I tried apple cider vinegar, very antibiotic the doctor would give, contraception.. nothing would work. The topical creams didn't work. Antibiotics would make it flare up and then give it a temporary fix, only to have it back again. We tried everything for 3 years including diet changes and cleaning my face ruthlessly. Eventually a new doctor was appointed at my gp. He suggested I go to a dermatologist. The dermatologist prescribed me roaccutane at 15. I used this for 6 months.

My side effects were dry skin (a dream come through because of battled with oily skin my whole life) , dry lips, dry nose and dry eyes. After six months my acme cleared and I didn't have as much as a scar. My face was so smooth and NORMAL. This lasted until I was 21 and it came back with a vengeance. I waited a year and a half to get seen by another doctor. As Id had depression in between this, the dermatologist would only give me 20mg for 9 long months. I had all of the side effects along with depression this time and had to go off it because of it. I still had acne. I thought all hope was lost- nothing worked

Since I have recovered from my depression ( my acne still got worse by the day) and found a new doctor, I have now been taking 30mg of roaccutane for 7 weeks. I can wear up make up at home and look in the mirror. My skin is smooth. Yeah i still have spots but they're minor. I can look people in the eye when I'm speaking to them again. It's not sore. The side effects are really tough though. I bring eye drops to work...

I have moisturised since day one with la roche posay cica balm everywhere on my face including my eyes. I use carmex on my lips 24/7, drink plenty of water for dehydration. I use body moisturisor after every shower. Ladies, Vichy dermablend foundation saved my life. It covers everything and stays all day. I have used it for 14 years. I'm now 25. Do not take any vitamins with this as anything with vitamin a cause adverse affects. You're hair doesn't get greasy for days. If you're feeling low and things like exercise and better diet don't help your mood then stop

There will be a right time to take it. Your mental well being is more important. There is nothing else that worked for me. This is the solution but only if you are you are on a higher dose. I have been Accutane three times and the only time it didn't work was when I was on 20mg. This may work for minor acne but mine was severe. When it reappeared, it never came back on my back and chest and the cysts were smaller. For some of never comes back. For me, it was always in my genes but I knew where to go when it came back. Stay confident everyone. My skin may not be perfect yet but I have hope!

And hope is something we don't have everyday as acne sufferers. There's too many failed treatments along the way. I'd love to hear how other people cleared their acne or how people are getting on with the roaccutane. I'd love to help with any questions and hope that no one is offended by my post. Sorry for the multiple posts but I can only write so much at one time and I'm very passionate about this as I do I don't feel like people understand how hard it is and the psychological affect is had