This woman's before and after acne picture is going viral, here's how she cleared her skin...
While the nuisance that is acne has no actual cure, there are remedies and treatments that can bring you pretty damn close.
And one incredible transformation on Reddit has urged others to try their luck at getting clearer skin.
User, , posted before and after photos of her skin from using the controversial 'miracle' drug, Isotretinoin AKA Roaccutane.
In the first photo, you can see lots of inflamed pimples (that look rather painful), but in the after photo, there's not a blemish in sight...and not only that, it looks like she'd never even had any in the first place judging by her glass-like skin.
She'd previously tried everything before starting the acne treatment, from chemical peels, to the extremes of a dairy-free diet.
"After struggling with acne and confidence issues for as long as I can remember, my dermatologist put me on a 40mg Accutane course for seven months," lisalisa96 wrote.
"Nothing worked, my acne kept returning,"
"I've heard horrendous things and read every possible Accutane-related horror story, however, things thankfully worked out just fine [for me]. I definitely experienced some intense skin/lip dryness, some headaches, and fatigue, but that was pretty much about it."
While Lisa's reborn skin looks incredible, it is worth noting that you need a prescription from a skin specialist to get your hands on the treatment and it is often used as a last resort due to its super strength.
It has a LOT of off-putting side effects including fatigue, headaches and dry skin, and you're told to avoid alcohol whilst taking it (boo). It has also previously been linked to depression and anxiety, so dermatologists make you undergo a lot of tests before prescribing.
Beauty
This beauty blogger shared her acne-concealing makeup routine and people can't believe the results
While the drug worked for Lisa, she's aware that not everybody has the same great experience taking it.
"I realize that everyone is different and medication this harsh will affect everyone differently, yet, I strongly believe more positive Accutane experiences need to be heard," lisalisa96 writes.
"Never lose hope, always listen and be kind to your bodies, be patient with your skin!" That's some truth right there.
Here are some other brilliant blemish solutions...
-
EridiKate Acne Treatment, £22,
The cult US brand has only recently landed in the UK and it’s already proving to be a hit. It contains 10% sulfur that dries out spots, alpha hydroxy acids that reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and zinc oxide that absorbs excess oil. Perfect for those bumps you can feel but can’t yet see. -
Overnight Clearing Gel, £46.50,
Pricey but spot sufferers swear by this stuff that contains salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and tea tree that helps clear spots, calm redness and stop bumps from re-appearing, all while you sleep. -
Clear Skin Clearing Treatment, £37,
If your spots are leaving unsightly marks, this formula works hard to not only fight blemishes but also fade any existing marks without being too drying, -
10% Sulfur Paste, £19,
This magic potion also contains the ingredient-of-the-moment, sulfur, along with salicylic acid to calm, dry and exfoliate skin. -
These handy little patches from Korea can be popped on at night and are designed to pull out puss from pimples. The weightless patches help target spots and breakout-causing bacteria, whilst minimising the appearance of blemishes, redness and inflammation to leave skin clear, fresh and soothed. People who have tried the purse-friendly stickers can't stop raving about them.
-
Effaclar Duo + Anti-Blemish Moisturiser, £16,
No one understands skin like the experts at La Roche Posay, who have relied on their skin-loving thermal spring water to remedy problematic skin for years. This wonder product is able to moisturise, control oil production and correct dark spots all at once. Genius.
-
Offects TE-Pads Acne Pore Treatment Pads, £44.50,
Heralded as the king of the chemical peel, Dr Zein Obagi's at-home treatment regime is cosmecuetical skincare at its finest. These acne-fighting pads contain salicylic acid to hinder oil production and glycolic acid to enhance exfoliation, resulting in clearer, more radiant skin from first use.
-
Salicylic Acid 2%, £4.20,
Believe it or not, the best thing about this product isn't the price (although, it's pretty great, right?). The hybrid of salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid proven to both prevent and treat blemishes) and witch hazel to reduce redness makes this serum a great product to add to your anti-acne arsenal.
-
Dynaspot, £22,
Pop this cult classic on top of any spot and watch it disappear thanks to the combination of chamomile, tea tree oil and salicylic acid, allowing the formula to treat the blemish without drying out the skin around it.
-
Blemish + Age Defense, £85,
The fact that this oil-free serum targets the signs of ageing as well as pesky blemishes makes it an instant favourite. Containing a potent wrinkle-reducing blend of acids, it works to detox congested pores and boost cell turnover.
-
Acne On The Spot Superstar Serum, £105,
Patented anti-microbial ingredients, precious botanical complexes and high-grade salicylic acid makes this serum a powerful solution to your acne woes.
-
Detoxifying Clay Mask, £45,
Showcasing activated volcanic ash and clay, this results-driven mask loosens stubborn blackheads and inhibits oil production, while tea tree oil and peppermint keeps skin calm.
-
Drying Lotion, £16,
Your new go-to for on-the-spot treatment, this concentrated salicylic acid treatment dries up spots in a flash.
