Elle and Ren, is it really acne, bothering the two of you?
There is lots of stuff that looks like acne, but isn't. And when you are over 30 it could easily be something else than acne. And in that case it might need a different approach.
How do I tell if it's acne or just acne impersonations?
Visit to the doctor, or other person who knows about skin, alas. Though if you have no or barely no comedones (black or white heads) the chance that it is acne that is bothering you is slim.
Where are you getting your info from, hyke? What shows up for me looks and acts exactly like cystic acne, and the occasional pimple.
I treated my skin for acne. But it only got worse over the years. After a while it hurt so much that I went to see a doctor about it. So, my info is from personal experience, the GP and his suggestion to browse the internet for rosacea.
I skipped the first stage of the reddened skin, went for pimples and deeper inflammations right away.
If I look at images of cystic acne, it looks like my face, when inflamed, with occasional pimples with it. Doctor told me that it is the look closer up that made it clear to him that mine was no acne. Because of the lack of the blackheads. And because of my pores becoming wider.
Cousin of mine has a similar skin on her face, her condition is yet another one.
Cystic acne is caused by bacteria. My skin suffers from non-bacterial inflammations.
It needs different treatment.
When you are past the age of thirty, there is a fair chance that your acne isn't just acne. And if you want to treat it, it may be good to know what it is you are treating.
Hormones affect my skin as they did when I was younger and did have just acne.