Acne scarring/skin texture

Skip the dermatologist. I've been to MANY, and they all suck. They take you in, see you for 3-4 minutes and recommend some expensive cream and say "see you in 6 weeks". Rinse and repeat.

Instead, go to a spa that does facials. Specifically acne facials. They'll be able to help with any type of pigmentation of your skin and get you on a routine that will clear up your skin.

I'm not sure where you're located, but I'm in RI and I go to Viriditas Beautiful Skin Therapies and they are AMAZING. Check out their website, even if you're not in the area, check out their website to get an idea of what they offer. Look specifically at the acne tab. Then, try to find someone in your area that offers similar services and be sure to read reviews.

I know it's got a ton of side effects, but I had the same issue and went to dermatologists a lot, and as a last resort I got put on Accutane. It worked WONDERS! People constantly compliment me on my clear skin, and it's not oily anymore. I got the side effects under control by about month four of six, and it was soooo worth it! I would look into it if you aren't trying to get pregnant anytime soon.

I have seen this on TV: microneedling , maybe ask your derm about it.

Dr. Dennis Gross face and body products. They're used at high end salons and work wonders. Get the chemical peels and the face wash. Sephora sells the products.

I had horrible acne and finally went on accutane- let me tell you it got way worse before it got better, but after a few months of looking really bad, it started to heal and my skin completely changed! This was about 5 years ago, I use good products to maintain it now and get complements all the time on my skin. I highly recommend!

Accutane here too-low dose. It worked wonders and once you stop breaking out, your skin just naturally heals up a bit and smooths out but it'll never be perfect.

However...

My skin used to be oily AF but accutane completely changed that too. I've been off accutane for 4 years now and it's still dry to the point you worry more about wrinkles.

Also, while on it, my joints and tendons HATED me. Especially my Achilles' tendon. After sitting or laying down for a while, everything got so stiff that it took like ten minutes of walking like a grandpa for things to loosen up. I used to be able to do the splits but my hip mobility has been permanently affected.

Everyone is different but just beware of some of the permanent side effects (even though the doctor might never say there's any).

@Eileen C. I completely thought I was the only one who got the Achilles tendon pain from Accutane.

Ive had acne forever and was put on Accutane three seperate times at high doses. The side affects sucked and it got worse before better but it completely cleared my face and body up for about a year each time. After the third round and side effects that will never go away I wouldnt say I recommend it. It worked wonders for my sister first go with little to no side affects. My best luck now has been with spa treatments. Different acne based facials and microderms. Ive also come to terms that I will never have "pretty skin" and thats okay. I originally didnt want a stapless dress for just this reason. I didnt wanna risk my chest and back being broke out and completely visable, plus my scaring. But I ended up with a strapless and im gonna rock it! A little makeup and photo touch ups if necessary and no biggie! Please dont let it stop you from trying a dress style you may love!

I swear by acne.org. It's second to Acutane . Please check it out. YouTube it and you'll see what I'm talking about. I would put a before and after pictures. It's tmi for WW. Hope it helps. It's changed my skin and my sister's.

I've heard that a chemical peel facial can be helpful, but they are painful. I've also been looking into things.

Maybe try changing your diet? Cutting out dairy did wonders for my skin! I also try to limit sugar, but when I indulge too much I usually end up seeing the effects with a breakout!

OP, you mentioned two issues, one being acne and the other being texture and scarring. Do you have active breakouts at the moment or is the issue you're trying to address texture and scarring? Or both?

If you have active breakouts you can try Rodan and Fields Unblemish and microdermabrasion paste. If you no longer have active breakouts or after you get the breakouts under control, the AMP MD system (roller plus retinal night renewing serum) will help improve the appearance of your skin texture, making it look firmer, smoother, and younger.

I would give a different dermatologist a shot. I've had great results using BeautyCounter products and have just ordered a line from The Honest Company called Younger and Clearer which is supposed to help with both acne and wrinkles. Not sure if it will help with your skin concerns but thought I'd throw it out there in case you wanted to research. Good luck!! Also if you're self conscious I'd recommend getting professional makeup the day of the wedding and when you do a makeup trial letting your girl know of your concerns in advance so she can work her magic with reducing redness and using concealer.

I have to jump on the Accutane bandwagon. I went to different dermatologists for years...like 15 years. Finally, I found a dermatologist who had been in the business for 50 years. I went to him once and he said that we would start with one treatment, but given my history, he predicted that we'd have to resort to Accutane. One the next visit, we started Accutane and the results were amazing! It was inconvenient going in for pregnancy tests every month and the side effects weren't that great at all, but it was totally worth it. The results lasted for about 3 years. 6 months after my last treatment, I did a chemical peel in the dermatologist's office and it got rid of the rest of the little scarring that was left. To maintain, I've been using a prescription SulfaCleanse facial wash, Cerave hydrating facial moisturizing, and Pigment bar. Good luck!

ETA: And a good dermatologist can prescribe some cream to be compounded (mixed) just for your skin. Mine prescribed something call trihychloret (or something like that). It helps get rid of the acne while smoothening our texture and complexion. Be careful with lasers...they can be a real nightmare for darker complexions/ethnic skin.