Accutane relapse or growing out of it?

Hello people,

I've used Accutane in the past with moderate success. I stopped using it last February because I was clear and had (nearly) reached the required dosage. Within weeks the acne started to come back, a process that continued up until last August. Ever since, possibly with the help of Dan's BP, it has not become worse. Recently I've switched back to only using it once a day and it seems to be OK so far; in any case it's not getting worse.

BUT, about a week ago I broke out on my back again, for the first time in years. Now, I've read stories from several people that when you grow out of acne it slowly 'moves down' your body. That is, your forehead will become clear first, then the cheeks etc.

Could this be the case? Or is it just a (delayed) Accutane relapse? Has anyone else experienced relapses such a long time after quitting? Any experiences and stories welcome!

Jerone.

7 weeks in, clearing up but SUPER-DRY

I've been using BP for 7 weeks now and, knock on wood, finally seem to be clearing up (somewhat). The downside is, my skin is super-dry! I follow the Regimen to the letter: cleanse, wait for 10mins, apply BP, wait another 10mins, apply moisturizer; and that twice a day.

So, should I cut back to using BP once a day to let my skin recover? I'm scared to do so, as I'm finally seeing results and don't want it worsening again. Help appreciated!

Yaroon.

5 weeks in, trying to stay positive.

I've been using Dan's BP for 5 weeks now. I apply it on the chest and the face, twice a day. It keeps the acne on my chest pretty much under control, though I still get a spot here and there. My face is a different story. My cheeks are still covered in what are mostly red spots, deep-lying bumps and a whitehead here and there, same goes for my forehead, and my face has a red colour generally (irritation because of the BP, I guess).

Now, I wish I saw some steady improvement, but I don't. Some days I wake up, look in the mirror and think: wow, I think I finally see some improvement. Other days I wake up, look in the mirror and discover another bunch of whiteheads. *sigh*

Now, a couple of questions.

First and foremost, what would be a good way to get rid of the redness? My skin would already look a lot better if it had its normal whitish colour instead of red.

Also, it's been 5 weeks now. Years ago I used BP as well, and back then it cleared up my skin within the month. I had to stop using it after 2 years though, since my skin could not bear it any longer (or did I become 'immune'?) Moreover, BP is supposed to kill the acne bacteria; wouldn't that mean that no new spots should pop up as soon as you start using it?

Questions, questions... It would be such a comfort to see steady improvement, to know that the stuff was working, to know that it's going to be better in the future..

P.S. I live in Taiwan at the moment. Hot, humid, a lot of sweating; not ideal conditions for BP, I know. But at least I still have somewhat of a tan, I'm scared of how it will look when that's gone..

3 weeks into Regimen...

I live in Taiwan at the moment, which is very hot and humid. I apply BP twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, but always after having applied RoC Enydrial first to keep my skin hydrated.

I'm in my 3rd week of the Regimen now and sometimes I think I see improvement, only to break out badly again the next day. I seem to be getting a lot of 'deep lying' pimples which I can remove easily, but which of course leave red spots. I'm trying to be positive, but still, how long does it take a person with moderate/severe acne to get clear? (on average)

Any comments on the RoC Enydrial/BP 2,5% combination greatly appreciated. Do you apply moisturizer before BP as well?

How long did it take before the BP 2,5% starting working for you?

And I THINK I see some improvement, but I still keep getting small spots everywhere. Is it wrong to expect instant improvement?