I've been using this for about a year and it is hands down one of the best product to treat adult cystic acne. I never really got pimples in my 20s but as soon as I turned 30, those suckers keep popping up. I'm talking about the stubborn, painful big pimples that take weeks to heal and will leave a very permanent scar when they die. This drying lotion should be used as soon as you feel that painful spot on your face. I use it at night after cleaning my face and sleep with it on. By morning my pimple will be gone or significant decrease in size. For the larger stubborn ones, it will take a couple of days to clear up. But use it as the first sign and you won't be sorry.