Hello. Thank you for writing to us. Acne can last for months or even years. Presently you seem to have inflammatory acne i.e red, painful acne. In this scenario I would suggest that you be started on of the antiacne antibacterials like doxycycline, minocycline or azithromycin. The antibiotics can be continued for 4- 12 weeks depending on response to treatment and severity of acne. Topical treatment includes topical antiacne gels like clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide gel for active inflammatory acne during day time. Topical retinoids e.g adapalene is ideally suited for night time application. It is comedolytic,antiinflammatory as well as enhances penetration of other antiacne antibacterials like clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide etc that one may be using simultaneously. Topical retinoids are also useful for maintenance of improvement in acne, on account of being comedolytic and antiinflammatory. I suggest that you visit a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will assess the severity of your acne and advice accordingly. Regards