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Hello,
I've been using benzoyl peroxide for over 6 months now, but it hasn't stopped my cystic acne.
Since I've previously had 3 courses of accutane in my life, a fourth course seems risky; while it has worked in the past, it was never permanent, plus i reacted badly to it during my third course, and I'm paranoid about liver damage now.
I've tried other treatments like salicylic acid, clyndamicin, minomycin etc. At best, clyndamycin helped, but not completely.
Regarding laser treament, my understanding is that it doesn't work on cystic acne.
So it seems to me there is no cure for what I have. My acne isn't severe, just diabolically persistent.
The only thing i don't think i've tried yet is Retin-A, which i understand is like topical accutane. Should I be seeking the prescription kind, or an over-the-counter option like retinol?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Retin-A isn't exactly topical Accutane.. that's more Isotrex which is another retinoid that I do not recommend. Retin-A is a retinoid which will work in a similar manner to accutane being that it essentially sheds the skin, albeit slower. I have heard good things about retin-A actually and would recommend a prescription for it as opposed to over the counter retinol.
You can start from the lowest percentage and work your way up. Have you tried Differin (Adapalene) gel yet? It's a much gentler retinoid but is very effective.
I did try Differin when I was a teenager many years ago before my first Accutane course. I don't recall it working very well but my acne was much worse back then compared to now. Sounds like I should book a doctors appointment then.
I noticed there's an acne clinic near my office, but I still get the impressiona doctor would be better
