6 replies to this topic

[John457]

So here's my situation: I'm 24, out in the professional world, and having adult acne is nothing short of a nightmare. I have very sensitive skin, which often appears red and inflamed at the onset of any blemish. I get painful cystic bumps and my skin always looks and feels very oily and greasy.

I have been researching and considering Accutane for the past 6 months but presently deal with dry eyes - made drier from LASIK surgery one year ago - and so I have been hesitant to proceed.

In the meantime I have been considering similar but realistic solutions. Right now I'm currently on 115 mg of Solodyn, which helps with the cystic acne but by no means has been a cure. Along with that, I take Nicomide (an expensive prescription Vitamin B and Zinc supplement), which, so far in the course of a month, seems to have only provided minimal relief.

Finally, I've recently begun taking Pantethine (the active ingredient in Vitamin B5) (450 mg, twice daily) but my skin is still very oily. I've read about L-Carnitine and how it's suppose to enhance the effects of Pantethine and so I am considering that as well.

This is all very frustrating, very overwhelming, and I just want a solution - not researching and experimenting well into my late 20s. Anyway can anyone provide any insight? Has anything helped? Has anyone ever considered realistic alternatives to Accutane that have worked? Any help would be well appreciated.

I am a 24 year old male.

Edited by John457, 20 December 2012 - 05:29 PM.

[Green Gables]

Pantothen works because it contains B5. B5 is a weak anti-androgen. If you want better results, use a stronger anti-androgen.

There are many natural ones available over the counter. Saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum, and pumpkin seed oil are the most common.

[John457]

Pantothen works because it contains B5. B5 is a weak anti-androgen. If you want better results, use a stronger anti-androgen.

There are many natural ones available over the counter. Saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum, and pumpkin seed oil are the most common.

Hmm as a male the idea of an anti-androgen kind of freaks me out.

Pantothen seems interesting but I wonder if there's any real difference between just taking Pantethine and L-Cartinine. I've been on Nicomide (B5 and Zinc) for a month and have noticed absolutely no difference. I also started taking Pantethine (2 x 450 mg / day) for about a week now and have noticed no difference. I'm hoping that adding L-Cartinine will help.

[Green Gables]

Pantothen works because it contains B5. B5 is a weak anti-androgen. If you want better results, use a stronger anti-androgen.

There are many natural ones available over the counter. Saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum, and pumpkin seed oil are the most common.

Hmm as a male the idea of an anti-androgen kind of freaks me out.

Pantothen seems interesting but I wonder if there's any real difference between just taking Pantethine and L-Cartinine. I've been on Nicomide (B5 and Zinc) for a month and have noticed absolutely no difference. I also started taking Pantethine (2 x 450 mg / day) for about a week now and have noticed no difference. I'm hoping that adding L-Cartinine will help.

That's what I'm saying...if you're taking Pantethine you're already taking an anti-androgen...that's what Pantethine is...

[John457]

Pantothen works because it contains B5. B5 is a weak anti-androgen. If you want better results, use a stronger anti-androgen.

There are many natural ones available over the counter. Saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum, and pumpkin seed oil are the most common.

Hmm as a male the idea of an anti-androgen kind of freaks me out.

Pantothen seems interesting but I wonder if there's any real difference between just taking Pantethine and L-Cartinine. I've been on Nicomide (B5 and Zinc) for a month and have noticed absolutely no difference. I also started taking Pantethine (2 x 450 mg / day) for about a week now and have noticed no difference. I'm hoping that adding L-Cartinine will help.

That's what I'm saying...if you're taking Pantethine you're already taking an anti-androgen...that's what Pantethine is...

While I'm still somewhat uneasy about that whole idea, pantethine is a natural and very mild anti-androgen. Something like Accutane would be worse.

[Green Gables]

Pantothen works because it contains B5. B5 is a weak anti-androgen. If you want better results, use a stronger anti-androgen.

There are many natural ones available over the counter. Saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum, and pumpkin seed oil are the most common.

Hmm as a male the idea of an anti-androgen kind of freaks me out.

Pantothen seems interesting but I wonder if there's any real difference between just taking Pantethine and L-Cartinine. I've been on Nicomide (B5 and Zinc) for a month and have noticed absolutely no difference. I also started taking Pantethine (2 x 450 mg / day) for about a week now and have noticed no difference. I'm hoping that adding L-Cartinine will help.

That's what I'm saying...if you're taking Pantethine you're already taking an anti-androgen...that's what Pantethine is...

While I'm still somewhat uneasy about that whole idea, pantethine is a natural and very mild anti-androgen. Something like Accutane would be worse.

Uhh I didn't recommend Accutane, I recommended Saw Palmetto, which is another natural anti-androgen. It's often used for male prostate health. But do what you want.

[John457]

Pantothen works because it contains B5. B5 is a weak anti-androgen. If you want better results, use a stronger anti-androgen.

There are many natural ones available over the counter. Saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum, and pumpkin seed oil are the most common.

Hmm as a male the idea of an anti-androgen kind of freaks me out.

Pantothen seems interesting but I wonder if there's any real difference between just taking Pantethine and L-Cartinine. I've been on Nicomide (B5 and Zinc) for a month and have noticed absolutely no difference. I also started taking Pantethine (2 x 450 mg / day) for about a week now and have noticed no difference. I'm hoping that adding L-Cartinine will help.

That's what I'm saying...if you're taking Pantethine you're already taking an anti-androgen...that's what Pantethine is...

While I'm still somewhat uneasy about that whole idea, pantethine is a natural and very mild anti-androgen. Something like Accutane would be worse.

Uhh I didn't recommend Accutane, I recommended Saw Palmetto, which is another natural anti-androgen. It's often used for male prostate health. But do what you want.

I know you didn't suggest Accutane. The reason I mention Accutane is because I feel like in the end it will be my only choice.