Well, until now. And, believe me, it has been a long time coming.
So, what have I done different? I started using a new product. Enter Mario Badescu's Drying Cream.
I have always tackled my pimples with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. The BP kill d the cone bacteria and the SA helped unclog the pores that were filled with sebum and dead skin cells. The cycle was never ending and they honestly never really made any kind of lasting impact.
Drying cream's main ingredient is zinc oxide. ZO gets rid of acne by drying up the excess oil your skin is producing which prevents pores from getting clogged and does leave anything for the acne bacteria to feed off and grow into large, painful spots. The effect on my skin has been, well, astonishing.
I use the product in the evening as it is thick and does not blend into the skin. I apply it more like a mask than a spot treatment, but that is personal preference. It is very drying, so dont be surprised if your skin flakes a bit. It has aloe in it to help the area stay moist and heal more quickly.
Needless to say, I highly recommend this cream. I would set aside your other acne skincare for several days to a week and just use it to see what you think. I think you are going to be pleased.
Oh, and it does have a bit of a smell. To me it smells medicinal and since it works so well, I am willing to put up with it.