5 replies to this topic

[pumpkin_feet]

Howdy everyone!

I've been suffering from mild/moderate acne since I was 17 (I'm now 21). I've been using bp almost from the start which has definitely helped, but now I'm just getting pissed off with it and am considering accutane.

No one else in my family has a history of acne (my brother is a year older than me and has always had perfect skin) so I kind of assumed that it would just be for a short period, but four years on and I'm still waiting for it to get even slightly better.

Should I be considering accutane given that my acne has never been THAT bad? Half the reason I want to use accutane isn't just to get better skin but so I no longer have to use bp. I hate having to get up half an hour earlier than i want to every morning to apply it, I hate having to rush to a mirror every time I get a splash of water on my face to see if I need to put more moisturiser on. I hate feeling unable to undertake certain trips because there would be a long period of time where putting bp on would be impractical (such as travelling). I hate having to avoid going outdoors whenever its a nice sunny day etc....

Anyways you get my point- bp pisses me off. Is accutane the way to go?

Thanks!

[Brandy]

You'll just have to see a dermatologist and find out.
Accutane definitely works for many people, but it often isn't the "cure" it's thought to be.
The whole reason I'm back on a BP regimen is because Accutane wore off, but it did give me clear skin for about 6 years. So, it's worth talking to a derm about and see what he/she thinks.

Good luck.

[pumpkin_feet]

Have a question about that- no doubt it changes person to person, but is it mostly the case that accutane is only ever a temporary reprieve from acne, and those that find themselves acne free for the rest of their life after having taken accutane would have grown out of it over the following few years anyway?

[wibble]

Have a question about that- no doubt it changes person to person, but is it mostly the case that accutane is only ever a temporary reprieve from acne, and those that find themselves acne free for the rest of their life after having taken accutane would have grown out of it over the following few years anyway?

Hiya, for some people its permanent, some its temporary and may need a 2nd dose etc. I don't think I would have grown out of it, I had bad acne from 13-37yrs old waiting to grow out of it! Accutane is the only thing that has kept me clear so far for 7 months (best 7 months of my life!). It's possible it may return again in the future, but I also know now what will clear it.

[rie]

I hate having to avoid going outdoors whenever its a nice sunny day etc....
Thanks!

you will need to avoid direct sunlight with accutane as well. not to mention i hear it dries everything up, especially lips, so you'll need to keep a pot of balm handy always. anyway, like brandy said, see a derm about it, and he/she can help you decide if its worth it. good luck!

[pumpkin_feet]

you will need to avoid direct sunlight with accutane as well. not to mention i hear it dries everything up, especially lips, so you'll need to keep a pot of balm handy always. anyway, like brandy said, see a derm about it, and he/she can help you decide if its worth it. good luck!

But thats only when youre actually on the course right? Afterwards you're free to suck up the UV rays....