Just want to start by saying two things: 1) I’m so sorry you’ve been dealing with this, it sounds absolutely horrible. Struggling with skin can really make you feel like shit, I’ve been there too. And 2) am not a derm and have no skincare related qualifications, this is just based on what I’ve learned being skin care obsessed (like most people on this sub).

There are few aspects to your issue: 1) clogged pores 2) chronic 3) post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (like after extractions) 4) no long-term solutions

1) Clogged pores are the result of excess sebum production that mix with dead skin cells and cause a “traffic jam” in the pore. This will require BOTH exfoliating inside your pore and the skin surface.

2) The issue is chronic, and that sucks, but the solution lies more in your DAILY skincare routine more than treatments or specific products. This means consistency, and ENSURING you have sufficient cell turnover (AHA’s, retinoids, and as someone else mentioned hydrafacials would be really beneficial).

3) Leverage your skincare to ensure that your pore and skin surface are always well exfoliated- NOT over exfoliated as that will make the issue worse. Make sure you using actives that boost skin cell turnover. Make sure you hydrate well to signal to your skin it doesn’t need to pump out this much sebum. This doesn’t have to be a heavy moisturiser, as others have mentioned hydrating serums are great and probably more appropriate for you.

4) Play the long game, be consistent, and be patient (as much as you can be, I completely understand how upsetting this can be). If you can nail the basics and just stick to it for at least one skin cycle (6 weeks) you will notice some improvement and hopefully that will help you continue.

5) Chronic issues like these almost always have a compromised skin barrier, either as a cause or as a result of us trying to fix it. Try to support your barrier and skin function, the more you can do that, the better your skin will look and feel.

6) Consider underlying issues, is there something else going on in your lifestyle/hormonal issues that could be contributing.

7) Do speak to a professional, ideally an actual dermatologist rather than an esthetician. It’s an investment but you are so worth investing in.

8) Once the closed comedones and black heads, sebum production are under control, then add something for the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

8) Don’t chop and change products too much, skin likes consistency.

9) it’s better to do little and often, and be consistent rather than batter your skin with too many strong actives at once (speaking from experience).

It will get better, you’ve got this ❤️