Hi!  I CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH YOU COMPLETELY!!!

I have always had to work hard for clear skin and here are some things that have helped me:

First I try to fight off those nasty pimples BEFORE that come up!   CLEANSING IS THE KEY - both internal and external:

1.  DRINKING LOTS OF WATER and eating foods that promote "good digestion" - if you know what I mean. Sometimes in cases of acne, the   uses the skin as a platform to "cleanse itself" of some excess stuff.  (also, the hormones are working overtime it seems, as well).

2.  STEAMING MY FACE twice a week and using a natural astringent (like Witch Hazel) afterwards.  Then SPLASHING with cold water (to close the pores gently).  

3.  A NATURAL MUD OR CLAY MASK weekly (I use the CHARCOAL mask from ORIGINS) especially around my period.   This helps purify and slowly/gently peels off dead skin or scars.  

3.  WASHING MY FACE 2 - 3 times a day with the cleanser and lotion from NEO STRATA -  Just google for their website.  They also produce a "citrus peel" which you'd need to do with a dermatologist or cosmetologist.  THIS IS REALLY WORTH THE $$$$! REALLY HELPS WITH SCARES.  

4. I use the EXCELLENT FADE GEL from a company called "BLACK OPAL" . This line is designed for "woman of color", BUT it is very gentle and can be used on ALL skins.

5.  DAB a bit of tea tree oil helps, aloe vera gel and cocoa butter (just a little) on any pimples BEFORE they turn into scars.

6).  REMIND MYSELF to moisturize. Even my oily skin needs MOISTURE, so I never use anything that will dry my skin out too much!  Otherwise, the glands will work overtime to replace the natural oils.  Besides, the skin also needs some kind of moisture to deal with the scarring as well!  

At this point in my life I actually feel comfortable leaving my house WITHOUT make-up!    

Best wishes and wishing you BEAUTIFUL SKIN!!

Weezer

That was some great advice weezerwall. I had a friend who had terrible acne all throughout high school and a few yeard later when we met up again, i was surprised to see her skin as smooth as a baby's bottom, with no tell tale signs whatsoever. Now i know of the wonders of make-up but let me tell you there was no amount of concealer that could have completely covered her blemishes. She told me her secret was - coconut water. Cocunut water helps dry out scars and acne and the natural astringent in the water help fade blemishes. It took awhile, but it worked.

Hi Adrianna!

THANKS FOR THAT GREAT TIP/STORY AS WELLl!!  Another ray of hope!  

Warmest,
Weezer