Tretinoin
"I started breaking out when I got to college. I decided to address the problem before it got worse, even though the acne wasn't that bad. She gave me a prescription for Tretinoin X cream. I put it on every night.
The first week, I felt like someone had rubbed sandpaper across my face. It was AWFUL. My skin was red and irritated and it hurt like hell even when nothing was touching it.
The next week, the pain and irritation slowly subsided. The following, my face erupted in pimples. That lasted into the fourth week. It was worse than it had ever been.
After that, my face magically cleared up. It was amazing. Except for a very few minor spots, my skin is nearly flawless. 
The beginning sucks, but STICK IT OUT. You won't regret it."