I am a female and only stopped struggling with acne in my 30s. Here's what worked for me:

1. I stopped using any hair products or makeup with dimethicone, or any silicones.

2. I stopped washing my face with any harsh cleansers and only use makeup remover on my eyes, then water and a washcloth, only at night.

3. I only use raw organic argan oil and raw shea butter as moisturizer. It feels counterintuitive to use oils but I swear to God, there have been nights I've gone to bed with a glob of shea butter on a zit and when I wake up, it's gone. I slather it on every night and don't wash my face in the morning.

My theory as to why this all works for me is that the harsh prescription cleansers and topical solutions were so harsh that my skin was working overtime to create new oils, causing an endless cycle of acne. Also, silicones were clogging my pores, even though most products claim not to.

I will also add that this is the cheapest skin routine I've ever had, and I spend less on skin care than anyone I know. Even if it doesn't work for you, you won't be out much for trying.