So many towels I’ve ruined using Clean & Clear 10% benzoyl peroxide face wash. Not just washcloths, but the towels I use to dry off after a shower during which I’ve used it. But it does work.
Aha, this is exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for… no brainpower required on my part. I’ll check it out. We’ve even got a Walgreens in town.
Accutane/Roacccutane is not recommend for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who are likely to become pregnant.
From University Medical’s FAQs:
“Can I use AcneFree if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Because AcneFree has not been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is recommended you consult with your physician or pharmacist before using.”
Okay, I’m done nagging. 
Best wishes for clearing up your acne soon. Regards,
I just looked up the cure rate for accutane (85% are permently cure)…holy hell, why didn’t a doctor ever mention this when I was in college and happily insured?
Oooo, I am the answer to your prayers!
No really, I’ve done a LOT of research and spent a load of time on this.
Read my reviews on Amazon: Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask and of Stri-dex Power Pads.
Basically:
AM: Wash with Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask (3% BP) OR Cetaphil gentle bar. I use the Cetaphil in the winter and the Clear Pore in the summer.
Apply moisturizer/sunscreen combo (I list options in the reviews)
PM: Wash with Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Apply AcneFree (buy it on Ebay or Amazon, Ebay’s usually cheaper)
Weekly:** Proactiv’s sulphur mask**. Linky here. This’ll keep the blackheads at bay. Steam your face in the shower or with a hot washcloth beforehand. In the winter keep it to your T-zone only. Right now the 2x1oz ones are cheapest but sometimes the 2.5oz bottle is cheapest.
In between: get a script for Stridex 3% pads 60 count box. Swipe face with after working out or on the go. I don’t use these anymore but I used to.
Oh yeah, and the toner is garbage. Toss it.
ETA: I found AcneFree’s and Acne dot org’s cleanser to be garbage, FWIW. The Clear Pore is like $7/bottle but it lasts a LONG time since you only require a thin layer.
Accutane is some nasty stuff. I have taken it twice and will not take it again. I guess I am among the unlucky 15% as my dermatologist has suggested I take it a third time. 
Things are actually fairly good right now; I take a low dose of doxycycline and it keeps things pretty leveled out. And I have a Z-pak prescription for when I need it.
Accutane made both my thumbnails split vertically from the nail bed, and they took years to grow back together. That is one of the mild side effects. :eek:
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow.
Because if you’re a woman, doctors will make you swear that you won’t even dare look at a man, lest you accidentally get pregnant while on this stuff. Seriously, it is highly likely to cause birth defects and the obstacles required by the FDA before prescribing it are major, plus women have to promise to use two forms of contraception during, and for a month before and after, using it.
Oh, and the list of common side effects is daunting - and I work in medical research, so I’m used to seeing scary lists of side effects that might happen but probably won’t.
I’m pretty sure that anybody using it has to jump through those same hoops–male or female. Presumably the difference is that if you’re female they’ll actually know if you have an IUD, are using oral contraceptives, etc.
From what I’ve read, there’s no evidence that the drug shows up in seminal fluid, but guys still do have to make promises and sign up for the same FDA-mandated website, answer sensitive questions about their sexual history every month, etc. It’s basically easier and less intrusive to get thalidomide in the US.
Anyway, my WAG is that if you don’t hear about it as a patient, either your doctor has not gone through the stringent licensing requirements to prescribe it, your type of acne may not quite “qualify,” or your doctor is reluctant to prescribe it to a possibly sexually-active and fertile patient for fear of potential consequences (medical and legal).
Here’s the Wikipedia article on iPLEDGE, the crazy system you have to go through to get the drug in the U.S.
When I was forty years old I at long last realized nuts were causing most of my acne. Quit eating peanuts and almonds, stopped having more than an occasional zit.
As someone already said check out AcneFree which you can get at Walgreens or Walmart and it costs less and works just as well.
You can also try giving up dairy products to help keep your skin clear. I stopped intaking dairy about 7 years ago and that alone has helped keep my skin clearer than any over the counter acne products.
Something nobody else has mentioned is that AcneFree’s lotion is 3.5% BP and ProActiv’s is 2.5%BP. If you’re already using a thin layer I suggest using an even thinner layer of AcneFree’s or cutting AcneFree’s with some regular night cream, like Olay Regenerist or something.