Acne Story, Differin

So, I started getting acne when I was 15. Before that, I would just get a few sporadic pimples. It wasn't until then that my acne became a daily struggle. I'm 17 now, and have realized that it's a constant thing that never gets better, no matter how many Benzoyl Peroxide creams and scrubs I use, or how many natural remedies I follow. Nothing. Works.

After 3 prior visits to talk to my doctor about my issue, and 1 dermatologist visit with no luck, I decided to do my own research. I found that Minocycline (an oral antibiotic) works among many young adults, as well as many other Tetracyclines. I decided to take this information to my doctor and try to get a prescription, and they told me they want to try any topical retinoids they can before putting me on an oral medication.

What I've learned about OTC acne treatments:

There are 3 categories: Salicylic Acid (the mildest acne fighting ingredient), Benzoyl Peroxide (the stronger over the counter ingredient found in many cleansers), and Adapalene gel is the most strong acne treatment (prescription strength). Differin gel contains Adapalene at the prescription strength (0.1%) and was just FDA approved to be purchased over the counter, and can be found at your local BiMart or Target for roughly $10.

She told me to try Differin gel while using Clean & Clear's cleanser that contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide. This was last Thursday (7-20-17) and it is now Monday (7-25-17).

Thursday-Sunday I was using both of these products at night before bed, and gently cleansing my face with Dove soap and moisturizing with Cetaphil lotion in the mornings. I noticed tonight that my face started to peel and get flaky and irritated, so I cut the Clean & Clear out of tonight's regimen. I washed with dove soap and finished with the Differin gel.

So far my results are a dryness of face and tight feeling in my skin. Although, acne has not gotten worse! I read that there is a period of retinization in the first few weeks; This is the adjustment period in which the skin becomes acclimated with the retinoid. (You can find more information on this on the Differin website under FAQ)

I decided to post to find support from any of you who have stuck with Differin long enough to see some results (which may take up to 3 months). I would like some inspiration to keep with it or hear some of your acne troub

les and teach me about how you deal with them! I would love to see if anyone is in the same boat as I am. I am also

going to do my best to keep this updated with weekly posts about how my skin is reacting to Differin! Thanks loves ❤ Attached are photos from the day of my doctor visit, and now, 5 days with treatment (remember: it gets worse before it gets better)... but my skin does feel more toned!!