be able to afford ONE of the steps, let alone ALL of them. I know beauty costs LOTS, but let's be a little realistic!

by volta Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 09:48PM Report as inappropriate

I have the same problem and I have been looking into having this done in the future. I will have to have the full treatment, as I have scars and dark discoloration from cyst acne. I am totally willing to go through some pain to get rid of this! My only question is, why is the author not treating her hormone issue? A person can be estrogen (androgen) dominant having a normal estrogen level and low progesterone level. One can also have a high estrogen level and normal progesterone level. My problem stems from the first scenario, normal estrogen and low progesterone. I would look into having hormone levels tested, because unbalanced hormones can cause a number of serious health problems. Hormones regulate so much in the body from calcium absorption in the bones to kidney function and so much more. If left untreated, a person can find themselves seriously ill. This is unfortunately how I learned of my estrogen dominance! I am prescribed hormone therapy, and it has helped reduce the acne, but it is still present. This is why I am researching having the same treatment as the author. Once infection has set deep into the skin, I think treatment like this may be the only way to remove it. I am happy to see how well it worked for her. It gives me hope that I will also have great results! Great article!

by jml1117 Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

her boyfriend is so sweet! although i would never do that with my boyfriend! wow this story was very interesting, although im glad i have no use for it

by olkrav319 Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 02:02PM Report as inappropriate

Oh my goodness. This is insane!

by lanigaga Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 10:47AM Report as inappropriate

Wow! How much did your treatment/a cost?

by chelsa Friday, April 6, 2012 at 09:12PM Report as inappropriate

I need to try this!

by powerwoman033 Friday, April 6, 2012 at 08:40PM Report as inappropriate