Right now I'm using Dan's benzoyl peroxide (not strictly following the Regimen) and it's keeping my skin quite smooth, although I still have acne around my chin - maybe 10-15 actives of varying sizes. There are also random pimples in other areas of my face.
If this is the case, would my dermatologist simply tell me to stick with BP instead of considering putting me on accutane? I really don't want to keep using BP. I'm an outdoor person and tend to sweat a lot, and having BP running down my face stains shirts like you wouldn't believe. Plus I can't use moisturizer with BP, every time I try I get chemical burns - hence my skin is perpetually dry, flaky and irritated. Not to mention that I also get moderate acne on my back and my chest, as well as on my neck, and even around / inside my ears sometimes - areas where I don't want to apply BP. Also, anytime I consume dairy I get deep cysts along my jawline that BP can't even touch.
I've tried a slew of antibiotics, tretinoin, diet, a bunch of holistic treatments (including urine therapy 
) ... I'm really fed up with topicals and creams, things that only work temporarily or things that I need to depend on for the rest of my life. I just want peace of mind. I'm ready to go through hell for six months+ if it means there will be at least some permanent improvement of my condition.
Do you guys think I have a case for accutane? If I can't get it from my derm, I can always get it from my physician... she suggested accutane to me back in early July, but I was hesitant back then because my acne wasn't nearly as bad, plus I was hoping the BP would work out... I'm just worried that a non-skin specialist might not be able to monitor my condition as well as someone with more experience.
If you're in the position where your acne is negatively effecting you all the time, then go to the dermatologist and tell them exactly that. You should have no problem getting the drug. Whichever path you choose for treating your acne, I truly hope you the best in dealing with it. Acne truly blows. :/
Yes it is negatively affecting me all the time, and has been for the past five years. My mood and level of motivation hinge on how good my skin looks. Periods when my skin was decent have been the best, most productive periods of my life. Periods where my skin was crap (more often than not) had me depressed and unwilling to do anything. And when I say "decent" I mean I still had pimples here and there, plus hyperpigmentation. I've honestly forgotten how clear skin looks.
Yes it is negatively affecting me all the time, and has been for the past five years. My mood and level of motivation hinge on how good my skin looks. Periods when my skin was decent have been the best, most productive periods of my life. Periods where my skin was crap (more often than not) had me depressed and unwilling to do anything. And when I say "decent" I mean I still had pimples here and there, plus hyperpigmentation. I've honestly forgotten how clear skin looks.
Yeah, don't let it get worse, just make an appointment!