Since acne is caused by hormonal imbalances of having too much androgen in the system, why can't doctors just give acne sufferers something to lower their levels of androgen and raise the levels of estrogen? If a birth control pill company can do it, why not? All the topical treatments are just treating the symptoms, not the cause. I get painful marble size pimples under my skin that hurt for days. A doctors solution was to put me on antibiotics for years. I didn't do this, as I'd had that done as a teenager and no only was it ineffective, since it killed good bacterias in my intestines I was constantly sick with stomach problems. Someone please explain to me why we just can't treat the cause and cure acne. Do companies like Proactive keep the cure surpressed to earn their billions just treating the symptoms?

I'm 38 and I STILL get breakouts and have super oily skin!!! Arrrrgggg!!!
Nicole, I'm asking why don't doctors do this? You just restated my question.
But Karena, people are just born with hormonal imbalances, like in my case. It's cased PCOS (infertility), acne, and a meningioma (brain tumor) because I've had a hormone imbalance since at least puberty. Why can't doctors just balance the hormones?

the hormonal problem is just the intermediate step. What is the cause that upsets the hormone system? There are many. For example, stress can cause the hormonal imbalance … or eating habit … or environment … So many causes. So, the next question is: can you find the exact cause? The answer is mostly no. If you introduce an hormone into your body, you obviously cause an imbalance in the hormonal control system which in turn can cause some unknown side effects. In my opinion, medical treatment is very much like trial-and-error.
In order to treat your acne problem, I advice you go consulting other doctors and keep switching doctors until you'll find the one that can figure out a logical way to treat your problem. Besides, antibiotic is obviously not helping and your current doctor is not listening to you when you raise your concern.

i am currently using retin a cream and antibiotics as told by my doctor. my acne is weird, i have a lot of it, but its all minor and no cysts. ive been using my medication for over 5 weeks now. does anyone know how long it will take for me to clear up? also i used to use proactiv, but i only liked the refining mask, should i use the refining mask along with my current treatments? i realy need help

When I was younger, I had some acne. My mother took me to a dermatologist who told me that one of the most important things is to keep your face clean.
He told me to use a mild soap like IVORY and to NOT USE A WASHCLOTH TO WASH MY FACE. He told me to just got my hands really, really soapy and then scrub my face REALLY, REALLY WELL!!!! That included getting into the hairline and under your chin, etc. Them make sure that you RINSE YOUR FACE SEVERAL TIMES.
He PUT ME ON TETRACYCLINE (NOT SURE OF THE SPELLING). I ALSO went INTO A ROOM THAT I BELIEVE DRIED MY FACE ( IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME AGO).
GOOD LUCK AND DON'T GIVE UP.
If nothing else go to another dermatologist and see if there is a difference with your acne clearing up.

I have had acne for 18 years - it started when I was about 10 and has never gone away. I've tried almost everything from A-Z. Doctors have prescribed me antibiotics which I do not wish to take long term, and given me creams that make my skin burn & peel. I have tried almost everything they sell on TV and everything you can buy over the counter.

If anyone has NATURALLY and SUCCESSFULLY gotten rid of, reduced or controlled their acne, I would love to hear about it. I am not interested in buying any more 'cures'. They do not work. I am interested in natural ways to reduce my acne at home; without doctors, pills, skin burning creams, monthly shipments of cleansers that do not work, or ridiculous books that claim you can clear it up in 3 days by eating only one food then giving yourself and enema (YUCK!). I am looking for supplements, techniques, foods, etc. - a long term way, a way to actually make it better.

I hope there is someone out there who has figured it out!
I did try proactiv and didn't have any luck with that. My acne is considered moderate to severe. The only thing I have ever found that helps is Neutrogena's acne washes, and that only keeps it from getting to the severe level.
I also have very good personal hygiene and am quite healthy. Thanks for the answers so far, but not quite what I am looking for yet.

you HAVE to check out acne.org…it is a GOD SEND!! i've had acne for years, went to dermatologists, tried EVERYTHING…prescription, pro active, cheap & expensive products!…i've been on 'the regemin' for about 2 and 1/2 weeks now and my skin is looking AMAZING! the best it has in YEARS, by far (i'm 23!)! I still can't believe how cheap, simple & fantastic it is! you don't need to buy specific products from the website or anything…you can if you want…just check it out…definitely worth the time…it's just…amazing..gosh! i don't even know what else to say!!!

I personally use Purpose (Johnson & Johnson) cleanser, 2.5% BP gel (only product i ordered from acne.org, just because it comes in a much larger quantity than you can buy in a store AND at a much better price), and 24 hour moisturizing lotion from Johnson & Johnson. You really only need about a nickel sized amount of the lotion. I'd recommend using a translucent powder after moisturizing, as the lotion makes my face look a little greasy at first (i use Physicians Formula) or you can just let it dry up (it will eventually), if you have the patience to wait for it to go away on it's own.

I try to stick with J&J products, other than the BP of course, as opposed to others, as they are gentle enough to use on my SENSITIVE-breaks out from anything-skin!

I can not possibly praise it enough. There is no way you will regret it!! Check out 'what to expect' on the website - it really, truley helped me. Be patient and follow the regemin to the T. I can't believe i spent so long suffering.

I have posted this response more times than i can count to acne related questions. I could honestly CRY talking about what a difference it has made. Please try it out. It will change your life.