Cetaphil wash + Differin gel 0.3% + two Bactrim pills a day = my face FINALLY clearing up and starting to be touchably soft.
I've been prescribed EVERY medication there is over the course of 8 years, except I refused to use Accutane for the obvious risk involved. I have never tried hormone pills or any type of birth control-- my mother is against using such things until trying everything else.
I began the combination above about 6 months ago, but a couple of months into it I was so fed up at not seeing results that I quit all of my medication (topical and oral) and tried Clean & Clear's products again. That was a horrible mistake. I switched back after about a month. It's been about 2 and a half weeks since going back to the Differin and Bactrum and I'm seeing results. I was initially worried that my skin would need time to readjust to the medication again, but it seemed to pick up exactly where it left off. So I can honestly say that it does take some time. I wish I had been more patient and not quit right before the medication could work for me inside and out.
Another piece of advice: I was on Proactiv for about two years. It was the first thing that ever worked for me. BUT shortly into the second year, my face became immune to the medicine. Maybe it continues to work for some people, but my face wasn't responding to it after that first wonderfully clear-faced year. Good thing that it was my senior year of high school then.
victoriafirefly below: You sound like you could be me. I'm also 19 and have the same EXACT story. I hope to soon be able to break my make-up conscious habit also!
Good luck, everyone. I hope you all find what works for you.