441 replies to this topic

[Hopeful*]

I'm so happy to read this ! It's great to just have one less thing to worry about .  I hope eventually I will get there ...

[Jamie Ann]

I'm so happy to read this ! It's great to just have one less thing to worry about . I hope eventually I will get there ...

I hope you get there too one day! <3 Keep faith!

[NeedAMiracle!]

Yup, thats what i'm just gonna try and do And ohh okay, thanks! Yeah hopefully mine doesn't get tooo bad, but we shall see. Haha and also when did you start to reallllly notice some results happening? I mean I could always just look back in your log and see kinda where you did, but I guess its just easier getting the direct answers here from you:b I know you did say around all month two though not much really happened.

Hmm, this is kind of hard to pin down! I just remember my acne gradually going away. I didn't get ANY new active breakouts after my initial breakout. I know my forehead acne was cleared by day 35. I remember thinking how I love how smooth my forehead was, and that I wasn't used to it! I did notice my pores becoming HUGE around week 2-3. I gradually got better after day 35 and up until month 2. My last zit was on October 1st or the very end of September. Looking back at my log I still had a few pimples on my cheeks (my worst area!) on September 21st.

Yeah, NOTHING happened up until the end of month 2. After my initial breakout like 1-2 weeks in it just gradually got better from there!

And this was a post of mine from September 29th. So pretty much exactly month 2.

Things are going great, aside from that! No actives on my skin. I love running my hands over my face (in the shower only of course ) and feeling how smooth it is. It's insane how much progress I've made. I love having clear skin! Now only for my scarring to keep going away.

So there ya go!

Hey well I just wanted to say I finally started and took my 2nd pill tonight! Ahh im nervous, but so excited to get this going!
But alright cool, hopefully my initial breakout isnt too bad or doesnt last long. I have never had an initial breakout from any acne meds before which most people do, but im guessing that wont happen with this drug.. haha and alright hopefully by month 2 ill be looking better too!

[Jamie Ann]

Yup, thats what i'm just gonna try and do And ohh okay, thanks! Yeah hopefully mine doesn't get tooo bad, but we shall see. Haha and also when did you start to reallllly notice some results happening? I mean I could always just look back in your log and see kinda where you did, but I guess its just easier getting the direct answers here from you:b I know you did say around all month two though not much really happened.

Hmm, this is kind of hard to pin down! I just remember my acne gradually going away. I didn't get ANY new active breakouts after my initial breakout. I know my forehead acne was cleared by day 35. I remember thinking how I love how smooth my forehead was, and that I wasn't used to it! I did notice my pores becoming HUGE around week 2-3. I gradually got better after day 35 and up until month 2. My last zit was on October 1st or the very end of September. Looking back at my log I still had a few pimples on my cheeks (my worst area!) on September 21st.

Yeah, NOTHING happened up until the end of month 2. After my initial breakout like 1-2 weeks in it just gradually got better from there!

And this was a post of mine from September 29th. So pretty much exactly month 2.

Things are going great, aside from that! No actives on my skin. I love running my hands over my face (in the shower only of course ) and feeling how smooth it is. It's insane how much progress I've made. I love having clear skin! Now only for my scarring to keep going away.

So there ya go!

Hey well I just wanted to say I finally started and took my 2nd pill tonight! Ahh im nervous, but so excited to get this going!
But alright cool, hopefully my initial breakout isnt too bad or doesnt last long. I have never had an initial breakout from any acne meds before which most people do, but im guessing that wont happen with this drug.. haha and alright hopefully by month 2 ill be looking better too!

Ah I'm so excited for you! I hope it's not too bad either, but the breakout compared to how clear you get afterwards makes it all worth it honestly. Good luck! <3

2 MONTHS POST-ACCUTANE!

I think it's been about 2 months...not so sure! I lost track of time!

I am still 100% clear! I do not count the little white bumps on a small section of my forehead because you can't really see those anyway. BUT however, they are still there. I'm not sure what they are. Anyone know? They are little small white bumps at the top top top of my forehead on my right side. Exfoliating doesn't seem to help it either. Neither does retin-a.

Everything else is going great. My pigmentation is slowly but surely fading. I go back to my derm next month to see if she wants me to start some microdermabrasion procedures to help it out. I'm not sure if I wanna do that. A. for the cost and B. for how long you have to keep it up. Anyone have any ideas?

I've gotten several compliments on my skin lately! So happy I made this decision to get on this drug. I am living proof it works! Just hoping more of my marks continue to fade before the beach...so I feel good to go makeup-less. But like my mom said "No one has perfect skin." and she's right. I look around at other people makeup-less and they honestly look like me. But we're each our own worst critic I guess!

Good luck to everyone!

[redhead rachel]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking in this thread for the past day and I've been reading all about your progress, Jaime Ann. (Wow, that sounds so creepy! Haha!) But, I have to say, it's amazing what a transformation your skin has made on Accutane. You look fantastic! I wish you the best of luck with healing your pigmentation and I hope your skin stays clear for a very long time! If it helps, my derm prescribed me Biafine once which actually got rid of my scars very quickly.

Anyway. Thanks for sharing your journey! It's been really inspiring to me. I've been reading a lot of Accutane logs this week, as I saw my derm on Monday and he thinks I should take it. (I was shocked considering I really only have a couple small cysts and some scarring.) Already took my first pregnancy test so I'll be starting Accutane next month! Hopefully things go smoothly!

[mrjarjarbinks77]

QUOTE (Jamie Ann @ Jun 25 2011, 07:59 PM)
Here's my story. I'm Jamie. 18 and going off to college in August (probably my main reason for choosing to go on Accutane now!) I've dealt with acne since I was about 14-15 or so. I've had it every since. You name a gel, 3-step system, pills, anything...I've tried it. And nothing's worked.

My brother went on Accutane last year and cleared up his skin TREMENDOUSLY. He doesn't have a single blemish whatsoever! This should have been a trigger in my brain to start Accutane but I didn't. I kept thinking other treatments would work...and they didn't. Plus I always used to think Accutane was for horrible cystic acne. But I went to the dermatologist last week and found out otherwise.

I am now going to be taking my first Accutane pill by the end of this week! I am looking forward to great skin, just not the side effects. I hope I get lucky like my brother and cousin and just get the chapped lips (I'm ready with tubes and tubes of chapstick already!) and the dry nose and face area. That's really the only side effects he had.

He also cleared up within the first month. Which I am hoping to have as great of success with it as he did! I am just ready to get rid of acne once and for all. I've dealt with this stuff for too long.

So this is my Accutane log, and vlog possibly on youtube, not sure yet.

I go in to get my blood drawn on Tuesday and will hopefully be swallowing my first pill by Thursday. Wish me luck! <3


You went to your derm last week and get to start accutane next week? i have to wait a MONTH..how did you get them to give it to you so fast?

This just blows me away. I have been trying for two years. My family doctor offered me accutane when I said clindamycin and other topicals with antibiotics isn't working was offered accutane. I was scepticle. I should have took the prescription. Now, my family doctor recommends I see a dermatologist. Not sure if he is butt hurt? I have tried practically every known topical on the market. I am hoping this week, they will give me the clearance to go on accutane. I am Canadian and I think we have a bigger problem trying to get on it. I don't want to self medicate but, I am left with no other options.

I hate to come off less than senstive but, I have seen photos online of craters and scars of this nature. I refuse to be that guy even if it means self medicating. This is entirely unsafe but, I am trying everything I can to get this fixed and after two years, enough is enough. Congrats on getting on accutane. Its very destructive to the self esteem and mind of a person experiencing the roller coaster ride of acne or worse, scars. There is no good amount of scars. I am one of these health freaks, all about organics, all natural but, when all else fails, I turn to what I can to do better.

[Jamie Ann]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking in this thread for the past day and I've been reading all about your progress, Jaime Ann. (Wow, that sounds so creepy! Haha!) But, I have to say, it's amazing what a transformation your skin has made on Accutane. You look fantastic! I wish you the best of luck with healing your pigmentation and I hope your skin stays clear for a very long time! If it helps, my derm prescribed me Biafine once which actually got rid of my scars very quickly.

Anyway. Thanks for sharing your journey! It's been really inspiring to me. I've been reading a lot of Accutane logs this week, as I saw my derm on Monday and he thinks I should take it. (I was shocked considering I really only have a couple small cysts and some scarring.) Already took my first pregnancy test so I'll be starting Accutane next month! Hopefully things go smoothly!

Aw thank you! Reading this means a lot to me and I'm really wishing you the best. Keep me updated, and if I can answer any questions please just let me know. <3 Biafine?! Never heard of that, I'll ask my doc cause if it helps scarring that is JUST what I need!

Yeah I was shocked too but Accutane is such a miracle product for some that doctors aren't as scared nowadays to prescribe it to patients. It just sucks trying every medication known to man but when you finally get your hands on Accutane it makes it all worth it.

No problem sharing this with you guys...I know people helped me through Accutane when I first started and I wanted my log to do the same thing! Sending you good luck!

QUOTE (Jamie Ann @ Jun 25 2011, 07:59 PM)
Here's my story. I'm Jamie. 18 and going off to college in August (probably my main reason for choosing to go on Accutane now!) I've dealt with acne since I was about 14-15 or so. I've had it every since. You name a gel, 3-step system, pills, anything...I've tried it. And nothing's worked.

My brother went on Accutane last year and cleared up his skin TREMENDOUSLY. He doesn't have a single blemish whatsoever! This should have been a trigger in my brain to start Accutane but I didn't. I kept thinking other treatments would work...and they didn't. Plus I always used to think Accutane was for horrible cystic acne. But I went to the dermatologist last week and found out otherwise.

I am now going to be taking my first Accutane pill by the end of this week! I am looking forward to great skin, just not the side effects. I hope I get lucky like my brother and cousin and just get the chapped lips (I'm ready with tubes and tubes of chapstick already!) and the dry nose and face area. That's really the only side effects he had.

He also cleared up within the first month. Which I am hoping to have as great of success with it as he did! I am just ready to get rid of acne once and for all. I've dealt with this stuff for too long.

So this is my Accutane log, and vlog possibly on youtube, not sure yet.

I go in to get my blood drawn on Tuesday and will hopefully be swallowing my first pill by Thursday. Wish me luck! <3


You went to your derm last week and get to start accutane next week? i have to wait a MONTH..how did you get them to give it to you so fast?

This just blows me away. I have been trying for two years. My family doctor offered me accutane when I said clindamycin and other topicals with antibiotics isn't working was offered accutane. I was scepticle. I should have took the prescription. Now, my family doctor recommends I see a dermatologist. Not sure if he is butt hurt? I have tried practically every known topical on the market. I am hoping this week, they will give me the clearance to go on accutane. I am Canadian and I think we have a bigger problem trying to get on it. I don't want to self medicate but, I am left with no other options.

I hate to come off less than senstive but, I have seen photos online of craters and scars of this nature. I refuse to be that guy even if it means self medicating. This is entirely unsafe but, I am trying everything I can to get this fixed and after two years, enough is enough. Congrats on getting on accutane. Its very destructive to the self esteem and mind of a person experiencing the roller coaster ride of acne or worse, scars. There is no good amount of scars. I am one of these health freaks, all about organics, all natural but, when all else fails, I turn to what I can to do better.

I cannot imagine how frustrated you must be! I have heard things about other countries being hesitant to put patients on Accutane, so I am not surprised by that. I do not blame you for wanting to self-medicate.

I am a very natural and organic type of girl too but sometimes that just doesn't cut it...you need the strong stuff! Sending you good luck and I hope you can get on this drug sooner rather than later.

[mrjarjarbinks77]

I cannot imagine how frustrated you must be! I have heard things about other countries being hesitant to put patients on Accutane, so I am not surprised by that. I do not blame you for wanting to self-medicate.

I am a very natural and organic type of girl too but sometimes that just doesn't cut it...you need the strong stuff! Sending you good luck and I hope you can get on this drug sooner rather than later.

I just did blood work this past weekend, see my doctor later this week, and hopefully, I start accutane sometime this week. I am really into health, fitness, eat for functionality, not taste, I run 5km every other day, and its frustrating to experience this. I know I am not alone and having seen some pics online, I do not know how some people are so mentally tough. I have had the odd cystic pimple here and there. I do not think I could have handled a face full of them. I saw a poor girl the other day with a face full of cystic acne. People were staring which got me mad. Some people have no manners or class.

[Jamie Ann]

I cannot imagine how frustrated you must be! I have heard things about other countries being hesitant to put patients on Accutane, so I am not surprised by that. I do not blame you for wanting to self-medicate.

I am a very natural and organic type of girl too but sometimes that just doesn't cut it...you need the strong stuff! Sending you good luck and I hope you can get on this drug sooner rather than later.

I just did blood work this past weekend, see my doctor later this week, and hopefully, I start accutane sometime this week. I am really into health, fitness, eat for functionality, not taste, I run 5km every other day, and its frustrating to experience this. I know I am not alone and having seen some pics online, I do not know how some people are so mentally tough. I have had the odd cystic pimple here and there. I do not think I could have handled a face full of them. I saw a poor girl the other day with a face full of cystic acne. People were staring which got me mad. Some people have no manners or class.

Congrats! I wish you the best of luck! Oh wow I know people can be so cruel. That makes me sad and I wasn't even there.

[Jamie Ann]

Hey guys- quick update here!

You know how I was saying I had little bumps on my forehead? WELL they've gone away! I've been using Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub ONLY on my forehead, every other night (when I wash my hair) and they've completely disappeared! Love this stuff.

Anyway, thought this might be helpful!

Still 100% clear. <3

[mrjarjarbinks77]

Hey thanks Jamie. Do you have bangs? If you do it could cause irritation or a break out. Glad you have success. I start today. I am a little scared which is embarrassing since I am a guy. I love health and fitness, avoid meds yet, I go against everything I believe in. Scary since a guy posted about errection difficulties.

[Jamie Ann]

Hey thanks Jamie. Do you have bangs? If you do it could cause irritation or a break out. Glad you have success. I start today. I am a little scared which is embarrassing since I am a guy. I love health and fitness, avoid meds yet, I go against everything I believe in. Scary since a guy posted about errection difficulties.

No I don't have bangs! I'm not sure why I didn't try the scrub earlier. When I first noticed them I could (TMI, sorry) literally run my finger across my forehead and almost peel them off. Teeny tiny dots.

Well how long are you on the drug for? Even if it's 6 months, I feel like Accutane is definitely worth it because it's not like you will be on this forever- you will eventually get off and hopefully be acne free! Which other meds don't promise.

The thing my derm told me was this- the creams and things you put on your face to reduce CURRENT breakouts isn't doing anything. You need to stop acne at its SOURCE, which is what Accutane does. All the best of luck- I cannot really speak of male issues, since I am not a male! Lol hoping that won't happen to you!

[NeedAMiracle!]

"Ah I'm so excited for you! I hope it's not too bad either, but the breakout compared to how clear you get afterwards makes it all worth it honestly. Good luck! <3"

Thanks! Yeah i'm SOO ready for clear skin and super excited for that. Im on day 10 now and still don't really have any bad effects, and my lips are only slightly chapped for now. Im still waiting on my initial breakout.. I wonder if mine wont be too noticeable like yours was though..

OH and i forgot to say I also did extractions. Like 5 of them, at leastt. And i totally know what you're saying. They're AWFUL. God damn they hurt so bad. I also got lazer treatments done too which are just as bad, or even worse. And it would be all in the same time period. Like go get my face zapped over 200-300 times by a lazer, then go to the next room and get my extractions done, then a chemical peel. I did this process around 5 or 6 times I think and it was just horrible D: And it was all for nothing, so this Accutane better work!! hahah

[mrjarjarbinks77]

Hey thanks Jamie. Do you have bangs? If you do it could cause irritation or a break out. Glad you have success. I start today. I am a little scared which is embarrassing since I am a guy. I love health and fitness, avoid meds yet, I go against everything I believe in. Scary since a guy posted about errection difficulties.

No I don't have bangs! I'm not sure why I didn't try the scrub earlier. When I first noticed them I could (TMI, sorry) literally run my finger across my forehead and almost peel them off. Teeny tiny dots.

Well how long are you on the drug for? Even if it's 6 months, I feel like Accutane is definitely worth it because it's not like you will be on this forever- you will eventually get off and hopefully be acne free! Which other meds don't promise.

The thing my derm told me was this- the creams and things you put on your face to reduce CURRENT breakouts isn't doing anything. You need to stop acne at its SOURCE, which is what Accutane does. All the best of luck- I cannot really speak of male issues, since I am not a male! Lol hoping that won't happen to you!

There are just so many products out there and its frustrating to try and do different things. It sucks to have to give up so much diet wise. I did this for health and well, to help my appearance especially with acne. Even still, its been over 3yrs since I ate a piece of pizza. I feel like I have given up so much, tried all my other possible alternatives so, this really is it.

I am on it for I think 5months maybe more. Not sure if it is precautionary but, I am booked for a appointment in 2months, I got more blood work in two weeks, and then, I see my dermatologist to check up. I was not given the full course immediately. I am not sure if this is precautionary or what they usually do. I agree it is worth it if I get clear. I just don't want damaged skin but, I think accutane does cause damage with all the side effects. Acne is damaging too both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Thanks for the post.

Edited by mrjarjarbinks77, 19 April 2012 - 04:20 PM.

[Jamie Ann]

"Ah I'm so excited for you! I hope it's not too bad either, but the breakout compared to how clear you get afterwards makes it all worth it honestly. Good luck! <3"

Thanks! Yeah i'm SOO ready for clear skin and super excited for that. Im on day 10 now and still don't really have any bad effects, and my lips are only slightly chapped for now. Im still waiting on my initial breakout.. I wonder if mine wont be too noticeable like yours was though..

OH and i forgot to say I also did extractions. Like 5 of them, at leastt. And i totally know what you're saying. They're AWFUL. God damn they hurt so bad. I also got lazer treatments done too which are just as bad, or even worse. And it would be all in the same time period. Like go get my face zapped over 200-300 times by a lazer, then go to the next room and get my extractions done, then a chemical peel. I did this process around 5 or 6 times I think and it was just horrible D: And it was all for nothing, so this Accutane better work!! hahah

I hope you don't have an initial breakout! Even if you do, the clear skin that comes after it makes it worth it 100 times over.

Extractions are the worst thing ever invented on this earth. I think I'd rather give birth, no lie... Mine was all for nothing too! Who knew one simple pill could be a miracle worker when all those painful things didn't do anything? Anyways, wishing you lots of luck!

[Jamie Ann]

Hey thanks Jamie. Do you have bangs? If you do it could cause irritation or a break out. Glad you have success. I start today. I am a little scared which is embarrassing since I am a guy. I love health and fitness, avoid meds yet, I go against everything I believe in. Scary since a guy posted about errection difficulties.

No I don't have bangs! I'm not sure why I didn't try the scrub earlier. When I first noticed them I could (TMI, sorry) literally run my finger across my forehead and almost peel them off. Teeny tiny dots.

Well how long are you on the drug for? Even if it's 6 months, I feel like Accutane is definitely worth it because it's not like you will be on this forever- you will eventually get off and hopefully be acne free! Which other meds don't promise.

The thing my derm told me was this- the creams and things you put on your face to reduce CURRENT breakouts isn't doing anything. You need to stop acne at its SOURCE, which is what Accutane does. All the best of luck- I cannot really speak of male issues, since I am not a male! Lol hoping that won't happen to you!

There are just so many products out there and its frustrating to try and do different things. It sucks to have to give up so much diet wise. I did this for health and well, to help my appearance especially with acne. Even still, its been over 3yrs since I ate a piece of pizza. I feel like I have given up so much, tried all my other possible alternatives so, this really is it.

I am on it for I think 5months maybe more. Not sure if it is precautionary but, I am booked for a appointment in 2months, I got more blood work in two weeks, and then, I see my dermatologist to check up. I was not given the full course immediately. I am not sure if this is precautionary or what they usually do. I agree it is worth it if I get clear. I just don't want damaged skin but, I think accutane does cause damage with all the side effects. Acne is damaging too both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Thanks for the post.

I am not sure I agree with Accutane damaging skin. The side effects for me were all temporary and went away within a month after stopping the pill!

[NeedAMiracle!]

I'm actually not sure if I may be experiencing it now.. I was looking at pictures from before i started and my chin is wayy more inflamed and has a lot more bumps now. But its just around my mouth and chin so im not sure if its really i though. Yes im sure its worth it all in the end Thats what i was thinking during the time too!! I honestly just wanted to like cry the whole time praying for it to be over soon. hahah, and yeah thats crazy! I love how simple accutane is. No routine, pain, anything, just a little pill to swallow, its awesome! And thankyouu!

[Jamie Ann]

4 months post-Accutane!

Not sure if anyone here remembers me anymore (LOL!) but I wanted to make an update. I am still clear. I have a pimple every now and then (have one on my chin right now ) but other than that I'm clear. I also still get those bumps on my forehead which aren't really noticeable. Been exfoliating them but it hasn't been as helpful as it was in the beginning. So if anyone has a recommendation for what I should use, that would be very helpful!

Anything I get now is super duper mild compared to what I had before!

[accushame!]

Hey Jamie! I doubt you remember me lol, I havent been on here in ages.. I started accutane in september 2011 after quitting the regimen and just got off of it about a month ago now Im soo glad it worked for u! as for me, i get the occasional pimple here and there but like you said, they are soo small and "normal" now that it barely bothers me the only thing that bothers me is the fear of the acne coming back when i do see a pimple - but i try to not think about that so i don't stress out lol. im also left with a bunch of indented scars but learning to deal with it. it sucks that we didnt jump on the accutane train earlier, but the feeling of clear skin is the best ever!! wish u the best of luck and keep updating us!

[Jamie Ann]

Hey Jamie! I doubt you remember me lol, I havent been on here in ages.. I started accutane in september 2011 after quitting the regimen and just got off of it about a month ago now Im soo glad it worked for u! as for me, i get the occasional pimple here and there but like you said, they are soo small and "normal" now that it barely bothers me the only thing that bothers me is the fear of the acne coming back when i do see a pimple - but i try to not think about that so i don't stress out lol. im also left with a bunch of indented scars but learning to deal with it. it sucks that we didnt jump on the accutane train earlier, but the feeling of clear skin is the best ever!! wish u the best of luck and keep updating us!

Aw hey!!! Yes I do remember you! I'm so glad you are clear too!!! I try to not let them bother me but they have lately. And yeah, I do try to push the thought of my acne coming back FAR from my head. It's hard but I have to do it- stress just causes more pimples! Aw sorry to hear about your scars. I have some hyper-pigmentation that I'm trying to combat right now, but no indented ones. I so wish I would have jumped on it earlier too, it would have saved us lots of time and possible scaring. It really does feel great. Best of luck to you too! <3