What Can I Do About my Acne?

First, make sure you see a dermatologist (the true "skin experts") for a proper assessment and management plan for your acne. Topical therapy with retin-a can be helpful, but if you are finding it too drying or irritating, then take a break for a week, and restart it every other night. In some patients who still don't tolerate this medicine because they may have sensitive skin or don't moisturize enough, you can try using it as a short contact treatment, meaning apply it for 5-10 minutes,... more

I would suggest you go see a board certified dermatologist. A little teaching is needed. Any treatment for acne requires 4-6 weeks of steady use before one can assess if it is working or not. The treatments prevent new lesions from forming, which is the goal of treating acne. So, once you are on it you do not go off treatment for many months to years, until your acne "burns out" and becomes a distant memory. Retin-A is a fantastic treatment option and does... more