UPDATE:

A few days before I started this log I ordered an oral acne supplenet on amazon. It is called acnetame. So it came in the mail, and for the first week or so I just let it sit there because I had started benzaclin/tretinoin. I decided last week I would just start taking it, as I've had some days off of both products because my skin was getting to red/sensitive. I also found out I wasn't getting enough liquids/sleeping enough. So I modified my sleeping schedule to get to bed earlier around 10-11 instead of 2-3am. Instead of sleeping 3-5 hours, now it's 7-9. Upped my water intake to half my bodyweight in fl oz. I don't know if it's a combination of the two, or what but something in this routine is doing the job. My skin is so much more even. Hyperpimentation is fading so much, more than anything has has awhile. I think it's a combination of the two not sure. anyways the medicines main ingrediets are niacinimide and pantothetic acid (spelling). I think those are the main ingrediets that help. Also the sleep issue I think was throwing off my hormones, years of that sleeping schedule will ruin you lol. I cut out drinking mostly soda, juice, milk, to mainly water with the occasional OJ. I also forgot to mention I take a multi vitamin, and msm All in all I think it's about bettering your lifestyle and treat the problem within... whether that be hormonal imbalance or you not sleeping.

ps. your bodies natural clock is set to repaire it self arond 10-2am, so if you are missing those times everyday for a long time, it will mess you up. just think guys, you didn't have acne when you were a baby or even a younger kid, you got it teenage years or adulthood, when your hormones are all messed up ( stress, sleeping, etc.)

here is the link for niacinamide.... it's published by the government to help clear hyperpigmentation. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12100180

Whats up everyone.... I just created an account, and basically did so in order to create this log, and hopefully give anyone some insight if they are considering a similar combination. I recently went to the derm for the first time, and she prescribed me tretinoin .1, and the generic form of benzaclin. I was on a retin A micro cream before, but that was years ago when I was a teenager. I am now in my early 20's, and still am having some issues, so I decided to take care of it because it's pissing me off. I don't have terrible acne, or a large number of huge pimples, but i do have anywhere from 2-5 at any given time so it's the little ones that are making it annoying. Also, I have light brown skin, and my skin loves to hyper pigment, over literally the smallest little zit( popped or not!!!). or trauma. PIH. so little acne here and there leave marks for awhile!

So that was just a little background info, So far I'm on day numero 3..... I know results don't usually happen with a retinoid for a few more weeks, but the benzaclin people see results a lot faster from what i've researched. So far what I can tell is my face is evening out, and I'm not really getting any new acne.... Also, any pimple I had pretty much dried up, and it left a more reddish mark( healing ), but it's still healing.

I think the benzaclin is really helping a lot... as the acne seems to be more under control, and one thing I notice is that all my small "fine" little bumps are starting to go away. I didn't think they were that huge of a deal because of other pressing issues with my skin i.e. hyper pigmentation, but it actually does make a pretty good difference with that clearing up as well...

My routine is as followed.... In the morning I use benzaclin 10-20 mins after washing my face. The key is to use a very small amount, just enough to cover the face, after that dries, 10-20 mins after I will apply moisturizer. I need to get sunscreen so I can start using that too. After school or just mid day, if I need to wash my face from feeling nasty I will do it with just hot water. I save my second actual wash for night time, and again 10-20 mins after my face is completely dry I will add a TINY bit of the tretinoin. I know it says to do a pee size, but i think thats unrealistic sometimes. I just do 3 dabs with my finger and make 3 dots on my forehead, on on each temple, and rub that in.. my cheeks aren't really a problem area, so I don't put a dot there, I just work it in.

I have tried all sorts of BS in the past, but some stuff I like such as jojoba oil, tea tree, indian clay mask, and PMD.....

I have a question for you guys, I want to still incorporate the PMD into my routine, maybe once ever other week (2x a month) just to really help speed up the process... Is this okay to do, same with the indian healing clay. I was thinking I could stop the retina a for like 3 days before.

I'll try and update this pretty regularly, and have nice little discussion if this gets any replies.