I did the accutane under a doctor's care. I would not have done it if I had known then what I know now. You really have to research the life time side effects. I had joint pain during the treatment which only the super-athletes are known for this side effect. I'm not a super-athlete but it even became painful to walk during treatment and I still have some joint pain today. I'm wondering what it will be like when I am older. It's effect was good for about 2 years with me. At that time I decided that I was not going to repeat the process so I began to keep a notebook of what I ate and what I used on my skin and that worked out great for me. I became aware of what I could and could not eat and use on my skin and rarely have any break outs now. Everything has a side effect so make sure you are knowledgeable and willing to accept the side effects down the road.