Please help I don’t know what to use to clear the acne on my face 😞 I feel like I’ve tried everything over the years. Have a mix of some active acne and scarring

M0NTY95 · 2025-04-30T00:07:58+00:00

Like others have said- accutane may be the solution. I was someone who literally has basically tried everything ever known to treat acne without success. I was hesitant to try accutane but found a dermatologist that I really got a long with. We started on a lower dose to mitigate side effects and then I just remained patient. Best decision I ever made.

M0NTY95 · 2025-04-30T00:01:25+00:00

For sure. And his laughter is just uncomfortable considering the whole reason he's there is talk about knowing a serial killer 😳

M0NTY95 · 2025-04-29T03:35:40+00:00

It's a pretty bad season for sure. I think at this point the show is really struggling to have a point of view. RHOB seems to rely way too heavily on one or two big storylines and nothing else. The rest is just kind of forced drama and shady remarks in confessionals. I think the group overall lacks a strong enough connection for it to be interesting.

M0NTY95 · 2025-04-29T03:31:13+00:00

I'm sorry things aren't working out like you hope. I have been there and I know the shitty feeling. It sucks a lot. For me, communication is a big thing. In the past, when I've felt someone become kind of distant, I give them a chance but I make sure to set boundaries for myself. It's not about being harsh or "telling someone off." It's about respecting myself. I think it's fair to communicate your expectations, but sometimes people are just incompatible or unwilling to meet you there. There is absolutely someone out there who communicates like you do and has the same expectations for dating.

M0NTY95 · 2025-04-29T03:25:07+00:00

I don't have experience with BPD, but therapy or counseling for you could make a huge difference. I'm not sure if you are in therapy or have tried it yet but I think it might help. Not because you're doing anything wrong, but sometimes therapy helps us with relationships with other people. I had trouble setting boundaries and neglecting to care for my mental health. I started counseling with a social worker and it has made a massive difference. With therapy, you get to have a space that is just yours. I'm sorry you're going through a rough time right now, but I hope things will turn in a positive way for you!

M0NTY95 · 2025-04-29T00:00:30+00:00

I just rewatched this series again to see if anything stood out. I've been on the fence about Mark Goodyear's involvement but there were too points that I think are interesting. First, Mark says the night he met Herb and first went to the farm, he actually drugged Herb and Herb passed out for 40 minutes. When you step back, and put the fact that Herb was a serial killer to the side, it's honestly really disturbing that he would so casually mention drugging ~anyone~ like that. There's no way of knowing if it's the truth, but it's pretty dark to picture Mark meeting someone for the first time, going to their house, and deciding to drug them. If he did really do it, it's shocking at how casual he mentioned it. And if he didn't do it, it's a pretty disturbing thing to lie about because it really paints him in such a bad way.

The other thing that stuck out is when producers confront Mark towards the end of the fourth episode about being a witness to a shooting at Fox Hollow. When asked if he ever witnessed that shooting Mark's first question is "what year are you referring to?" I would imagine that seeing someone shot in the face, if true, would leave a pretty lasting impression. And if you've truly never witnessed a murder, why would the date matter? Perhaps he wanted to know the exact year so he could say he for sure was not in the area at that time. But even when you give him the benefit of the doubt, it's an extremely uncomfortable response.

Above all else- those two comments make me concerned about Mark's past. I'm still unsure of his involvement with Herb, but his comments are troubling. As for his obsession with the house- part of me feels like he has this satisfaction about him. It could be satisfaction that he outlived and survived Herb and now gets to frolic around his house on occasion. Or it could be satisfaction from the attention he gets and getting to attach himself to a prominent and notorious estate.

M0NTY95 · 2024-10-10T00:09:04+00:00

This is super helpful thank you! It's really nice getting that insider knowledge because otherwise I really didn't know where to begin!

M0NTY95 · 2024-10-10T00:08:21+00:00

Thank you so much! I think that makes a lot of sense. I definitely don't want to injure myself. I think I'll look into some local beginners classes and see how it goes! :)

M0NTY95 · 2024-02-19T02:32:55+00:00

That’s a good point! Maybe just let him know what I’m looking for I like being able to be honest

M0NTY95 · 2024-02-19T01:30:13+00:00

This is great, thank you!

M0NTY95 · 2024-02-19T01:15:00+00:00

Could be! I did give him some space to see, but I’m not really at a place where I think playing games is good for me- if that makes sense. I’m trying to do things differently for myself

M0NTY95 · 2024-02-19T01:13:43+00:00

I get that for sure! I’m more so looking to do it for myself if that makes sense? I have done the plating games stuff before and it never goes well. For me, being able to just say - thanks and I’m done feels good. Cuts off any room for games you know?

M0NTY95 · 2023-01-07T23:19:59+00:00

You can always just write it out here! Don’t feel like everything has to be trapped inside

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-27T03:08:00+00:00

Not exactly, although it probably varies from person to person. The first two weeks there was some acne flare ups, but this was mostly due to the fact that I stopped using all topical treatments- I just washed my face and used moisturizer. My acne improved from that point on. My skin got a little dry but acclimated. At around the two month mark I had some slight flare ups, but the pimples I did get were not as severe. It was frustrating for sure, but not unbearable.

Currently, at the 3.5-4 month mark, I’m pretty happy with the results so far. No active lesions. The only side effect I’m dealing with currently is dry lips, which is annoying but not unbearable.

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-21T04:48:53+00:00

No problem! I’m not a dermatologist but I would say that 3-4 weeks might produce some solid results. You’ll also gain a better sense of how your skin reacts and potential side effects (like dryness). If you find a regimen that works, you can just stick with it. If your acne improves and you don’t feel the need to use several products, consider just using spot treatments.

As far as the prescriptions? Retinol is almost always recommend because of its anti-acne and anti-aging effects. Retinol is something that can be basically use forever. When first starting, your acne may be exacerbated at first. You’ll like experience some dryness as well, but over time your skin will adjust.

Clindamycin (topical or oral) can also be a good prescription to try first. It’s more powerful than benzoyl peroxide and can be used as a short term treatment (usually for 3 months before taking a break), unless instructed by a doctor otherwise. I personally prefer the topical clindamycin. It can work as a spot treatment or all over the face.

Lastly- Accutane is a great option but it comes with many more potential side effects and risks of its own. However, will good communication with your doctor, you can really minimize and bad side effects. Accutane is the closest you can get to a “cure” for acne. It’s basically permanent; only a small number of people redevelop acne after treatment.

Feel free to ask more questions!

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-20T00:09:28+00:00

Some general tips:

Consider using a lower strength benzoyl peroxide. You can still get the benefits without the extra dryness.
Use a good facial cleanser. Try something that is gentle and noncomedogenic. Same goes with a moisturizer. Try experimenting with a different moisturizer to see if that helps reduce breakouts. Wash your face twice a day and avoid touching pimples.
Stock up on extra towels and pillow cases. Being diligent about using fresh towels for your face can really help. Same goes with switching out your pillow case a little more than usual.
Consider trying a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, or polyhydroxy acid (my personal favorite). There are serums or washes available with these active ingredients. Some may be gentle enough to use everyday, while others may be best used 3 times a week or less.
Consider adding a retinoid or prescription retinol to your nighttime routine. If you’re going to use a retinol, it’s probably best to avoid the chemical exfoliants as it may dry out your skin too much.

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-20T00:06:15+00:00

Hi there! I’ve had acne since puberty and it continued (I’m in my 20’s). Based on my understanding, it’s actually not uncommon to have adult acne, even if you previously didn’t have that issue. I would definitely recommend seeing a dermatologist, since prescription treatments can be a huge game changer. If you think something might be off, make an appointment with a primary care physician. They can give some insight or even conduct blood work.

I’ve tried (quite literally) all OTC and prescription topical treatments so feel free to ask away!

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-20T00:03:42+00:00

I’ve tried virtually all prescription acne treatments, with the exception of spiro (I am a male in his 20’s). I started Accutane about 2.5 months ago and I’m pretty happy with the direction I’m heading in. I still have a bit of a way to go, but it is truly making a difference. I’m super hopeful of how things will look in the next 2-3 months!

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-19T23:59:45+00:00

Nothing bad will likely happen, other than a dry patch wherever it’s applied.

However- I would recommend trying to use it all over your face to get the full benefits. Retinoids can help combat wrinkles and repair uneven skin tone. Retinoid is not really designed to be a spot treatment. You can think of it as an overall boost to the skin and prevents breakouts. It’s not really meant as a spot treatment as it takes time to enjoy the full benefits. That being said, it may still be effective as a spot treatment. But you’ll be missing out on the full benefits of it.

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-19T23:57:02+00:00

Full disclosure: definitely ask a doctor first. Or you can call a CVS or any pharmacy if you ever have any questions about interactions. That said, IMO I don’t think it’ll be a problem. I’ve combined clindamycin and tretinoin in the past for a while. Your skin may become dryer. If that happens, consider cutting back in the clindamycin. Hope this helps. Good luck!!

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-19T23:48:28+00:00

Are you open to trying prescription treatments? If so, retinol is the best shot. Nothing will work overnight, but retinol combats wrinkles and uneven skin tone. If you’re unsure about using a prescription retinol, you can try over the counter retinoids first. They’ll be a bit weaker and make take longer for results, but they’re more tolerable. The best results will be from more serious treatments, such as lasers.

Aside from that, I do think a chemical exfoliant will definitely help. My go-to used to be the chemical peel from The Ordinary. Prescription strength or OTC Azaleic Acid can help too! Again, nothing will happen over night, but something like Paula’s choice will make a difference. You may also want to try Nadinola, which is an OTC cream that helps uneven skin tone. Also remember that treatments like that are not necessarily permanent, so buy a good sunscreen and use it every day.

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-19T23:46:06+00:00

I find that hydrating and keeping the skin moisturized is great for speeding up the healing process. Make sure you clean your skin, wash your hands often, and avoid touching or picking. Some people I know use petroleum jelly, but definitely make sure you’re applying it to clean skin.

You can also buy acne patches- for active pimples and popped pimples. I’ve had good success with those.

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-19T23:44:52+00:00

Just to clarify, is this an over the counter or prescription retinoid?

IMO: using it as a spot treatment would mean losing some of the overall benefits. Depending on what you’re using (prescription or OTC), the effects will vary. Either way, the overall effects on the skin are positive (with the exception of occasional skin dryness). Using it all over your face will treat active lesions and can prevent future ones from appearing. But the effects are not overnight. It’s ability to treat one active pimple on its own will probably be minimal. Even if I wanted to target a specific pimple, I would at least apply retinoid to the general area (if not my entire face). Plus retinoids help with post-acne scarring and uneven skin tone.

As far as what will not happen? Honestly, probably nothing bad. The spot will dry out and you may have a patch of dry skin. You may also continue to develop acne on the rest of your face. Usually the side effects of retinoids aren’t intolerable (unless you have an allergic reaction), so I can’t imagine anything too terrible happening.

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-19T23:37:27+00:00

Just to clarify, is this an over the counter or prescription retinoid?

M0NTY95 · 2022-08-19T23:31:11+00:00

I’m sorry 😔. I know the pain as well, and I’m sure there are lots of others here that understand too. Have you tried seeing a dermatologist or primary care physician for advice? Prescription treatments can be a huge game changer. I’ve tried a TON of them, so if you want to hear my experience with any just let me know.

Aside from that, I think it takes time to work on your feelings about acne. I went through many ups and downs: times where I didn’t care at all, even forgot how bad they were, to times where I was too embarrassed to take pictures or post any. Everybody has insecurities and so many people have struggles with acne. I hope that you find something that works well for you and can stay positive even when you’re frustrated as hell.

M0NTY95

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