Isotretinoin (Accutane)
5
I started getting acne when I was in grade 7, so around age 12. It progressively got worse, and at 16 it was way too much to handle. I tried about everything, Proactiv, Murad, Biotherm, Clinique, Neutrogena, Clearsil, Clarins, Clean n' Clear, and many more. I'd even gone to a dermatologist who provided me with a washing regime and promised I'd see results in 6 months, which I didn't. I'd heard that birth control could sometimes help with acne, though in my case it didn't. Finally, me and my mother agreed it was about time to try Accutane. My acne had never been as severe as it was at that time. Before age 16, I got zits mostly on my forehead, but soon they were speading to my cheeks, and they were huge. I felt like I had huge welts all over my cheeks and jawline. I never wore makeup, washed my face twice a day everyday, and drank gallons of water but it still never cleared. My doctor gave me a 6 month prescription of Accutane, warning me of the side effects. Of course my skin dried, but I never bothered to put on lotion so I can't really complain. Around the 4th month, I found that my forehead was clear, though my cheeks were still breaking out. I was convinced that I was doomed to a lifetime of acne, untill one day I just had no zits on my face. I actually started wearing my bangs up and even grew them out. I still got a few zits on my cheeks, but nothing like what I had before. Yesterday was my last day of Accutane, and I've never felt better about my skin. Unfortunately, I have scarring from me being an idiot and picking at my scabs. I even find that when I do get a zit, it heals a lot faster. Some wackos may say that Accutane is poison, but I find it highly depends on the doctor. My doctor provided me with a lower dosage for a longer amount of time, so I had little side effects. Had I been smart and moisturized my dry arms, I wouldn't have had a problem with dry skin. Also, where I live, we have very harsh winters, so that also contributes to the drying of my arms and legs. Now that spring has somewhat come, my skin is back to normal. The only problem I really had was severe drying around my mouth, and that's skin I did moisturize everyday. But let me tell you, I found that Aloette does miracles. My mother gave me the maximum moisture complex, and I haven't had a problem since. Take it from me, if Accutane worked for my acne riddened face, it will work for anyone's. Now, if you're planning on getting pregnant, be smart and don't take Accutane. As a 16 year old, I don't need to worry since I ain't no hoe. Seriously, Accutane is my God.