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My face was always very clear as a teenager, and I did not really experience any break outs until I was pregnant with my first son (at age 20). My OB/GYN assured me that it was just hormones, but it was REALLY awful, and I really wanted to have the baby so my face would clear up. Well after he came, unfortunately my face stayed just the same. I tried a few different birth control pills in an attempt to clear it up, but to no avail.
So at some point 2-3 years later, I finally broke down and went to see a dermatologist. He diagnosed me with rosacea and gave me a prescription for Tetracycline, and some Metronidazole gel for my face. Initially, the results were astounding, and my face remained clear for almost a year, although the monthly yeast infections caused by the antibiotics were very annoying.
But of course the bacteria became resistant, and I started having trouble again. My doctor switched me to Minocycline, and my face improved again, although not so dramatically this time. But then a few months later, I became pregnant with my second son and had to discontinue all acne meds (or the pills at least) and so I was once again pregnant and miserable with my acne.
Once my second son was born, I was put back on the Minocycline, and stayed on it for about two years. My dermatologist was constantly adding topicals to my regimen in hopes of reducing the amount of antibiotics I was taking, but they all seemed to be too strong or too weak. Salicylic Acid, and Benzoyl Peroxide really don’t do much, and Differin gel made my face turn into one giant scab.
At some point about 3 years ago, I lost my insurance and had to give up on dermatologist help altogether. So I have been self medicating, but slowly getting worse over the years instead of better. I have had a few moths of remission here and there during the winter (not this winter though), but it always comes back, even worse than before. Most notably is the fact that I used to only get acne on my chin, but now I have it almost everywhere on my face. My face is TERRIBLY oily, and I don’t even bother with make-up because it just slides off within hours of application. I just recently (past 3-4 months) started getting cysts on my neck and jaw line. Plus I always have little bumps all over my shoulders, chest, and lower back.
Luckily, I finally have medical insurance again, and I got a referral to a seemingly great dermatologist. When I went to see him, I was prepared with a long list of reasons why I wanted Accutane, but he talked to me for a couple minutes, looked at my face, and suggested Accutane. I was stoked! So I got my blood work done, and got enrolled in the iPledge program. My appointment to start Accutane is Friday, February 9th. I will post pics when I can but in the meantime I am looking for advice about a few things.
I see that a lot of people take Vitamin E, but how much do I need to take? Should I start now or wait until I start Accutane?
I have always had dry lips, so I have lots of lip balm already, but I was wondering what the best lip balm is for Accutane. I usually use Carmex, but I have not seen many people choosing that brand. Is there a reason why?
I am also concerned about what to use on my face. I have always used drying face wash and never any moisturizer (due to my oily skin) so now I am not sure what to start with. Cetaphil? Clinique?
Does anybody know about hair color while on Accutane? I usually darken my hair every month or two with auburn hair color, but I don’t want to burn my scalp or anything. Anybody have personal experience with this?
So anyway, thanks for any information anybody has, and wish me luck on my journey to clear skin!
I found out that even though my appointment is February 9th, I will have to wait until the bloodwork comes back before I can start. It will most likely be February 12th or 13th before I will really be able to pop my first pill. I am also getting a little bit paranoid about the dry skin side effects. I ordered a tube of Dr Dan's Cortibalm lip stuff today, I have ALWAYS been prone to dry, peely lips, even with my terribly oily skin. Oh well, just checking in. Any advice is much appreciated. I will wait to post my before pics until the day I take my first pill. Tick... tick...tick...
