I've been touched by the outpouring of support and mail I've received from readers who've been concerned about my sad cystic chin moment. I feel the love, and appreciate all the tips SO much, and this leads me to suspect that I have some sisters out there who have also dealt with the perils of adult acne and we can all share the pain. We're in this together! You are not alone! So um, if anyone was wondering, here's how everything shook out...

Basically, I got kind of lucky and avoided a costly cortisone shot, and this is why: Ever since the bugger showed up, I was extra careful about gentle washing with Cetaphil, toning with my treasured witch hazel, and aggressive application of Obagi PX-strength, five percent benzoyl peroxide Serum Gel (which reader Josi actually mentioned--I hope you get yours soon sweetie, that shit rocks!). Plus if you read yesterday you know I did the Murad peel, also gentle yet potent. Anyway, today the area is way less red, totally flat with some minor peeling, but that's okay. Point is, I'm really starting to believe that perhaps not poking and prodding a zit, no matter how tempting, is truly the way to go. Had I fucked with it, I'm pretty sure the entire situation would've been a lot worse. Of course, since it never came to a head that means I can probably look forward to crap cropping up again in the area some day soon, but for now, the coast is clear.

And P.S.: Please, keep writing and commenting! We get so many good ideas from you guys!