One of the most common ways of treating acne is the use of retinoids. Retinoids are substances derived from Vitamin A, which attempt to cure acne by normalizing the lifecycle of follicle cells. There are two types of such substances, based on application: external (topical) and oral. The best known external retinoids are Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac, while the oral retinoids list is headed by the popular Accutane.

However, about one quarter of the patients who used Accutane or other drugs based on isotretinoin may relapse and require additional treatment.

But the biggest drawback of retinoids is the long list of side effects, which sometimes makes retinoids look like a disease rather than a cure.

The most common side effects are dry skin and nosebleeds. Many patients have also reported liver problems, while a few complained of depression. However, the scientific community is still split on the issue of depression. More seriously, isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects, which is why female patients have to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence during the treatment. Pregnant women are not allowed to use anything but the mildest treatments.

The bottom line is that retinoids are a good idea if one can cope with the side effects. This begs the question: why not use something just as effective, but without the side effects. Acne treatment systems, such as ClearPores: http://www.clearpores.com/clicks/clickthrough.html?a=150901 are also popular because of their success in dealing with the condition, but lack the extreme side that makes retinoids a pain to use. The choice between these treatments is yours.Accutane worked for me and i had really bad bacne (acne on your back) and it cleared right up. The consequence though is if you are a women you will have to do a series of questions in order to use this drug because of its harmful affects when you are pregnant (even if you are not pregnant or infertile you still have to take the test for safety reasons). Also a MAJOR side effect is severe drying out of the body. When your doctor tells you this it is not a joke it dried me up like crazy when you are on accutane I suggest stocking up on chapstick and vasoline and carrying around chapstick all the time. If you go on acutane have fun

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