I know how you feel, I'm going through that right now. Two weeks ago I sat on the couch for almost an hour crying because it really does cause alot of stress and it takes self-esteem away. My dermatologist gave me Differin in September and that is what caused my skin to take a turn for the worst. The only thing that I can recommend is the Clarisonic brush and Jojoba oil. It will take awhile however I found the Clarisonic brush does help. Jojoba oil is hit-or-miss; right now I like it because my skin is sensitive and this is the only product that helps rid of the dryness. At one point Benzaclin worked for me however I'm not sure if that is one of the products you've tried. I wish you the best and you are definitely not alone.

you need to get on accutane. it will seriously change your life. my skin has always been an issue for me (i'm 25), but this past year, it got so bad that i cried every day and never wanted to leave the house. i started accutane and within 2 weeks, it started getting better. my skin is almost all the way clear now, and i'm only 2 1/2 months in. most doctors say you need to take it for 4-6 months. it's pretty expensive (i don't have health insurance) but totally worth it. i tried EVERYTHING before this, and nothing worked. talk to your dermatologist about it. as far as the scars go, i haven't gotten to the point where i'm trying to fix those yet. i'm waiting until i'm completely clear until i start on scars since some of them will go away after time. but if i have any scars, i'm going to a plastic surgeon and having him do whatever it takes to make my skin perfect. i've been through way too much to not have gorgeous skin at the end of all this.

most important thing to remember - you are beautiful, and other people don't notice your skin as much as you do. it will go away. and your boyfriend loves you no matter what you look like, i'm sure. don't get depressed about it. just do whatever it takes to fix it. also, make sure you're not using any products that your skin's allergic to. a super pure brand of face care stuff to use is dermalogica. it's the only stuff that doesn't cause me to break out.

good luck! let me know what your doctor says!

by the way, accutane is a pill...not topical. that topical crap totally doesn't work.

I definitely agree with jasi that other people really don't notice your skin as much as you do. Try not to feel too self-conscious, and remember that you always notice things like this more than anyone else. It's not the end of the world or even close, and there are definitely things you can do to help yourself look and feel better.

That being said, depending on how deep and extensive the scarring is, exfoliation and good skin care will help a bit in minimizing the way they look, and a dermatologist can tell you what the best treatment for existing acne would be for you.

Try to wear as little makeup as possible. I know it's hard, because you want to hide your skin, but in general heavy makeup is only going to aggravate the condition and prevent good healing.

In general, good skincare involves gentle cleansing, exfoliation, a well-chosen moisturizer and/or treatment, healthy eating, and drinking lots of water. That will definitely improve your complexion.

Good luck!

Oh, I understand you, cause i have the same problem. i have visited dermatologists also, but there was actually no results.
But i know that I can't eat sweets, cause it only intensify my acne, just like make-up. so I stoppped using make-up in summer, and eating sweets before few months, and it is getting better. now i'm eating fruits, and cleaning my skin with vulnerary plant tincture, and it really helps me.
but there are many kinds of skin, so you have to make an allergy assay or you have to visit your private doctor. maybe he knows what's better for your skin. don't give up!

You can only get smarter, by playing a smarter opponent..

by the way, I used a Differin before some time, just like leeluvfashion, and it really helped me. so now I can use milder skin care products.

You can only get smarter, by playing a smarter opponent..

i think you are a beautiful girl go to a spa and they will take care of your skin very well or for the nvery need go and see a doctor and iam sure he can help u.

Here are a couple of things I'd suggest, based on personal experience:

Start using Neutrogena Acne Mark Fading Peel - it's about $10 and works great. It evens out skin tone while getting rid of blemishes. Don't let the name scare you - it doesn't hurt and it doesn't peel off the skin or anything.

ALWAYS wear sunscreen. This keeps your skin tone even, as UV exposure causes old acne marks to look dark or red.

Start wearing mineral makeup foundation. My favorite brand is Sheer Cover. It is so easy to use and isn't sparkly like Bare Minerals. It also has SPF 15 in it naturally. My skin improved immensely after I started using Sheer Cover.

Talk to your doctor about a pill for your skin (instead of topical creams.)

Start saving some money for laser treatments once your acne is under control. They can treat many of those pock marks with lasers now.

Oh I am sorry about that.. my friends has a lot of acne too and she is using pro active before I do not trust this product even if a lot of hollywood stars say that they are using pro active like jessica simpson and p.diddy. but day by day I noticed a difference in her face and in a month her face became smooth and even a glowing skin. Try it.

It's too sad
I have a suggestion for you, hope it will help you ( natural and easier)
just apply honey on your face 2 times a week for an hour each time and then clean it up with tepid watter it will help you and will make your skin cleaner and healthier and all your problems will be vanished!!I always do that and I have no more acne problems

I know exactly how you feel, and I have been through years of dermatologists who didn't care or didn't know what they were doing. It sucks. But it's true that other people don't notice it as much as you do. And even if they do notice, it doesn't mean they think you are ugly. You are lucky to have a boyfriend of two years, ask him to give you encouragement.

I know your mother has probably said this 100 times, but it's true -- no one is perfect. Everyone, EVERYONE, has something they don't like about themselves. Some people can't hide it with makeup. I have a good friend with a lip deformity. She got made fun of when she was a little kid, and it hurt. But she is a smart, kind person, and she married a great guy. If she didn't have the lip deformity would her life have turned out the same? Maybe, but there are also lots of perfect looking people who are snotty and shallow, and you can't be happy if you're always worried about perfection. The problem is that with the media and everything today we think we have to be perfect, but we can't be. We should give ourselves and other people a break.

Keep up with the dermatologists even though it's frustrating, but practice self-confidence too. I have had to make myself go out of the house, go to work parties, with a huge zits that I couldn't hide. Just do it and act like you don't care. Talk, laugh, and you will gradually forget about your face. Stressing about it won't make it go away, you just have to keep living. Be tough.

water water water and more water.. don't drink anything else.. and stay away from sugar.. If you sleep in your makeup .. it will only get worse. My suggestion - Go for at least a few days without ANYTHING on your face. no lotion. no make up .. NOTHING.. Take some personal time and let your pours open up!

I am there too right now. I feel your pain though I have little advice that has worked for me. THe clarisonic is good, and anti-biotics seem okay too me.... sorry and best of luck

i have acne and tons of acne scars..ive been dating someone for the past 2 months and id turn down dates and meeting his family just because of my break outs.. but now im totally fed up of it.i cant and will not hide forever.. so what if my face is filled wit acne and acne scars.. THANK GOD I AT LEAST HAVE A FACE , some people dont have that they got plastic & others may have clear skin but sick in bed & in alot of pain.. so what if i have acne.. THANK GOD I HAVE A FACE, IM STRONG HEALTHY AND POWERFUL. every mark on my body is what makes Me & im a darn good girl.. just like all of you