@The O.P, I've dealt with acne for most of my life until I was in my 30's. If it's that bad, maybe you can get on accutane? A dermatologist can give you a cortisone shot for large zits. The zit or zits then just become a red spot on your face in a few hours or the next day.

Also, do you drink water? If not, start doing that. It helps flush out the toxins in your body. Certain foods can cause breakouts such as sugar, junk food, fried foods, alcohol, excessive caffeine consumption, and anything that has a lot of preservatives in it.

The healthier your diet is, the better your skin will be.

The makeup or products that you use on your face can cause breakouts too. Avoid using anything with oil in it And avoid harsh chemical. Use natural cleansers, scrubs, and toners instead if you don't already do so.

Once I started using more natural and cruelty free products, my skin got a lot better. One of the best toners to use after removing your makeup is the Body Shops tea tree oil toner. It gets rid of the makeup that is left behind, but it's not good for the eyes.

I use NYX eye makup remover, and it's inexpensive and it works well. It's also cruelty free and OK for sensitive eyes. You can also use coconut oil just for eye makeup.

Tea tree oil is an antispectic, so that is an acceptable oil to use. I use makeup remover wipes from Alba or say yes to cucumbers. Both brands can be bought at Ulta, Sprouts, and most drug stores.

I use a natural Shea Moisture black African scrub on my face almost daily to get rid of the dead skin cells. You can find that at Walgreens. It's natural and good for troubled skin. As for makeup, don't use to much heavy makeup or cheap drug store stuff. It's worth it to pay a little more for quality makeup.

If you're on a budget though, e.l.f and NYX are good brands that are cruelty free and I've never broke out from using their makeup. I use It makeup C.C cream which also has a 50 spf in it as well as Urban Decays loose powder and It brand pressed powder with 50 spf in it. You can find those items at Ulta or ulta.com.

Every morning wash your face with a gentle cleanser or the tea tree toner to get rid of the dirt and oil before putting on makeup if you use any. Also, use an oil free primer to make you makeup last and to keep the makeup from blocking your pores.

Never go to bed with makeup on. Always take it all off as soon as you can. And change your pillow cases often. Put your hair up in a ponytail or bun when you sleep if you have long hair. Tea tree oil can help make most small zits disappear fast. The Body Shops tea tree oil is the only one that doesn't sting, so get that.

If you can find a good esthetician (sp)? Then go to one on a consistent basis. Since I have been getting my skin professionally cleaned and all of my blackheads and whiteheads and what few pimples I do get every now and then twice a month, my skin has been clear most of the time except for when I'm on my period usually.

Try to avoid stress, smoking if you do, then cut back, and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. If you do all this, your skin will look better in a few days or a week probably.