Zits that don't disappear...

So I've been breaking out all year because of stress. It wouldn't bother me so much if it wasn't for the fact that my zits don't disappear. They sort of just shrink and then stay there.

Like this:

Spoiler:

Pimple cream used to work but this year it doesn't. In fact some pimple creams actually cause this to happen. Now basically every single pimple that appears never goes away.

The annoying thing is that I never used to get pimples so this saddens me!

Why does this happen?

More importantly, what should I do?

Oh. That's cystic acne. You should get a creamy exfoliating cleanser and make sure you moisturize properly...

If you'd like I can bust out my text book and see what other advice they may have.

Cysts in terms of cystic acne is usually more like a nodule filled with pus, and quite large (more than 5mm or so I think).

Honestly, go to a dermatologist (I should do the same!). I get the same thing. If you have a history or rosacea in your family, it could be that (mine is, and it looks very similar). Or it could just be papules, which can usually be treated with something like benzoyl peroxide- although that doesn't work for everyone. Again, though, if it's causing you too much drama just see a dermatologist.

None of this stuff is caused by bad hygeine, it's more likely it's either in your family, or stress is making you overproduce oil. Unfortunately mine has got worse as I aged too :/

ETA: Acne creams are often super freaky drying, so if you have normally dry skin like me it can be more trouble than its worth (2.5% bzp CANED my skin). So make sure you have lots of moisturiser!

Puffy: Will a daily scrub help? Or are scrubs and exfoliators the same thing?

Kendra: I used 10% benzoyl peroxide at the beginning of the year and it seemed to have caused the first never-disappearing pimple. I used it on a few other pimples after and all of them refused to budge. And when I don't use pimple creams, most go away quite nicely.

Am I just really unlucky?

Irritation itself can stir up acne on a lot of people, and BZP can be very irritating! 10% is a hella high dosage for a LOT of people though, especially if you've never used it before. Yeowch.

It ain't luck honey, it's body chemistry. A lot of people have similar problems, and tbh, all you can do is keep trying- unless you have the money to see a dermatologist who can help you sort it out (be prepared for side effects, though)...

I also am in support of going to a dermatologist, however if you try sulfur based masks or soaps you might have more luck. My skin didn't respond to benzoyl peroxide very much either, but I had a sulfur mask from bath and body works that did wonders. Just be careful with whatever you put on your face, anything medicated is going to dry your skin out a lot and create more problems.

Hmm, it does seem kind of silly to use 10% bzp right? But my brother bought the pimple cream and I was too cheap to get a milder one. I haven't come across any sulphur-based products in stores here, but I'll keep a look out for them!

I don't know if my mom'll let me go to a dermatologist because it doesn't look very serious or life-threatening. I'll take your advice and keep trying though! Thanks so much!

Be careful with anything sulphur based, you COULD be allergic. And if it's rosacea, then it can make it worse.

Drink LOTS of water, and try going makeup-free as often as possible, rinsing your face with a tepid water 3 times a day, on top of properly washing and treating it.

Also try a mask made of oatmeal (ground finely), beaten egg and honey. This can bring down inflammation, and help absorb excess oil.