The research I have done is that acne is hereditary, you have a 75% chance of giving it to your children if you have it and you don't even have to have it, it can be in your genes that you pass on. Your pores are simply larger and do not possess the ability to remove the excess dirt and oils as people with smaller pores and their skin better removes the excess dirt and oils. Chocolate, not enough sleep (not washing your face if you are too tired will do it), pizza etc. do not have anything to do w/acne.
Look into Proactive, I have not done it myself but friends have tried it (that did not have the cysts I had) and as long as they followed all the steps and did it religiously their skin was much improved. but if that does not work. If your acne is not a side affect of the predinisone or other drugs you take. Look into Accutane, I took it, my sister took it twice, my husband took it.
I did not take it until I was 28, I always had pimples since I was 12 but at that point started getting cysts more often and had tried almost everything. It was the best thing I ever did for myself, I have had clear skin for almost 4 years now and I am so much more confident and feel better about
myself. People that have not had acne do not understand the pain mentally and physically (yes feeling those pimples grow throughout the day for weeks on end or accidentally hitting one w/a phone or something else, can be painful).
The worst side affect for me on accutane was chapped lips (use Aquaphor) and not being able to go in the sun........the sunblock would irritate my skin (only while on accutane).
Just a suggestion to check out Proactive and Accutane.
Beth, 31
UC Diagnosed March 2000
Lialda 2.4mg 1xday since 8/24/07 (prev. Asacol 4800mg day)
Calcium and Vitamin D 500 mg 2xday
Simvastatin 20 mg 1xday
Diovan 80mg 1xday (dx: hematuria w/proteinuria): I have normal blood pressure, this is for my kidney - waiting for a dx.