For those who have never experienced the frustration and self-consciousness that comes with persistent acne, it can be difficult to understand the profound impact it has on your life. As someone who has grappled with this skin condition for over a decade, I know firsthand the toll it takes on your confidence and the relentless search for a solution that works.

One of the most disheartening aspects of dealing with acne is the trial-and-error process of finding a treatment that not only clears your skin but keeps it clear for the long haul. From over-the-counter products to prescription medications, the options seem endless, yet the results are often temporary or come with unwanted side effects. It's a cycle of hope and disappointment that can leave you feeling like you'll never achieve the clear skin you desire.

In this post, I'll be sharing my candid experiences with nine different acne treatments I've tried over the years. From benzoyl peroxide washes to oral antibiotics, I'll dive into the pros, cons, and lessons learned from each one. My goal is to provide an unfiltered look at what worked, what didn't, and the insights I gained along the way. I’ll also introduce you to Honeydew, which provides an easy way for you to manage your acne and get access to the best acne medications.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

As a teen, I developed acne, and at sixteen, I was desperate for a solution.

I began my acne-fighting journey with a 10% benzoyl peroxide wash that I bought over the counter. I had heard countless success stories about how great it was for treating acne and was eager to see if it could work for me. However, I quickly realized that I had jumped into the deep end.

The high concentration was too harsh for my sensitive skin, leaving it red, dry, and irritated. In hindsight, I could have started with a gentler 5% formulation, but some people love their 10% BP Wash.

2. Sulfur Wipes

Wanting a change from Benzoyl Peroxide, I moved on to sulfur wipes (sodium sulfecetamide + sulfur), another popular acne remedy. I was excited to try wipes instead of a wash, but I soon discovered that the strong, pungent smell of sulfur was not something I could tolerate every day. I felt like I smelled like sulfur all day. Despite my best efforts to stick with the treatment, I found myself dreading my skincare routine and eventually admitted defeat.

Although these wipes didn't work for me, I've heard from many people who love their sulfur cleanser. In particular, I've found that women tend to like this product more than men.

Either way, the wipes didn't clear my acne.

3. Aczone (Dapsone)

Aczone was the first prescription cream I ever tried, and I remember feeling so optimistic. After all, it was a $600 cream with a fancy pump. I applied it twice a day, and while it did provide some improvement, I never got 100% clear.

However, Aczone comes at a cost – it is rarely covered by insurance. Today, most people now use the generic version, dapsone, which costs less than the brand-name drug.

4. Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Alongside Aczone, my dermatologist also introduced me to tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative that has gained popularity on social media for its acne-fighting and anti-aging properties. At the time, it was just something that my dermatologist recommended.

I only used Tretinoin at night, because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

I have to admit, I got a bit overzealous with the application at first. While dermatologists recommend using a "pea-sized" amount, I was determined to get rid of my acne and used more, which led to intense stinging and irritation. There were times when my skin would become so sensitive that I had to take a break from all my acne medications for a few days just to let it calm down. I found that applying a layer of Vaseline at night helped soothe my skin during these flare-ups.

Eventually, I found my rhythm with tretinoin and used it consistently. For a while, my skin would look clear, but a few months later, I'd feel that all-too-familiar pain beneath the surface, signaling that a breakout was imminent. Within a week, my face would be covered in zits once again.

I started to suspect that my acne was caused by something happening under my skin, not just on the surface. At the time, I didn't understand the science behind acne, but now I know that I was right. Acne forms under the skin, from the inside.

It became increasingly clear that topical treatments alone weren't going to be enough to tackle my stubborn acne.

5. Doxycycline

When topical treatments failed to provide a lasting solution, I ultimately upgraded to an oral medication called Doxycycline. I took this in conjunction with Tretinoin and Aczone (dapsone), hoping that the combination would finally banish my acne for good.

To my amazement, Doxycycline worked wonders. Within just 1-2 weeks, my skin was clearer than it had been in years. I had to take the pill for several weeks to maintain the effect.

A few times, I made the mistake of taking it on an empty stomach, or without enough water. The burning sensation was intense. Do not make that mistake.

After a month or so of diligently taking Doxycycline, my skin was completely clear, and I was given the green light to stop the medication while continuing with Tretinoin and Aczone. I was happy with my skin for the first time in years.

Unfortunately, as you might have guessed, within another month or two, my acne came back with a vengeance. The medication only works while you're taking it. Otherwise, the bacteria that contribute to acne just grow back. It's not ideal to be on antibiotics long-term, as they can disrupt your gut health (pro tip: take probiotics while on antibiotics).

Thus began a seemingly never-ending on-off cycle with antibiotics whenever I experienced flare-ups. It was frustrating, but it worked – until it didn't. Eventually, my skin bacteria became resistant to Doxycycline, and we had to bring in reinforcements

6. Duricef

Enter Duricef, an alternative antibiotic that my acne hadn't yet developed a resistance to. My experience with Duricef was very similar to Doxycycline, minus the intense heartburn. It cleared my skin well, but once I stopped taking it, the acne would return.

Over time, I became resistant to Duricef too, and we switched back to Doxycycline, which worked again – for a while. My dermatologist and I found that cycling between Doxycycline and Duricef was the most effective way to control my flare-ups because when my acne became resistant to one antibiotic, it would be susceptible to the other.

7. Clindamycin

The last oral antibiotic I ever took for acne was Doxycycline. After trying many medications, my skin was mostly clear by my mid-twenties. To maintain my progress and manage any milder acne or flare-ups, I was given a topical routine.

I used a clindamycin gel during my morning routine. To my surprise, I actually liked it quite a bit. It wasn't irritating, and I found it effective at keeping my skin clear. The tube also lasted me an impressively long time because I used it sparingly – so much so that eventually, it expired with half of the product still remaining! While clindamycin is a good ingredient for controlling milder acne, it wouldn't have stood a chance against the cystic acne I was used to battling in the past.

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8. Epiduo Forte

As part of my maintenance routine, my dermatologist also prescribed me Epiduo Forte, a compounded FDA-approved medication that combines benzoyl peroxide and adapalene. Adapalene is a retinoid similar to tretinoin, but it's more stable, making it possible to mix with other beneficial ingredients. It's also known to be less irritating than tretinoin.

I really liked this cream and found it to work very well in clearing any mild acne, including blackheads. I used it every night without experiencing any irritation or redness, which was a welcome change from my previous experiences with harsher treatments. Using Epiduo Forte also gave me a greater appreciation for benzoyl peroxide, as the 3% concentration in this cream was much gentler than the 10% wash I had used in the past.

For almost a year, my skin remained completely clear while using clindamycin and Epiduo Forte. At the time, this was probably the longest stretch of my life that I had gone without any acne breakouts.

Then, it happened. Just when I thought I had finally achieved lasting clear skin, a huge, painful cyst the size of a quarter popped up on my forehead. That cyst was the last straw.

9. Accutane

Like many people, I had been saving Accutane as an absolute last resort. I had heard scary stories about the medication and was hesitant to risk it. But after a decade of struggling with acne, I told myself that if my acne ever came back, I would give Accutane a try. And now, here I was, facing that very situation.

Before starting Accutane, I did a ton of research. I was nervous about the potential side effects and the commitment required. In the US, to go on the medication, you have to enroll in a program called iPledge, which basically makes you pledge that you won't get pregnant (even if you are biologically male) and requires you to sign a consent form that can make you feel like you're signing your life away.

However, as I dug deeper into the research, my perspective shifted. The results were incredible, and the side effects were actually extremely rare. With 40 years of research on this medication, we now have a wealth of knowledge that didn't exist when people were spreading scary rumors about Accutane. And then, I found the jackpot – a study on Accutane dosing.

It turns out that lower doses of Accutane are just as effective as higher doses; you simply take the medication for a longer period. By opting for a lower dose, you can minimize the risk of side effects (besides the pregnancy one – you still should not get pregnant while on Accutane!).

In the US, people have historically been dosed too high in a race to get clear as quickly as possible and be done with the burden of monthly doctor's visits and iPledge requirements. But I figured, having already suffered with acne for a decade, I didn't mind taking a low dose for 1-2 years and feeling safer in the process. Plus, my skin would be clear for the majority of that time anyway.

Another factor that made my decision easier was the ability to get Accutane online through Honeydew, the company I co-founded with my dermatologist to make getting medications more convenient and accessible. Yes -- in the midst of dealing with acne for so many years, trying all of these treatments, and waiting 4-6 months for every appointment, I started a company with my dermatologist because I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I began my Accutane journey at 20mg daily. The very next day and for the entire week after, my lips became drier than the Sahara desert. I religiously applied Vaseline and Aquaphor healing ointment multiple times a day. This side effect is so common among Accutane patients that I'm now working with a team at Honeydew to develop an ultra-healing lip balm specifically formulated for Accutane patients for added protection and comfort.

Aside from the dry lips, I experienced no other side effects. I continue to take Accutane to this day, and the skin on my entire body has never been clearer. I receive compliments almost daily.

Every time I take my Accutane pill, I smile, knowing that I'll be acne-free for life. Whether I'm among the 70% of patients who achieve lasting results after one course or the 30% who may need a maintenance dose, I now have a tool that will always work for me.

My biggest regret is not starting Accutane 10 years ago, which would have saved me from so much suffering, pain, scarring, time, and money. But then again, I wouldn't have been able to share all this experience with you.

Lessons Learned And Recommendations

Throughout my decade-long journey battling acne, I've learned it's crucial to listen to your skin, pay attention to how it reacts to different treatments, and be patient with the process.

Ultimately, there are a number of treatments, including topical creams, oral antibiotics, and, in my case, Accutane, that can be effective in controlling acne. While the path to clear skin may not be linear, there are several options worth exploring. If you're currently struggling with acne, I recommend considering the following:

• Benzoyl peroxide washes (start with a lower concentration to minimize irritation)
• Sulfur products (if you can tolerate the smell)
• Prescription creams like Aczone and Tretinoin
• Oral antibiotics like Doxycycline and Duricef
• Topical treatments like clindamycin and Epiduo Forte
• Accutane (if you're willing to commit to the treatment and closely monitor potential side effects)

Accutane is what ultimately worked best for me, though it does require careful medical supervision. Ironically, despite its reputation, Accutane has been the treatment I've experienced the least side effects with. Everyone's experience is different, and it's essential to weigh the risks and benefits with your dermatologist.

My Mission: Create Access To Effective Acne Treatment

My personal acne journey has not only transformed my skin but also inspired me to help others facing similar struggles. Along with Dr. Joel Spitz, the talented dermatologist who guided me through this experiment and whose textbook is taught in every dermatology residency in the country, I co-founded Honeydew. What began as a way for me to access treatments for my skin more efficiently has evolved into a mission to spread access to effective skin treatment worldwide.

At Honeydew, we're dedicated to making the latest and most effective skincare solutions accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation. By leveraging technology and partnering with expert dermatologists like Dr. Spitz, we aim to simplify the process of obtaining prescription treatments, provide personalized guidance, and empower individuals to take control of their skin health.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my 10-year journey to clear skin, I'm filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude for the knowledge and resilience I've gained, empathy for those still struggling with acne, and determination to make a difference in the lives of others. While the path to clear skin is not easy, I hope that by sharing my story and the lessons I've learned, I can save others time, money, and stress.

Remember, you are not alone in this battle. Acne is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and there is no shame in seeking professional treatment. With the right combination of patience, professional guidance, and treatment, you CAN have the clear skin you deserve.

If you're ready to take the next step in your acne journey, I invite you to explore the resources and expertise available through Honeydew.