Will Accutane help if my skin is already dry?

I love to hear about people's experience of going on Accutane when your skin is already somewhat dry.

I have had acne for many years, and recently it got worse. I visited my dermatologist, and I'm now in the waiting period for Accutane (on track to start Jan 31). I'm starting to wonder whether it's really right for me. Or maybe I should only take a low dose?

I have unusual combination skin, and every time I wash it I come away with dry flakes all over my face. Then, three hours later my skin is oily and shiny again. It's odd. Does anyone else have skin like this?

Accutane log -- wish me luck!

Hi all,

I'm so glad this message board exists -- it's a relief to read about your experiences and learn from your advice. I'm 27 and I've been struggling with acne since I was 13 -- so, for 14 years, over half my life -- and until now I resisted the idea of going on accutane, since it has such serious possible side effects.

But over the years I've tried numerous other treatments, each producing no improvement and often bringing with it negative effects (discoloration of skin from benzaclin, extreme mood swings from hormonal therapy, etc).

And over the last year, my acne has gotten markedly worse. It's gotten to the point where I hate what I see when I look in the mirror. I spend hours squeezing, picking, and attempting to cover my blemishes. I'd much rather spend that time on something useful, or at least not (physically or psychologically) painful.

So, I think I'm going to try accutane.

I went to a new dermatologist on the last day of 2008. He looked me over briefly and said the severity of my acne matched with my age and treatment history merited use of the drug. I'm getting the blood test done this week. If all goes well, I'll start treatment at the end of January.

I'm very excited about the possibility of having clear skin for the FIRST TIME IN MY ADULT LIFE, but terrified about whether something bad could happen. I tried to find stats about the more serious side effects (liver damage, muscle and bone problems, brain swelling, death) online, but couldn't locate much. Does anyone have the facts on this? I know it's not highly common, but it would be useful for me to know. The difference between 1% and 5% is significant.

Bet you can tell how nervous I am, huh? This is by far the biggest risk I've ever taken with my body. And I'm willing to take it, because acne is truly diminishing my quality of life. But I do want enter into this in as informed a manner as possible.

Here are some pics of where I'm at today. Not good.