I started getting acne around middle school. Initially, it started as just a few bumps and was pretty manageable with OTC acne spot treatments. As I got into high school, it worsened A LOT. The bumps turned to cystic acne - and it was on my face AND back. I went to my family dermatologist, who put me on some antibiotics and some topical treatments. The topical treatments dried out my skin and had zero to little impact on my acne. And the medication didnt do anything as well. I got sick on the Tetracycline. I was ultimately put on Accutane - 20mg for 8 months. The first couple of months were uneventful. Aside from drier skin, I didnt notice much improvement to my acne. But then it all started going away. My skin started to look normal - smooth, soft, and blemish free. I LOVED it!

The 8 months went by, and my skin cleared up completely. The first couple of months post-Accutane were fine. The dry skin remained, but the acne didnt come back. Then one bump after another, it started coming back. It was not as bad as before, but it did come back. This time, I was also dealing with dry skin (previously, I had oily skin and acne).

I tried so many things over the years as I didnt want to go back on Accutane (not that I was given that option). I tried various diets, lotions, supplements, etc. I ended up sticking with Cetaphil Restoraderm for my moisturizer and Purpose Cleansing Bar for my cleanser. I also use the Shiseido Benefiance eye cream at night (as my skin is still dry post-Accutane) and sheet masks for acne/hydration from Blossomasks and Facetory every other day.

Not sure if these products truly worked to heal my skin, or if it simply took time and my skin would have cleared up regardless of what I tried. I can finally say that I am happy with my skin.