why dont you google some information about accutane?

What are you doing for your skin at the moment and what other things have you tried?

Check out the accutane forums on this site to see what people's experiences with it are. Make sure you do your own research on accutane too - I think it's a good idea to understand the drug, and it's possible side effects, and then make your own educated decision about it seeing as it is a serious medication.

Personally I do think that it should be used as a last resort option for severe cases.

If you think accutane really is the thing you want to use and you're not coping with acne well now, you could talk to your parents about how just dealing with acne can have it's own psychological side effects.

In the mean time though - do your research on it and check out the accutane section of this site.

Also maybe your derm didn't mean to mention scaring in a 'no big deal' sort of way but rather a 'it makes sense' kind of way? As in scarring due to acne can be expected for a lot of people (unfortunately) ...

Anyway - hope you find something that works for you. Good luck with it all

I wake up everyday and look in the mirror and I disgust myself to the point where I can't even bare the sight of myself. It's been like this every morning for 5 years. I used to think I would just grow out of it but it never goes away. I don't remember what it feels like to have clear skin. And now my dermatologist tells me I will have scars like it's no big deal? I'm losing my mind but I can't get help because if I do my parents won't let me go on accutane for the fear of "psychological side effects". I don't care what it does to my brain as long as it gets rid of the acne, but they don't seem to get it. Please would somebody let me know if accutane worked for them and how long it took to make a change

Really any information about accutane would be great, or something else that seems to be fairly successful

 

Have you looked into hormonal treatment? Both men and women can suffer from low progesterone + high androgens, which leads to acne. See the posts in my sig.

I am currently taking minocyclin twice a day, benzaclin and differin 0.3 gel, and it seems to work for a little then get bad again. I've looked up accutane on the Internet but I wanted to get actual feedback from people who have used it

Forget all these tablet treatments and stuff man. Get these . Benezoyl 2.5% x 2 tubes + 10% x 6 tubes - Multivitamins and apple cider vinegar ( braggs is the best) . Sunbed membership card . Once you get these your ready to go . I suffered horrible acne like 2 yrs ago and felt exactly the same as you I was disgusted in myself . Depressed as hell and embarrased to even be seen . then I thought stuff this . done all my research online and everyone was telling me to do certain things to get rid . none of them worked atall so then i just decided to put them all together and came up with a routine which actually worked and i was completely clear in 3 months and heres how i done it.

Multivitamins - Take everyday for the rest of your life after a few weeks you will feel completely different healthy and happy and i found being upset and stressed made the acne worse but these tackled the depression.

Apple cider vinegar (braggs) - put a shot in warm water and drink through a straw making sure doesnt touch the teeth.

Lots of beneficial properties, Not a scientist so i dont know . just good for you - drink once a week again for as long as you like.

benezoyl 2.5% - I found that this removed the very top of acne the worst looking part very affectively - put loads on your face until your face is just slimy with the stuff - Leave on for aslong as possible even the next day until night time then wash your face and repeat - do this for about

a week. I used 2 full tubes in a week.

Benezoyl 10% - The 2.5% should have exposed enough of the core of the acne for this bad boy to work - Again just smother on your face using loads for next 3 months night till morning then wash face and do again at night.

Sunbeds - All the things you hear about how dangerous they can be are true but this is from daft amounts of use and beside you will only need to use them for like 8 months . Mon , wed , friday - 6 mins each time . Your probably young and just think this acne is ruining the foundation of your life with promblems mostly mental it did for me which obviously will affect your future life. This really works and is probably not medically reccomended but Give it a shot . I experienced no side affects or problems with this but if you do please stop as will not be held responsible for it.

Kind regards

Ry4491

I'd be careful if you decided to do something like what ryan4491 has suggested.

Personally I think it sounds like it would cause more irritation. I don't think there's really a need to use BP in strengths higher than 2.5% - from memory studies have shown that percentages higher than 2.5% don't have any more benefit but just contribute to more dryness/irritation. I'd be careful about the sunbeds and the sun in general, as you'd know that a lot of topical acne meds including BP can increase your sensitivity to the sun.

I'm saying this knowing what my skin is like - I think if I were to use it, it wouldn't work well. But up to you if you want to try it. Ryan says it really worked for him so it might be something to consider.

I agree with Green Gables suggestion to do some research into hormonal imbalances / treatment and acne too.

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear you are feeling so down about your acne!

I have been trying a lot of different things for my acne but the only one that has really worked is pantothenic acid. Studies have been done showing how effective it is, it's just vitamin b5. But you need to take loading doses of 10 grams a day at first. It has something to do with your body being able to break down coenzyme-a. Everyone owes it to themselves to try it! I had run out, and taking my clear skin for granted, let it get bad again. After starting up with the pantothenic acid, my skin is clear! It's oil balance is normal, pores appear smaller. Please pass this on to everyone you know! I wish instead of just reading these forums the past few years that I had posted sooner. I'm sure this info is out here somewhere but I just want everyone to know it really does work! I have thought no one could have acne worse than I but this has truly been a miracle. I have also gotten botox, the ematrix laser and use topical niacinamide cream! The ematrix has really improved the texture, tightness and acne scarring for me and its only been 1 week since the treatment. B3 cream is really amazing and holds the moisture in your skin, brightens it and helps wrinkles. And well botox is a short term fix for the 11's I have on my forehead after making so many ugly or analytical faces to assure no one was staring at my bad skin ! lol. Not completely true but somewhat.. Just do a search "pantothenic acid and acne" you will not regret it!!

Hi Charlesp123,

I'm really sorry to hear about your low self-esteem issues. I can definitely relate and I understand your desperation to get your skin fixed. I strongly urge you to follow your parents' advice and do not go on Accutane. I was desperate and that was why I went on it but it truly has wrecked my life...I can't begin to explain but it will cause you to suffer far worse than what you are now because not only will your acne most likely come back (mine did,) but you are likely to suffer from deep depression, anxiety, paranoia, problems with your bones, joints, eyes, bowels...the list is endless.

I was also on minocycline for a few years...it's not a good drug to stay on for acne and it really weakens your body over time.

You could try probiotics like Primal Defense instead of antibiotics. Give them about a month to work just like the antibiotics. Also try taking good quality fish oils. you will need omega 3 fish oil, and cod liver oil. Nordic Naturals are a good company. A good quality chlorella supplement (try now foods) taken on an empty stomach morning and night could also really be good for your skin and body as a whole.

coconut oil rubbed into the skin every night can help fade scars over time. try reading the book 'the coconut oil miracle' for more information or google coconut oil and skin conditions.

I hope this helps. Please do not go on accutane. I promise that you will regret it several years later...it is an evil drug that could cause you a premature death. Accutane worked for me...but only for about 3 months. There are ways to treat acne that are actually good for your body too.

stay positive and all the best.

I would just like to say, I completely understand where you're coming from. I too have dealt with acne off and on for 10+ years. I took Accutane years ago- it helped tremendously but after 2 years it came back. It was like a two year tease- where I thought all my troubles were over- boy was I wrong. About a year ago I did what we all do, google acne cures and I read books worth of probably non-sense. But I finally stumbled upon vitamin b5. I'm not going to waste any more of your time reading. Start b5 now. Don't wait, don't think about, just do it. Because with me, it takes close to a month to finally see results. But my acne prone skin is now soft and smooth. Take mega doses, i'm talking 20, 500mg pills a day. Take them after eating breakfast, lunch, supper, and right before you go to bed. You will probably go through an entire bottle before you see results. I did. But once I started the second bottle, I noticed it was all clearing up. I get mine at the vitamin shop. It's pantothenic acid, or b5. Make sure you supplement it with some type of b-complex in addition. If you do supplement with the b-complex your urine will turn bright yellow. But It WILL help! @Kmae28 is right, do some research and start as soon as you feel comfortable. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped so many others! Goodluck

Agreeing with some of the others have said: pursue hormonal treatment and the acne.org regime, and avoid accutane.

I never did accutane because everything I read terrified me. You might want to try Pantothen, or something similar. This helped me, but didn't cure me. As a female, I use birth control. I'm not sure of the options for men, but saw palmetto might be worth looking into. You might want to do some hormone tests. If you're trying to balance hormones, definitely have a physician help you. I tried a couple of doctors before finding the right one.

Quick tips:

-Avoid caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate), sugar, and wheat

-Get on "the regime". Follow it as best you can, and be patience as it does take several months.

-Read the success stories on this blog. These inspired me to continue seeking solutions when I was feeling really low.

Stay focused on solutions, don't expect immediate results, and give yourself knowledge with sites like this! Good days are ahead!

...I used to think I would just grow out of it but...

This was exactly what I thought too! I finally went to the dermatologist at 27. I'm on week 3 Accutane and I just took a picture for my work ID and it's great! I think bad acne causes more depression than Accutane. At least on the drug you know you're doing something about it instead of living with the problem.

...I used to think I would just grow out of it but...

This was exactly what I thought too! I finally went to the dermatologist at 27. I'm on week 3 Accutane and I just took a picture for my work ID and it's great! I think bad acne causes more depression than Accutane. At least on the drug you know you're doing something about it instead of living with the problem.

 

Yes, don't get me wrong- accutane DID help me. 2 years of acne free skin was a huge blessing, even if I did consider it a tease. Just understand, as I'm sure most do, that accutane is not a forever cure for everyone. It might come back a couple years down the road. Then again, I have relatives that took it 6+ years ago and have had perfect skin ever since.

And I also agree with the depression thing. I never noticed feeling depressed while on accutane, I felt GREAT.

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear you are feeling so down about your acne!

I have been trying a lot of different things for my acne but the only one that has really worked is pantothenic acid. Studies have been done showing how effective it is, it's just vitamin b5. But you need to take loading doses of 10 grams a day at first. It has something to do with your body being able to break down coenzyme-a. Everyone owes it to themselves to try it! I had run out, and taking my clear skin for granted, let it get bad again. After starting up with the pantothenic acid, my skin is clear! It's oil balance is normal, pores appear smaller. Please pass this on to everyone you know! I wish instead of just reading these forums the past few years that I had posted sooner. I'm sure this info is out here somewhere but I just want everyone to know it really does work! I have thought no one could have acne worse than I but this has truly been a miracle. I have also gotten botox, the ematrix laser and use topical niacinamide cream! The ematrix has really improved the texture, tightness and acne scarring for me and its only been 1 week since the treatment. B3 cream is really amazing and holds the moisture in your skin, brightens it and helps wrinkles. And well botox is a short term fix for the 11's I have on my forehead after making so many ugly or analytical faces to assure no one was staring at my bad skin ! lol. Not completely true but somewhat.. Just do a search "pantothenic acid and acne" you will not regret it!!

 

I would just like to say, I completely understand where you're coming from. I too have dealt with acne off and on for 10+ years. I took Accutane years ago- it helped tremendously but after 2 years it came back. It was like a two year tease- where I thought all my troubles were over- boy was I wrong. About a year ago I did what we all do, google acne cures and I read books worth of probably non-sense. But I finally stumbled upon vitamin b5. I'm not going to waste any more of your time reading. Start b5 now. Don't wait, don't think about, just do it. Because with me, it takes close to a month to finally see results. But my acne prone skin is now soft and smooth. Take mega doses, i'm talking 20, 500mg pills a day. Take them after eating breakfast, lunch, supper, and right before you go to bed. You will probably go through an entire bottle before you see results. I did. But once I started the second bottle, I noticed it was all clearing up. I get mine at the vitamin shop. It's pantothenic acid, or b5. Make sure you supplement it with some type of b-complex in addition. If you do supplement with the b-complex your urine will turn bright yellow. But It WILL help! @Kmae28 is right, do some research and start as soon as you feel comfortable. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped so many others! Goodluck

 

I've heard of people using this for acne and was actually something I was going to try -until I heard of these crazy sounding mega doses! It freaked me out a bit I thought there'd be side effects or something. Have either of you experienced any side effects from B5? And once you see improvement / have clear skin, do you just lower the dose for maintenance? can you stop taking it or would you break out again do you think?

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear you are feeling so down about your acne!

I have been trying a lot of different things for my acne but the only one that has really worked is pantothenic acid. Studies have been done showing how effective it is, it's just vitamin b5. But you need to take loading doses of 10 grams a day at first. It has something to do with your body being able to break down coenzyme-a. Everyone owes it to themselves to try it! I had run out, and taking my clear skin for granted, let it get bad again. After starting up with the pantothenic acid, my skin is clear! It's oil balance is normal, pores appear smaller. Please pass this on to everyone you know! I wish instead of just reading these forums the past few years that I had posted sooner. I'm sure this info is out here somewhere but I just want everyone to know it really does work! I have thought no one could have acne worse than I but this has truly been a miracle. I have also gotten botox, the ematrix laser and use topical niacinamide cream! The ematrix has really improved the texture, tightness and acne scarring for me and its only been 1 week since the treatment. B3 cream is really amazing and holds the moisture in your skin, brightens it and helps wrinkles. And well botox is a short term fix for the 11's I have on my forehead after making so many ugly or analytical faces to assure no one was staring at my bad skin ! lol. Not completely true but somewhat.. Just do a search "pantothenic acid and acne" you will not regret it!!

 

I would just like to say, I completely understand where you're coming from. I too have dealt with acne off and on for 10+ years. I took Accutane years ago- it helped tremendously but after 2 years it came back. It was like a two year tease- where I thought all my troubles were over- boy was I wrong. About a year ago I did what we all do, google acne cures and I read books worth of probably non-sense. But I finally stumbled upon vitamin b5. I'm not going to waste any more of your time reading. Start b5 now. Don't wait, don't think about, just do it. Because with me, it takes close to a month to finally see results. But my acne prone skin is now soft and smooth. Take mega doses, i'm talking 20, 500mg pills a day. Take them after eating breakfast, lunch, supper, and right before you go to bed. You will probably go through an entire bottle before you see results. I did. But once I started the second bottle, I noticed it was all clearing up. I get mine at the vitamin shop. It's pantothenic acid, or b5. Make sure you supplement it with some type of b-complex in addition. If you do supplement with the b-complex your urine will turn bright yellow. But It WILL help! @Kmae28 is right, do some research and start as soon as you feel comfortable. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped so many others! Goodluck

 

I've heard of people using this for acne and was actually something I was going to try -until I heard of these crazy sounding mega doses! It freaked me out a bit I thought there'd be side effects or something. Have either of you experienced any side effects from B5? And once you see improvement / have clear skin, do you just lower the dose for maintenance? can you stop taking it or would you break out again do you think?

 

The only side affect I ever noticed was that if I mega dosed without food, I noticed my hair started to fall out lol but I don't mean major hair loss. I just mean when showering I always noticed more hair than usual in my hands. So, I lowered my dosage and haven't noticed it since. Other than that, it's a fairly safe supplement since it's water soluble like vitamin C. Meaning, your body doesn't store it. I've never read ANY side affects worth noting that would keep me from continuing my b5 supplementation. Accutane has FAR more serious side affects than anything b5 is showing. I was able to stop for a little over a month without breakouts. Then, the acne gradually came back. So, on average I take 8,000 mg a day with meals and my last dosage at night with a light snack. But some are able to see results with far less. More like 4,000 mg. Every person is different. Just experiment But I would take more now, and when you see results, try cutting back, wait a week, and if the acne is still held at bay, try lowering it even more. If the acne comes back, go up to the previous dosage. Hope this helped!

I haven't checked the website in a couple of months, but I did decide to go on Accutane. I've been taking it for a little over two months now, and I'm up to 60mg a day. I definitely see improvement, and so far none of the mental side effects (just really chapped lips 24/7!). I'm hoping to finish the regimen (successfully) before college starts up next fall. Thanks for all the input though! It's great to have support. Before joining this website I never talked to anybody about my acne, and I think finding people who can relate is really good. So thanks, and here's to a couple good months hopefully!