The College Life: Pizza, Beer...oh, and Accutane

Tomorrow is the day I pop that first pill! I am more excited than I should be, but sitting here knocking back 100 calorie Oreo packs isn't doing me any good. So I'll tell you my acne history:

I have had acne since I was about 12 or so and it didn't become mild/moderate/cystic/whatever until junior or senior year in high school. I was always able to manage it or hide it, but the past few years has been really difficult. I have tried Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Differin, Tazorac, Minocycline, Doxycycline, Tertracycline, Brevoxl, Benzaclin, Benzamycin, and everything OTC imaginable.

Finally a few months ago I found this website and read all about Accutane, which my brother took years back but I never knew much about it. After reading several logs (sophiena's in particular) and speaking with my brother, I decided to go on Accutane. My derm at the time said that he would have to try me on a new combo before prescribing me Tane and said to come back in after 2 months. I called to make an appointment and was told to wait for the derm to call me back, and a week later he said he was moving and I was SOL. What a jerk! So my new derm is so sweet and put me on Tane the same visit.

So all I know about my regimen is that it will be 40mg to begin with and then will be bumped up to 80 mg down the road. She predicts about 6 months for the regimen. I don't care how long this takes as long as I have clear skin!

My fiance is pretty opposed to the treatment because he is a worrier. He reminds me of Edward from Twilight, where his main hobby is worrying about me! Lol. My only reservation about Tane is the monthly blood test as I haaaate getting my blood drawn. Ew.

Did not get the script I wanted!

I just got back from the derm after waiting a month or so to get in and am pretty disappointed. I have tried nearly every prescription med under the sun and am once again hit with minocycline, benzoyl and differin when I've taken all of them and nothing helped. He said if two months go by and I'm not satisfied, he will put me on Accutane. I was hoping to be on Tane by next month, which this will definitely be screwing up my summer. I currently am waiting on a new referral for a derm to process, but I am still going to get the prescriptions and not use them. Then go back in two months and say hey, look at my skin!

Anyone else have a similar situation, or just generally frustrated when derms don't listen?

Slow-building tanner

I have used Jergen's Natural Glow as well as one from VS (some pink bottle) and the VS one worked much better, though it had a bit of an orange tint to it. Anyone have any slow-building tanners that work really well? I'm going to need one if I get on Accutane. Thanks!

Cetaphil

I have been hearing really good things about Cetaphil moisturizer and cleanser, but I'd like to hear from people who actually use it. I'm considering Accutane, so I am in the market for a good skin care regimen.

Thoughts?

New here!

Just read a complete 5 month log by a user here on their experience with Accutane and I just had to join. I've been suffering from light to moderate acne since about age 13 and I'm almost 21. I've tried several prescription topical and oral meds and countless over the counter meds and nothing works. The best thing I have used is the Clinique acne line, though I was still breaking out. I finally snapped and called to see my derma tomorrow to discuss Accutane.