JennieK- I had the same experience with Proactiv. I realize that BCPs only mask the problem, which really frustrates me, but I don't know what else to do about the acne. I'm like you. Without it I'm a mess. I don't want to have to take this stuff forever, you know? I would like to eventually go off of them to see what level my hormones are at, and perhaps try something to improve the imbalance. Unfortunately for the time being I'm uninsured and can't afford the cost of the lab work. Do you know how long you should be off of BCPs to get an accurate reading of your hormones? I usually have severe cystic acne about 4 weeks after stopping them, and I just don't know if I can go through that AGAIN! I suppose I'm going to have to do it eventually though. *sigh* Sometimes I get so tired of dealing with this all of the time.
