So a little bit about me first, I'm 20 (almost 21) years old and have suffered from acne since about the age of 14. I have been on birth control since the age of 15 to help with acne as well as menstrual problems. I have always had lots of blackheads on my nose, chin and forehead but never anything major. I had tried every acne wash, Proactiv, pimple creams etc and nothing ever worked for me. I had tried Doxycycline for about 18 months, which cleared up my skin and my sinus infections, but after a while my skin started to get worse and I had really painful cystic acne. Sometimes they were the size of an Australian 10 cent coin and would hurt my whole face. So I went to the doctor, got referred to a dermatologist and went to see him. He suggested Accutane. My mum didn't want me to go on it because of all of the side effects - however I went back to my derm less than 2 weeks later (for a biopsy for something else) and said I had decided I wanted to go on it as my skin had been super bad. I had to go and get a blood test to check that I wasn't pregnant and to check the state of my liver.

As of December 1st, I took my first tablet in the morning. My derm put me on 1, 20mg tablet twice a day so 40mg all up. Having read a lot of these forums, I had stockpiled on moisturisers and lip balms before and used them a week before so my skin would be a little more prepared. Here is a list of what I have used so far after being on Oratane (Australian brand of Accutane) for 1 month:

Morning:

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser

Clarisonic Aria for 1 minute on the lowest setting

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturiser

Evening:

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser

Clarisonic Aria for 1 minute on the lowest setting every 2-3 days

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner

Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

Talika Lipocils Eyelash Conditioner

Lanolips 101 Treatment

Shower:

Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel

Palmers Cocoa Butter Body Moisturising Oil

Hair & Me Hair Treatment once a week

Milk bath once a week

Collagen lip mask once a week off ebay

Collagen face mask once or twice a week from Daiso

Most of these products are from Mecca Maxima if you're in Australia and have all worked wonders for me. My skin has not been dry at all buy my lips have been awful - so I carry around lanolips with me everywhere I go!

As far as side effects go, I've had some bad headaches, feeling lethargic and tired, sore body, dandruff on my scalp, and dry lips. I did get an initial breakout which was mostly on my cheeks in week 2, but now I only get 1 new spot each day when I wake up which is a miracle! I have a script for 40mg a day for 4 months, then I will go back and see my derm. But so far it has made such a big difference! I am so much happier with my skin already!