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[Carolinedb]

But first...background. I am a senior in high school and have been seeing a dermatologist for my acne since I was a sophomore. When I first visited a dermatologist, I naturally had extremely oily skin, and I tended to have bad breakouts on my forehead, temples, and chin. I got blackheads on my nose, as well. I was prescribed Differin and Doryx. My sister, who visited the dermatologist with me, was prescribed Retin-A and Solodyn. The Doryx (I THINK it was Doryx...not 100% sure since it's been so long) worked well, but the Differin completely dried out my skin and I stopped using it, because it got to the point where my face looked like it had dandruff.

After I ran out of my first month of Doryx, my mom decided she was too lazy to refill both of our prescriptions so I started taking Solodyn instead. It kept my skin mostly clear, and after my next visit to the dermatologist, she switched my prescription to it.

The next time I went to the dermatologist, she asked me if I'd been using the Differin, and I complained about how dry it was making my skin, so she switched it to a lower dosage. I tried using it, and although it dried my skin out less, it did NOTHING to help my acne.

Anyways, I finished off my Solodyn, but since at the time my dad was out of a job, I had to let it run out. For a month, I was fine. I had pretty minor breakouts; nothing unusual. Then, it happened. All of a sudden there were zits everywhere, in places I had never gotten them before: around my mouth, all over my nose...it was BAD. Not as bad as it had been before Solodyn, but it wasn't fun.

Finally, 1 week ago, I got back to the derm. I told her about my issues with the Differin and she finally switched me to a different topical gel as well as an 8% BP face wash called Panoxyl sold at the pharmacy in the office building. So far, the regimen is working

Morning: Wash face with Panoxyl. Moisturize with Curel lotion (LOVE that stuff) over the areas that have been dried out (but not nearly as dry as before) by the new regimen...corners of my nose, the lines around my mouth, and my chin. I use Clean and Clear mattifying moisturizer on my forehead and nose.

Lunchtime: take Solodyn.

Evening: Wash face with Cetaphil. Wait 5 minutes, then apply Ziana. Wait another five minutes, and put Curel all over my face. Then I apply vaseline to my dry spots.

I wish I had "before" pics, but I don't. Tomorrow I will take a picture to show you how I look now. I have not had any new breakouts, other then a few tiny bumps!

Wish me luck!