18 replies to this topic

[ChapinaCutie]

Hey everyone,
I'm back at this again. I was hoping I wouldn't have to be after I did a round of accutane, but I'll make this journey a positive one. I figured it would be helpful to some to read about people still battling skin issues after accutane. Even if no one reads this, when I recorded my accutane progress, it really helped me stay motivated and optimistic. So I decided to start recording my results seeing as I started all the above mentioned products today.

About my skin... Well.. I went on accutane when I was 15 years old. My skin wasn't exactly the worst, I'd probably consider it persistent and mild-moderate. At the time I didn't think it was too bad, but I guess I was wrong. I have tried every product out there from drug store products to proactive to retin-a. You name it. When I did go on accutane in '08 (I have a recorded blog of my entire journey if anyone cares to read it), I had AWESOME results. In fact, I think I still have a picture of my after skin. It was amazing. I had so much confidence and I was much, much happier. Well, about 9-10 months ago (I am now 18 years old), my skin started progressively getting worse. Although I probably wouldn't say that it was anywhere near to how it was before. I have mostly redmarks and persistent pimples. So this is where I'm at now. My Derm says that I will respond much better to this treatment since I have already been on accutane. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Wish me luck

For those who do not want to read me going on and on about my crappy skin:

Long story short: Went to my derm today after 2 years post 'tane. He prescribed 100MG Minocycline 2x a day, Clindamycin, and Differin .1%. If in two months it does not clear up, I will go on accutane round 2. I REALLY do not want to have to do that.

With that being said...

Day 1
Took my first pill as soon as I came home from the Derm. Thinking about a photo log as well. Anyway, obviously no new changes today. I'm afraid for my skin to start purging in the next few weeks. Oh well, I can handle this!

Thanks for reading guys!

Edited by ChapinaCutie, 03 December 2010 - 09:51 PM.

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 3
Haven't really felt the need to post on here, nothing worth reading.
There aren't really any noticeable changes. No new actives. The ones that are on my face seem to appear smaller. No dryness or anything. Staying optimistic. How is everybody doing?

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 9

My face seems to appear a lot smoother to the touch. I used to feel my face and just feel so depressed at the amount of bumps on my face. Now, it feels very smooth and soft and i'm liking it feel a couple new actives but they are very tiny and the ones i had on my face seem to be shrinking as the days pass by. Only day 9 and i'm seeing great results. I have noticed that my face seems to be a lot more oily. I've never had a problem with oily skin. In fact, i would probably say that I've battled with dryness. But now I have to touch up my makeup way more than usual. Especially considering that the cold weather always dries out my skin. Anyone else noticed this with the products i'm using? It's not completely uncontrollable, just weird. Just a quick update for anyone who reads this. Maybe i'll post some pictures if I have the time. School and work is killing me.

[chunkylard]

Hope it works out for you. I took Mino a while back and it did absolutely nothing for me besides make me feel nauseous whenever I took it (with or without a meal.) The derm said I should take it with a meal, but that just made things worse so I usually took it on an empty or near-empty stomach (an hour or so after I ate.) Not everything that works for one person will work for another, so good luck with your post-accutane journey.

Also 100mg seems like a lot, I was taking 40 mg once a day.
Are you experiencing any side-effects?

Just remember that antibiotics shouldn't be used for a long period of time. Antibiotics don't discriminate and destroy the good bacteria present in your gut/intestines/colon, so after you get off the antibiotics, find some probiotics to restore your intestinal flora.

Edited by chunkylard, 12 December 2010 - 11:12 PM.

[ChapinaCutie]

hey chunkylard,
you know i'm actually seeing really good results but the more I research into antibiotics the more I feel like it's going to do more bad than good.... I am not experiencing any side effects at all. The only thing I can say that is different, and I don't even know if this has anything to do with it, is that my skin has become a lot more oily. Once I get off this medicine, I feel like my acne is going to come back and i'll be at zero all over again. I was actually pretty surprised that I got prescribed 100 2x a day... But hey, I guess i'll just trust my derm for now and see what it does for me. Thanks for your input! I appreciate it

Day 13

I feel like I've been on this medicine for such a long time... only been about 2 weeks. Anyway, I'm not sure if it's the differin that is doing this, but my redmarks have dramatically decreased. They are not as red. Some of them have faded completely it looks like. I'm pleasantly surprised. I've been very good about not skipping a face wash or a pill. It doesn't even look as if my skin is "purging" as they say. I've had a couple of new pimples surface but they are very tiny and seem to disappear rather quickly. Still, my skin has remained oddly oily. Nothing too extreme, just weird. I like the results I'm getting considering the short amount of time that I've been on Mino. Let's keep this up I'm starting to feel like there's a little bit of hope for my skin. I miss my clear skin. I remember how happy I was after accutane. Hope everyone is getting good results. I'll keep you all updated. Even if just one person reads this, I don't mind. Anyway, stay positive. I know i'm trying!

Edited by ChapinaCutie, 16 December 2010 - 11:11 PM.

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 19


So at this point with my skin, I feel as if I've reached a plateau. Only because I felt like my skin was reacting very well and quite quickly the first couple of days. My skin felt significantly smoother and my red marks were disappearing. I know I'm writing as ifI expect this to work so soon, but it doesn't feel like anything is getting any better or any worse for that matter. I do have a few blemishes along my jaw line which i rarely get. Maybe my skin is having its "purge" to rid of all the crap in my face. Also, i think my skin has become a little harder to control in regards to the oil problem. I find myself having to touch up my foundation every 2 hours or so. I'm not used to it at all... Anyway thats pretty much it regarding my skin. I'll continue to stay positive and hope to have more dramatic result in the next month or so. Smile everyone !

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 31

1 Month Down!!

Happy New Year!!! (I know I'm a few days late )

So it's been exactly one month since I've started this routine... I am pretty pleased with the results so far considering it's only been one month. I have no acne on my forehead or right side of my cheek. On the left side, I think I have about one or two. As for my jaw line, it doesn't feel as if I have any blemishes. Things have cleared up pretty well. I'm not completely clear nor where I want to be, but I'm slowly but surely gaining my confidence back. My redmarks seem smaller and less red. That's mostly what I have now anyway. I'm looking to switch to a new cleanser and moisturizer... Anybody have any reccommendations?

Overall Summary:

Pros

• Skin is significantly smoother, less bumpy
• No new breakouts (for the most part)
• Existing breakouts cleared up rather quickly

Cons

• Oil in my skin has increased a lot (but I have no idea what's causing that)

There you have it. The derm said I should be clear by month 2. I'm staying positive, I really think that I can get my skin to clear up! I'm excited. It can only get better Here's to a new year of clear skin and healthy lives!! Smile everyone!

Edited by ChapinaCutie, 03 January 2011 - 03:17 PM.

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 34

So... Everything is going pretty well... I had a couple new blemishes pop up about 2 days ago. Isn't too bad and it seems as if things are clearing up quickly. I'm not too bummed about this breakout. I'm trying so hard not to obsess over every new thing that appears on my skin. I'm happy about the results I've had so far. I'm just wondering though, what will happen to my skin once I am off the medicine? I don't want to have to be on antibiotics forever. Is this just a temporary fix while I'm on the medicine and once I stop, I will have a face full of zits again? Just a few things that I have been thinking about. Any answers would be appreciated. Also, since my skin is pretty under control (I mostly have just redmarks), I purchased Dan Kern's "the regimen" which I think will work pretty nicely with my skin. I'm not sure I'm going to start it right away, but I purchased it as a backup. We'll see how that goes. I have been searching for a new cleanswer and moisturizer so maybe I will use that as is. Anyway, I'm just rambling. Skin is still oddly oily. That's it for now. No major updates. I've been thinking about posting up pictures. I didn't even think twice about it when I was on accutane 2 years ago. Now, I'm like lol. I'm thinking about it. Thanks for reading everyone! Happy Thursday!

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 36

(Workout Day 1)

Things are looking wonderful! I haven't had any new actives in a while. The mini breakout I had a few days ago is completely gone! No redmarks. It was gone as fast as it came. I do have a T0N of redmarks but that is a whole different story. I'm feeling more and more hopeful at this point. I've even been inspired to start working out again after about 2 months of quitting and feeling completely hopeless with myself. Diet is going to change as well, no more junk. Not only is it not good for my body, but my skin can benefit from eating better. I've been taking some vitamins and DHA/EPA pills as well. I figured that if I am beating something that I never thought I could (skin issues), I might as well see what else I can beat if I stay consistent. 2011, you are looking mighty great so far! Gotta stay positive. Hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for reading

[jets0006]

Hey! i am also on minocycline 100 mg 2x a day. although i am not taking any topicals along with it because every topical i use literally burns my skin causing it to excessively dry out and not help with my acne at all. but i have been on mino for about a month now and i feel like its a roller coaster as to if its working or not. at first it seemed like it was getting a lot better, but now ive been having new breakouts. i was just wondering if you think that my skin is "purging" and hopefully i will be able to see results soon?!

[ChapinaCutie]

Hey! i am also on minocycline 100 mg 2x a day. although i am not taking any topicals along with it because every topical i use literally burns my skin causing it to excessively dry out and not help with my acne at all. but i have been on mino for about a month now and i feel like its a roller coaster as to if its working or not. at first it seemed like it was getting a lot better, but now ive been having new breakouts. i was just wondering if you think that my skin is "purging" and hopefully i will be able to see results soon?!

Hmm... It could be the 'purge" I started to see my skin "purge" about 2 weeks or so into it. The reason that I experienced it faster could probably be the fact that I started using topicals with it as well... My derm told me that taking Mino alone (no topicals at all) would not clear up my skin. I don't know how bad your skin is but that might be something to keep in mind. Hang in there! Are you using any type of cleanser at all?

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 38

(Workout Day 3)

I've stopped applying the topicals since last Thursday and started DKR. The reason I did this is because I am still trying to find out what is causing my oily skin. Also, I had been experiencing dry patches near my scalp. I have NEVER had that before and I was trying to stick through it but it was annoying me. Anyway, since stopping the topicals, my face has appeared a lot less oily. I'm grateful for that. I am loving DKR. Haven't experienced any dryness yet and the stubborn pimples I had are gone. The dry patches I was talking about have gone away completely as well. So I think I'll stick to DKR and my minocycline as prescribed. I usually breakout with chocolate so I decided to perform and experiment and ate 3 hershey's kisses to see if I'd breakout even with the minocycline and DKR. I am hoping I don't. I'd hate to have a breakout that was self inflicted. Anyway, nothing new besides that. I'm staying optimistic.

[sergiox2]

Hey,

I am in exactly the same boat. I was one accutane a year ago and it cleared up my acne for the most part leaving only a few white heads when treatment was over. I was clear for a good 6 months and then I started to break out a little here and there but now my skin is getting progressively worse and so I am meeting with my derm this week. I really dont wanna go on a second course of accutane just because it is pretty harsh on the body and hard to maintain a lookable appearance when you get the huge initial breakout and dryness. So I was wondering if I should try antibiotics again like minocycline. I was just wondering how your journey has progressed since your last post? Please let me know, thank you

[ChapinaCutie]

Day 66

(workout day 31)

Hey everyone,

it's been a little while since I last posted on here. Everything is going pretty well with my skin. It's clear for the most part besides 2 pimples that I have but I am convinced after multiple times of experimenting with eating chocolate that it is caused because of that. So as much as I enjoy chocolate, I am going to stay away from eating it. Still using DKR but I only apply the BP once a day. Really regulates the dryness and I don't feel as if I need it twice a day anymore. I'm proud of myself for continuing to workout. I've lost about 7lbs already. This week has been rough for me and I'll admit that I skipped washing my face once or twice and even working out. My friend passed away on Saturday rather tragically, it's been pretty hard to keep my routine but I'm staying strong. Prayers go out to her family. One thing i will tell you all, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.

Anyway, things are going well. I've been so sleepy lately and I don't know why. Hope everyone's skin is behaving. Take care and stay smiling


Sergiox2- Honestly my skin has been clearing up rather quickly considering it's only been two months. I was on antibiotics pre accutane with no luck but my derm said that people respond much better to previous treatments after accutane. Give it a shot, I'm glad I did. I say try out antibiotics for two months, and if it doesn't work or at you don't see any improvement, give accutane a second try. I am keeping it as a definite last resort. Good luck and let me know how things go!

Edited by ChapinaCutie, 08 February 2011 - 04:23 PM.

[ChapinaCutie]

Been over 3 months. Im completely clear. No actives DKR is a miracle and a blessing. My next journey? Getting rid of red marks! I am so grateful that I didn't have to resort to accutane round 2!! I now eat chocolate without fear (kinda, lol). Life's a tad bit better

[jets0006]

Been over 3 months. Im completely clear. No actives DKR is a miracle and a blessing. My next journey? Getting rid of red marks! I am so grateful that I didn't have to resort to accutane round 2!! I now eat chocolate without fear (kinda, lol). Life's a tad bit better

hello! im also on minocycline 100mg 2x a day and i just reached my 3 month mark a couple days a go. i was just wondering how long it took for you to see any results? i notice that parts of face are clearing up ( if not completely clear) but areas like my chin and mouth are still breaking out. in your opinion should i wait a little bit longer since those have always been my problem areas and i also just stopped my period so that could be another possibility to why i broke out.. but anyway do you have nay suggestions ?!

[jets0006]

???

[i luv elizabeth taylor]

So i was browsing through the forums and thought i should stop to say something here. I wish derms would give people warning before prescribing antibiotics. Of course they don't do this because you are a dollar sign to them first and a human being struggling to achieve good skin second. If they really cared about your situation, they would tell you that antibiotics only work while you are on them. I have read stories about people struggling with acne, then achieving perfect skin for a few years, and then having their acne return worse than ever. Think about it this way. Your body has a super bacteria fighting agent in it for two or three years and then suddenly loses it. What do you think is going to happen? Unless you managed to outgrow your acne in that time, you will get it again.
You can dramatically boost your immune system without antibiotics by eating a healthy diet, taking supplements like cod liver oil, vitamin C, various herbal supplements, staying hydrated, etc.
I know many people think of derms as these saintly people who will be the answer to their acne, but most of them are thinking about money. It is a business after all. So to everyone thinking about trying antibiotics, or to those currently on them, i really hope you go a different route, because it can only bring you temporary relief.

[ChapinaCutie]

So i was browsing through the forums and thought i should stop to say something here. I wish derms would give people warning before prescribing antibiotics. Of course they don't do this because you are a dollar sign to them first and a human being struggling to achieve good skin second. If they really cared about your situation, they would tell you that antibiotics only work while you are on them. I have read stories about people struggling with acne, then achieving perfect skin for a few years, and then having their acne return worse than ever. Think about it this way. Your body has a super bacteria fighting agent in it for two or three years and then suddenly loses it. What do you think is going to happen? Unless you managed to outgrow your acne in that time, you will get it again.
You can dramatically boost your immune system without antibiotics by eating a healthy diet, taking supplements like cod liver oil, vitamin C, various herbal supplements, staying hydrated, etc.
I know many people think of derms as these saintly people who will be the answer to their acne, but most of them are thinking about money. It is a business after all. So to everyone thinking about trying antibiotics, or to those currently on them, i really hope you go a different route, because it can only bring you temporary relief.

I COMPLETELY agree. I am no longer taking antibiotics and am instead using dan kern's The Regimen. Now that is a miracle in a bottle. Cleared me up faster than anything I have ever tried. I really reccommend it to everyone. It's a blessing and a life saver. Although I know the antibiotics helped jump start my skin clearing process, DKR is keeping it under control Thanks for expressing your concern!