I started having severe acne when I was about 15. My whole face broke out in tiny bumps and then the cystic acne started. Nothing would help, I have very sensitive skin and every topical treatment the dermatologist gave me made things worse. They eventually figured out that I even had an allergy to benzol peroxide...it was just an endless cycle of misery for me.
When I was 19, I finally got up the courage to try accutane. I knew all the side effects, but I was desperate. The side effects are there--everything dries out, including your lips and eyeballs, but I did not care--my acne was disappearing. When I got to the end of my course of treatment (4months), I was a little disappointed by the red spots and occasional breakouts still occuring, but they decreased as time passed.
For the past 6 years, I have had pretty good skin. Occasionally I get a hormonal breakout on my chin, but they go away quickly and don't leave marks. I am 26 now, and no one knows I used to have severe acne. When I tell my newer friends, they are shocked, saying that I have really beautiful skin and they would never have guessed. I am always conscious of the tiny evidence of the acne--a few tiny red spots that mingle with my freckles, but I know now that no one else can see it.
I would recommend accutane--I wish I had done it sooner. Also, now I have found that the less I mess with my skin, the better it looks. I try not to wash my face too much with anything but water--sounds funny, but the second I start washing, my skin gets irritated (I exfoliate with Keihl's moisterizing buffing cream every 2 days) and I moisturize it everyday (Kiehl's Panthenol Protein moisterizing cream). I don't know if this would have worked when I was more acne prone, but my skin looks better than ever. (I also avoid sweets, which they say does not matter, but everytime I have a soda or a chocolate, I get a zit, you do the math) PICS:(Sorry they are out of order)2 mths after accutane, 4 mths, 6 yrs after accutane, before accutane.
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Wow thanks for your report and for posting some pics. I really think it gives lots of people hope to see that your skin is still flawless and that it didn't get worse again after you had finished your treatment!! Yay I think it shows that it's worth the trouble. Thanks for posting! 
All the Best!
cj
hey ! u really look like kate winslet from titanic.
p.s. u dont even have acne anymore why u posting here ?
She's posting for people like me. Who are FINALLY going to take accutane. I was offered it 9 years ago and tried everything in between. It is helpful to read real life stories of people who took it years ago. If they had ever lasting side effects or what not.
Duh.
