I've had acne for about 5 years now, I've tryed almost everything to try and get rid of it, from over the counter cleansers to natural alteratives to perscription anti-biotics...nothing has worked so far, Its gotten less severe but I attribute that to time, not medicine. I've been seeing a dermitologist (sp?) every few months and he always pushes accutane...I've heard this drug works but some of its side effects in my opinion were not worth it... Long story short, I'm getting sick and tired of my acne, and i'm considering just taking the accutane to get rid of it once and for all...does anyone have any alternative methods (that actually work)? or should I just bite the bullet and take the accutane? thanks!
I tried accutane. actually it was a generic brand..hmmm..what was it called..can't remember, I'll dig that up. But it worked really well. still got some subtle scars but most people don't even see em and you do still get the occasional blemish or two or three. but i would recommend it. they will actually test your blood every month to make sure side effects aren't severe. the most severe are really rare though. mine were chapped lips (remedied bychap stick) dehydration (water) and dry skin (mosteriuzer). nothing severe, just mild side effects.
LONG but worth the read if you really want to help the acne issue: My friend started using accutane about 3 weeks ago and has since stopped. It was giving her terrible stomach pains, even when she took it with a meal. A few times it actually caused her to double over and clench her abdomen. Not worth that if you ask me. But who knows, that's just her experience. Just gotta decide if the risk is worth the reward. Have you considered aromatherapy? Acne may be related to both hormonal and dietary causes. The basic cause is an increase in androgen production in males and oestrogen in females in maturing teenagers which increases the secretion of the sebaceous glands. The sebum produced may be broken down to fatty acids which may, in conjunction with bacteria present, provoke an inflammatory response in the sebaceous glands. (This is all coming from a book I have The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia). Essential oils can be used to help clear the infection, reduce the amount of sebum produced and to minimise the extent of scarring and promote the growth of new skin tissue. Lavender, bergamot, lemon, aniaouli, and tea tree are highly antiseptic. Lavender is also soothing and healing and promotes the growth of healthy new cells. Bergamot is an astringent, as well as an anti-depressant, whichi s often useful for severe cases with young people who become depressed about their acne. Geranium and palmarosa oil balance the production of sebum being secreted. All oils mentioned can be used in facial massages, using a light vegetable oil base such as apricot kernel or rosehip oil. Massage is also useful as it stimulates the circulation and helps the body to eliminate toxins. Rosemary, mandarin, and juniper can be used for body massage treatment to stimulate the lymphatic system. To minimize the possibliity of scars, use neroli, sandalwood, and lavender in wheatgerm oil. Some other treatments: -Avoid/eliminate foods high in iodine and limit milk consumption (high hormone content) -Avoid refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods. -Improve digestion by taking digestive enzymes or apple cider vinegar with dinner. -Increase consumption of foods rich in zinc and vitamin A. Retinols, including oral vitamin A, have been shown in many studies to reduce sebum production and the hyperkeratosis of the sebaceous follicles. -Zinc is vitally important in the treatment of acne. It is involved in local hormone activation, retinol-binding protein formation, wound healing, immune system activity, and tissue regeneration -Menstrual related acne responds to vitamin B6. This reflects its role in the normal metabolism of steroid hormones. -Alfalfa, burdock root, dandelion root herbs will detoxify the body and echinacea will stimulate the immune system As you can probably tell, these things are good for more than just acne. They will help you in other areas simultaneously.
It wasn;t for me, but mine cleared up after about age 17. It's realy a personal measure. a friend when through the treatmeent twice and was a luck member of the population who saw no improvement for all the blood problems.
I used to have HORRIBLE acne (the kind that leaves scars not to mention) then my doctor gave me this gel stuff called "stievamycin" it has really reduced the amount of breakouts I get by about 90% and has also reduced the amount of redness/scarring left by my previous acne. I know it sucks because it's this crap inhabited all over your face that you wish wasn't there. My advice is to not overwash either...sometimes you have to let the natural oils work for themselves...i switched to baby wash for my face because it was so gentle and that has also made a big difference. As for accutane, I've only heard horror stories and you definitely should avoid any hardcore meds until you've tried all there is to try. There have been reports on accutane saying it causes depression and there are legal cases going on saying that it causes some teens to commit suicide due to the depression. Don't risk it.
thats the main reason i dont want to try it is because of the depression/suicidle thoughts...i know it doesn't happen with everyone, but i dont want to risk it. Thanks for the advice Silly Angel! I will try some of those treatments I am currently taking 2 Minocycline HCL pills per day, I'm also using a natural facial cleanser that contains many of the oils you mentioned...I am interested in trying the aromatherapy thing though. I will look into that. My acne isn't the worst its ever been but its still bugs me and I want it gone, I think it takes away from my natural look...but only time will tell i suppose. Thanks again!
A lot of times, medications will start a cycle. They will temporarily help the issue while sacrificing health in another area. For example, you may see a reduction in blemishes, but your skin dries out and starts to become discolored or patchy or whatever. The natural way is always the best way. You can also try just dropping a few drops of some of those oils in simmering water and drape a towel over your head and let the steam soak into your skin. It's very hydrating, calming, and it is a great way for the oils to help you.
I was on Accutane for about half a year... to be concise, it messed me up. I got sun burned easily, I had to wear a hat/sunglasses whenever I went outside (my eyes are still very photosensative), and, oh yeah, I was very unbalanced. I read some of the journal entries that I wrote whilst on the drug, and I cannot believe how depressed I was. Of course, this does not happen to anyone, and my skin is amazingly clear now... so proceed with caution.
The "natural" way would be to just let your acne do it's thing. Anything else is not "natural". Accutane is a great drug. If your acne is severe and unrelenting, I would highly recommend it.
Ok bro's and sista's.... this is it: My Absolutely, positively Incredible 100% CURE FOR ZITS!! This totally works and your skin will be clear in two weeks to one month!!! Cost? approx. 3 bucks! or less!!! 1.Go to a beauty supply store and get 40% (hair bleaching) peroxide. Apply to face, (not around eyes!!!) It will sting like holy hell. (But you can stand it cause you want your beautiful skin back, right?)Leave it on as long as you can stand it. Your eyes will burn. Your zits will turn white as snow . If your skin is really actively breaking out, there will be white spots where you didn't even know you had zits. Do not freak out. They will fade in a few minutes. If you can, keep applying fresh 40% peroxide over zits for a few more minutes. Then rinse off your face and marvel at the horrendous white spots, the germs that the peroxide is killing. Do this everyday, maybe twice a day for a few weeks. Keep it up regularly, and i promise you, your skin will clear up like a freaking miracle. This is a 100% cure. It works and is dirt cheap. Do not take anti-biotic's, they wipe out your intestinal flora and cause severe damage. Do not take Accutane! Also, disregarde any notice on peroxide bottle not to contact skin. It just stings. It will not hurt you!!! Just Keep it away from your eyes!!! This is a miracle cure and i have seen it completely cure bad acne with my friends and loved ones i have turned on to it. It just stings, but man does it ever work!!! Zits are filled with germs, plain and simple and peroxide is a germ killer and 40% is the strong stuff. It is why "Proactive" works, but this is so much Better, Stronger and Cheaper. (and please let me know when youv'e used it and it cleared your skin and then go tell others!!!) this also is great for those monthly period zits. Keep a small container of it by your computer so you can just dab it on while surfin' the web, when you can feel one comin' on. It will be gone pronto.
Good for you . It sounds perfectly awful. The FDA just released an alert for it. It causes birth defects in pregnamt women. Read this and you'll see you made the right choice. The best cure for bad skin is to be around and relaxed with someone who loves you. Lack of stress is a powerful healer. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/accutane/default.htm
Yeah, my boyfriend took accutane for a while, and it seriously messed with him. I don't know which traumatized him worse, the acne or the side effects from the accutane. My advice... DON'T TAKE IT!!
