The only difference between products that contain 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide and those that contain 10 percent is that the higher percentage is so strong that it will often cause burning and and further irritation to the skin. Therefore, products with a lower percentage of benzoyl peroxide are recommended. Several drugs, including oral contraceptives, Accutane, and those containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid, can help reduce oil production. Accutane is highly effective for the long-term treatment of very serious acne. It is the strongest acne medication, and is only recommended for those with serious acne signs of scarring.
Women can safely get pregnant within a few months of going off the drug.
Other complications may include high cholesterol and trigylceride levels, very dry skin, chapped lips, and muscle and joint aches. All of these effects will subside once the medication is stopped. Accutane needs to be taken for five months in order to achieve results, and 20-30 percent of the time a second course of treatment is needed. Although many women experience acne breakouts when they go off the pill, these usually subside after six months or so, once the body has adjusted to the hormone change. Retin-A will not be effective immediately and, like Accutane, will also cause excessive drying of the skin.