I actually just started using Proactiv about 5 weeks ago, and it's made a dramatic improvement. I didn't have horrible acne, but I wanted something that would help make my skin healthier, and the regiment of clearing out all the bad stuff and keeping your skin moisturized has really been beneficial.

I'm not sure if it's that their products are magical and just the right formula, or if they just do a really good job making you pick up a healthy routine for your skin and stick to it. Either way, I'm happy!

I'm a Proactiv user as well - for many years. I never had terrible acne, but usually would have something going on somewhere. With Proactiv, I just have consistently reliable skin everywhere. They even have a body wash for arms, backs, necks, etc - which would work well for the problem you mentioned.

When I was a teenager I used... some antibacterial whose name I've forgotten, and Retin-A which sped up the turnover of skin cells where it was applied. Those were prescription, and I think if I had been more conscientious about doing background research when I was a teen, I wouldn't have used them because of possible long-term effects. I stopped using them after high school.

Then I just figured I had bad skin as I worked as a short-order chef part time... and when I quit that job to work in my field, I realized I didn't have bad skin---I just needed to not hover over oily food for six-hour stretches.

So, check out all possible factors that might be contributing to your acne.

I improved my skin drastically by getting yearly facials and switching to all natural products.

The real key is knowing your own skin. When I was younger, I had pimples, so I assumed I had oily skin. I tried ProActive, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, plain soap and water... then tried Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil cleanser. I was also exfoliating all the time and using benzoyl peroxide nightly. Turns out, my skin tends towards dryness. All the stuff I was throwing at my non-existent oil problem was making my skin go haywire.

My current regimen seems to be working, since the last time I got a facial, the lady complimented me on my beautiful, easy to work on skin (a couple of blackheads on my nose and around my hairline, and the occasional pimple are all I get now). I use Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap on a natural sponge every other day, Alba Sea Lipids daily moisturizer, and a red clay mask once a month.

I'd really suggest going to a spa and getting a facial - they can tell you all kinds of things about your skin, and it's so worth it.

I use this stuff from walmart called AcneFree. It's like a cheaper version of proactive...and just as good. I used proactive for a while when I was getting ready for my wedding but it was so pricey so I switched when I found this stuff. It works amazingly.

Adult acne is the worst.

For my arms, you know those little red bumps? I find using an exfoliating scrub every second day (I use Qtica sugar scrub, Freemen's sugar scrub, St Ive's Regular face scrub).

For my face, I found after a heavy duty course of antibiotics for my chest, I started drinking over 4L of water daily, I had to stop smoking (six weeks this weekend, and about one more month till I get to smoke again!!!), and while I wait for my back to heal from an injury, I have to eat 100% natural and as close to raw as possible. I've seen a drastic change in my skin.

I went from having quite a number of deep rooted acne that was so terribly painful and itchy, to having one or two small white heads just before my period.

To treat acne once you are an adult (teenage acne I agree with Airen, age) you have to start at the root of the problem.

I forgot to mention my skin products!!!

I don't use facial cleasner, just water and a wash cloth. Toner I use aloe vera, for lotion, I use 50% olive oil and 50% castor oil. I rub in, then take my wash cloth and pat the excessive oil from my face.

I just changed my diet. Only drank water, ate more fruit and vegies. That alone pretty much cleared it up for me. I have never tried any meds, so I don't know if they work.

I use La Roche-Posay Effaclar K or Effaclar AI depending on disponibility.
But you probably can't buy it outside Europe.