Re:My teen daughter just started it!

To anyone considering using Accutane - DONT DO IT. There are many things you can do to control Acne that will not have such serious side effects.

First - you need to be extremely careful what you put on your face. You would not believe the # of moisurizers and makeup products out there that state they are non comodogenic but they contain ingredients that will make you break out. Safe products include Neutrogena moisturizer for sensitive skin, Bare Eccentuals mineral makeup, and Mary Kay mineral makeup. You must read the ingredients of any cleanser, moisturizer, foundation, face powder, or blush you put on your face (don't worry about eyemakeup or lipsticks). Make sure they do not contain an of the following ingredients as these will make you break out -Coconut oil or butter; D&C Red #3, 17,21,30, and 36; Lanolin, Grapeseed Oil or extract, wheat germ oil, Butyl stearate, lauric acid, potassium chloride, oleth-3, octyl palmitate. Check with a licensed Dermatologist for a more complete list - there are a lot of items you need to avoid.

Second - never go to bed with your makeup on or with any hair products left in your hair. Hairspray residue and other styling products will make you break out and so will leaving makeup products on overnight.

Third - Proactive is a good solution for most acne. The cleanser and toner aren't really worth it - my recommendation if you sign up is just get their repairing lotion - this is the heavy hitter. Wash your face with Neutrogena liquid face cleanser (looks like dark brown honey and has a black dispenser top) - this cleanser is safe and effective. Then put on the Proactive and if you need a moisturizer use the Neutrogena.

Fourth - if you believe hormones may be contributing to your Acne problem, ask your dermatologist for an RX for Spirnolactone 25mg. Spirnolactone has a good history of of no serious side effects although you will need to watch your potassium intake.

Fifth - stay out of the sun. The sun may appear to help the Acne but this is only temporary and will lead to spotting later.

Sixth - newer treatments such as blue light, etc. at your dermatologist are more effective at treating deep acne and preventing new break outs. Dermabrasion, etc. may also help. Do not let someone other than a licensed dermatologist office do any laser or light treatments as "spa's" often put other things on your face that will make you break out.