I was reading the olive oil thread recently too! I was thinking about giving it a try but I'm running out of time to time to use the gazillion treatments I try to fit in every day. I'm using the turmeric right now but I've only been able to use it for a few days so I don't really know if it'll work yet, but I've got my fingers crossed! I'm glad to hear you're clearing up and that you had a "good" night on New Years Eve. I know how hard it is to have a good time when you're constantly worrying about your skin.

Good luck on your tane course.....I saw how you mentioned that you wanted to come clean to your friends about being on accutane, well i happened to tell all my friends about it and they all seem happy for me idk some of my old friends i see every once and a while will come up to me and tell me my skin looks so much better... I would just come clean im sure they will understand.......Im currently on 40mg every even day and 80 mg every odd day pushing towards my fourth month...Best of luck threw your tane journey......

Daniel J - I am up to 80mg/day, but I don't remember what I was on the first time around. I'm guessing I was on 40mg/day. Looking forward to day 30, then!

MEaGAiN - So off the top of my head, I tried Retin A, Retin A micro, Differin, Tazorac, Minocycline, Tetracycline, Clindamycin, Birth control pills, Oracea and probably a couple of other things before I went on Accutane. By my senior year of hs, I constantly got these obnoxious cysts on my cheeks and Accutane was the only thing that has ever worked for me. I read that you just got the clindamycin, maybe you should give that a try before resorting to Accutane. Are you also on an oral antibiotic? I was 17, almost 18 when I first started taking it the first time, I know how frustrating it is even at that age to still have acne when everyone around you seems to have outgrown it. As far as grad school, I am getting my masters in physiology, but plan on applying to med school this summer because research isn't for me. It's been a long trip, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end!

Daisy B - I know what you mean, there are so many treatments and home remedies to try and so little time!! I used the tumeric for the first time last night, how on earth did you get rid of the yellow stain on your skin!? Is it working for you so far?

PeRsiSteD - Thank you for your comment, I am glad to hear that your friends are so supportive. I am embarrassed to tell my friends because none of them have ever had an acne problem so they have no idea how much heartache my skin has caused me. Good luck with your course, has 80mg/every other day worked for you?

Month 1, Week 2

Day 14

I increased my dosage to 80 mg today! Bring it on, IB!!!!!

I went to the store today and bought a ton of stuff. A special shoutout to Yo Adrienne who recommended half of these products, and to all the users who raved about CeraVe lotion.

• Omega 3, Vit E and Ca+2 supplements
• Mini Jergens hand lotion
• CeraVe lotion
• Vanicream lotion
• vaseline
• Dove moisturizing body soap
• Nivea kiss of moisture lip balm
• Mini Aquaphors
• more eyedrops
• Jojojojojoba oil
• Dry scalp dandruff shampoo??? heard I will need it?

I feel prepared for the side effects, but please tell me if there are any other supplements or moisturizing agents that I should buy.

I had a small breakout on my chin that I may or may not have popped (hehe oops) that is healing. I have a group of about 8 cysts on the left side of my face, but they are located near my ear so my hair easily covers them. I also got a new cyst on the edge of my forehead near my hairline, as well as a big fat obese guy on my right cheek. I actually like this IB because it reassures me that Accutane is bringing the bad guys to the surface.

I wore a tumeric mask to bed last night(tumeric + water) and for the life of me it would not come off this morning, despite my heroic scrubbing efforts. My face looked hilarious because the little scabs retained the yellow color and it looked like I drew all over my face with a yellow highlighter. I looked dead sexy.

I got invited to go golfing yesterday, but fraternizing with cute boys in broad daylight will not be allowed until all the Mr. Cysts decide to go away. I have never golfed before, but I like the idea of driving a golf cart.

PS - I noticed that I am now a veteran member!! How 'bout them apples!?

hey-

using turmeric is pretty common for Indians (like me!) as a kind of a cure all. Its has strong healing properties, and naturally slows down hair growth. Plus it works on shrinking the size of active acne while fading red marks.

I always loved using it because it seemed to add a glow to my face and my face seemed clearer. It is a PAIN to wash it off though. Make sure you wash your face with a good cleanser 2-3 times to make sure it all comes off. (haha not to mention the mess it leaves behind on white surfaces)

Also, I never heard of ppl sleeping with the mask, most people just leave it on for a half an hour... do you find your face irritated after leaving it so long?

I loved how tumeric made my face feel the next morning. My skin wasn't irritated at all, I just looked like I had some crazy jaundice going on. Do you know if ingesting tumeric also has the same effect on acne? Do you have any recommendations for getting it off!? By the way I like your name on here and those cupcakes look delicious.

thanks! lol im working up the courage to post my real face. im still paranoid that some random person will recognize me or something.

actually tumeric is commonly used in alot of indian food, so yes it can be ingested. I always feels my skin clears up a little more when I go back home and naturally eat more indian food (or maybe I'm just imagining that).

haha its kinda funny how commonly tumeric is used. once my dad got a hugeeee cut and he just smeared a lot of tumeric on it (probably not the best thing to do lol).

to get it off, i used to do it in the shower and washed my face with a medicated face wash (hmm this was before accutane tho) multiple times. Maybe there always was a slight yellowish tinge left behind, but it wasn't as apparent on my skin.

I need to start eating more Indian food then. Indian food is sooo good but kind of hard to come by in Arizona. Maybe I will sprinkle tumeric on my mexican food

Your dad sounds like the character in My Big Fat Greek Wedding that uses windex as a cure-all....except with tumeric! lol

I was scared that someone would recognize me too, but obviously they have acne too if they are on this website. So if they say anything it would be a pot calling the kettle black, complete and utter hypocrisy! If anyone makes fun of me, I'll just punch them in the baby maker.

yea i hope the clindamycin lotion works, but i also have comedonal acne and my derm said that shed prescribe a retinoid on my next appt (in march) if the clindamycin doesnt work. im so scurred of retin A tho cause everyone says it gives them a crazy IB...oh well. goood luck on med school! u sound like a smart/nicee person, im sure u'll do great things. Oh and I hope the stuff u bought helps the tane side effects!

I loved how tumeric made my face feel the next morning. My skin wasn't irritated at all, I just looked like I had some crazy jaundice going on. Do you know if ingesting tumeric also has the same effect on acne? Do you have any recommendations for getting it off!? By the way I like your name on here and those cupcakes look delicious.

Hi there,

I have been reading your blog with interest and it sounds like you are already on your way to success. I have to say that when I read about you and a few other's trying tumeric on your face, I knew I had to post. I had the most awful tumeric experience about six months ago. I too had heard about the healing properties so I created a tumeric paste and applied it to my entire face. I left it on for about an hour. It was the evening so my bathroom was darker than normal when I washed it off so I didn't notice anything. Same went for the morning when I was applying my make-up. So... went to work under lovely florescent lighting...all of my co-workers were asking me if I had face paint on. I looked in my compact and all around my eyebrows, mouth and nose, I was BRIGHT yellow. I mean, YELLOW. I looked awful. I ran to the rest room and with some nasty paper towels, did everything I could to scrub my face. I improved it but let me tell you, I had still had yellow stains on my face for days! Be extra, extra careful if your skin is not already dark. Especially now with it being so dry. Yikes, you could have yellow flakes for days! On a side note, my skin really did feel cleaner and nicer afterwards!

MeAGAiN - Out of all the products that I tried that eventually failed, I'd have to say I liked clindamycin the best. Retin A didn't really work for me, although my old dermatologist told me that her patients that used it in their 20's had a decreased prevalence of wrinkles in their 30's. She also told me to not get married until I am in my 30's, so some of her advice did not relate to acne, she was very random. Although if you are seriously considering taking the Accutane leap, I must say that I strongly advocate it. Accutane is such a miracle drug, but most dermatologists will exhaust every other option before prescribing it. Hang in there, and keep me posted on the effectiveness of clindamycin.

CDN - Thank you for reading my Accutane log! I know I ramble here and there, so it quite an accomplishment that someone made it all the way through! I am so sorry to hear about your embarrassing experience with tumeric, were you able to have a good laugh about it later? Once class starts up again and I will actually have to leave the house and enter civilization, I will limit my tumeric mask to the weekends. Did you notice it all over your hands too? My fingernails were bright yellow! I even followed someone's advice to apply it with a cotton ball to avoid dyeing my hands, but of course in the process of washing it off it couldn't be avoided. Thank you again for the support!

Daniel J - How do you know all this!? I got a minor in chemistry and I don't know jack about zinc or selenium. Thank you for being my personal pharmacist, haha. Ummm I bought a knockoff brand of head and shoulders because I am a starving college student. The active ingredient is zinc. I don't see DEA under the inactive ingredients so I'll use it and look for selenium next time. Thank you!

I used to feel the same way embarrassed as hell to tell my friends about my acne prob, they 2 don't have any issues pertaining to acne.....I know how you feel it has caused much pain 2 me but just overcome that pain and stay positive it will be all good.....As for the 80mg every other day i would have to say it has worked pretty well still get a active every once and a while but its not that big of a burden.....Best of Luck.....

I love your log, you are so positive!!

I went to try the tumeric thing.. Smeared it on my face, took one look at myself and quickly washed it off!!! haha I was so scared that it wouldn't come off for work the next day so I think I am going to have to skip that one!

What is this jojoba(sp?) oil everyone is talking about lol and what does it do and where do I get it?!

haha ur old derm sounds goofy. yea i have a bunch of closed comedonal acne (all that under the skin clogged pores) and ive read a lot of posts on here that low dose accutane works wonders for that so i want to print out an article and show it to my derm next time. Im afraid retin A will be soo harsh on my skin, thats what everybody says. But yea clindamycin is working really well for my inflammed acne, i like it, its so smooth and not harsh at all . SO i guess next time i see my derm, ill talk to her about low dose accutane ans see what she says. Hows ur IB goin?

Hey there!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your log! I honestly feel like I'm reading a memoir of my own life. Over break I am done absolutely nothing, except sit at home and watch movies with my parents. Total loser land...but what are ya gonna do? I am ridiculously self-conscious, and my friends are constantly badgering me to come out with them, but I just do not feel like I'm ready to face the world. Anyways, I am starting on accutane tomorrow, which I'm pretty nervous about. Reading your log has been inspirational though.

Thank you everyone commenting on my log documenting my second course of Accutane!! The support really helps me through my battle with acne.

Persisted - It's not too late to start a log!!! I want to see your progress since you have a high dose like me, lol.

DM - It is so easy for me to be positive, especially now that I am back on Accutane. No matter how terrible my skin looks now, I know that it will look amazing in a couple of months! For more information regarding jojoba oil, go to this link JOJOJOJOJOBA OIL and you can read about all the wonderful benefits of it. I purchased mine at Sunflower Market in the supplement aisle. It was kind of pricey, but I have heard great things about it, so you should look into getting some before you start your Accutane course.

MEaGAiN - My old dermatologist was this tall skinny young blonde woman and she was hilarious. Now I have frumpy old men that just want my money, haha. I am glad you like the clind so far, it should only get better from here on out. Have you looked for other Accutane logs on here for other users that underwent a long term/low dosage? I heard that it is not safe to be on Accutane for extended periods of time, so make sure that it won't have detrimental effects first! My IB is still going strong, thank you for asking! I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Reina - I am so glad that you were able to get some inspiration from my story! You should definitely start a log, because it is so exciting to look back on your progress. That is so funny re: hanging out at home, I have spent this entire break with my parents and my best friend, Mr. Acne. I am glad that I am not the only one! Good luck starting Accutane tomorrow, and be sure to stock up on moisturizer and lip balm!! I will definitely be checking in on your progress!

sigh i spoke tooo soon, i hate when my skin is starting to look okay then bam i break out. I washed off my makeup and i just developed 4 NEW inflammed pimples popping up from closed comedones, which makes 6. and a bunch of redmarks and comedonal acne aahh. . I just want accutane cause thats the only thing that i know for sure will work. i mean ill keep up with the clindamycin lotion but i want to see the derm sooner than march. Maybe i should go to a new derm and just say ive tried a billion things and I just want accutane.....be real persistant. All 3 of my older brothers have had it and they've only tried one thing b4 getting it! Sigh i like how im venting in UR log. u just have such a positive attitude, i guess its that light at the end of the tunnel philosphy .

I am so sorry to hear that you broke out again! Just when you thought it was starting to clear up, how frustrating. You can vent all you want in my log because I know perfectly well what you're going through. And trust me, I wasn't always this positive, I am just trying my best to get myself through Accutane, both physically and mentally. If it is something you are seriously considering, make an appt with a different dermatologist to talk about the options, and if that doesn't work out, you still have your appt in March. Clindamycin pretty much takes care of surface bacteria on your face, but that may not be the cause of your acne, which may be why it is not preventing breakouts. But then again it may be too soon to tell. Did you ever try Dan's regime or Proactive?

Yea I guess im being impatient its just that everything lately is making my acne worse it seems like, and i dunno if they're gonna even work in the long run. Yes I did Proactive a while ago, it worked well at first then stopped working and thats when my mild acne became moderate....I also used Dan's regimen for 2 months but My face was so red, not dry just red and i still had acne. I was angry then. Im almost postive my acne is hormonal, its all on my chin/jaw line, so i was thinking maybe Birth control pills but I dunno. its just gotten so bad lately, i want something i know will def work. When I go back home on the 20th (that'll be one month since clindamycin was prescribed) if its not clearing up...im gonna talk to my mom and see if I can find a derm by my school thats under our insurance, and talk to him about accutane or at least somethin i can take internally....Thanks so much for listening . I seriously sound like such a whiner. Sigh I was supposed to hang with my friend and ex BF tomorrow but I really dont want to now. ahh acne!

YES definitely try birth control pills!! I suspect that may have been keeping my skin relatively clear because once I stopped taking it, my acne worsened. It takes a month or two to see the benefits though, which sucks. I am on Ortho Cyclen now, which is approved by the FDA to treat acne. You should def try to get on that asap, especially if you want to go on Accutane, because you need to be on it for at least a month before you can start treatment. You can get it from planned parenthood, your primary care physician or gyno. Ahhhh I know exactly how you feel, I always make up excuses for hanging out with friends (or ex boyfriends especially). Maybe try wearing some foundation? Sometimes that is enough of a confidence boost for me to socialize. Sometimes.

Thanks so much Im gonna call my mom tonight and tell her to make a doc appt for when I get back and get on the pill. OR I wonder if i can just get it at the student health clinic at school? Probably huh. U said u were on ortho-cyclen not ortho tri cyclen? i've only heard about ppl taking tri for acne, hmm i guess ill just ask the doctor. I think Im just gonna cancel hangin out, i dont think I can deal with seeing him rt now, and my makeup aint doin too much for me. ahhh he was saying on the phone how much he missed me yesterday too! Whatever he'll get over it haha.

So hows the tane goin...r u gonna be done with ur IB by the time school starts up again u think?

ok so no LO got it haha thanks and no Yaz, yea i that made my cousin break out more! so I want to stay away from that for sure. i still dunno which would be better for me ortho tri cyclen or just ortho cyclen...

Just thought I'd stop by and see how you were doing! Sorry to hear you're still breaking out, but I know what you mean about it being reasuring. Whenever I don't experience side effects I assume whatever I'm using isn't working. You're over half way through with your first month, so exciting! I'm glad to hear Accutane seems to be treating you so well!

MeAGAiN - I prefer Ortho Cyclen because the constant ratio of hormones in each pill seems to help regulate hormone induced breakouts somewhat. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a phasic birth control in which the ratio and/or concentration of hormones in the pills changes throughout the 28 day cycle. I personally liked being on continuous birth control because I didn't have a period and it was the most amazing time of my life.

Daisy - Thanks for stopping by! I know the IB isn't going to last forever, so why stress about it? That would probably exacerbate it. I will swing by your log too, I hope you're still doing well!

Month 1, Week 3

Day 16

Has anyone ever had a yellowhead? Because I have! Actually, my tumeric mask dyed a whitehead yellow. Actually it was more like a vanilla custard head. Yummy. So at night I apply a tumeric mask for half an hour then wash it off before going to sleep. My skin is still stained yellow in the morning, so I rinse my face, then put on olive oil for half an hour, then wash my face again, which takes care of the yellow staining resulting from the tumeric. I don't have much to do over winter break other than improve the quality of my skin, clearly.

I'm feeling great, just trucking along. My IB is clearing up, as my cheeks look a lot smoother. My skin isn't even dry yet, other than the skin on top of my nose. I apply chapstick every half hour so my lips still look normal as well. My face actually looks exactly as if I spent winter break lying on a beach on the Mexican Riviera instead of the couch. Instead of being red, my face looks tan. It is awesome, I should use Accutane more often. The only side effect I am waiting on is the weight loss, haha. Just kidding, my friends would slap me if they saw that.

I love those little animated faces. I may go through and punctuate my former entries with the appropriate emotions. Yeah, I've got a lot of time on my hands. Class doesn't start until Wednesday, so I'm trying to be as unproductive as possible until then.

I ordered another Everday Minerals kit, and I've been anxiously awaiting its arrival. I KNOW my skin is clearing up because not only did I get my hair cut today, but I drove with my sunroof open! I used to be self conscious about my makeup wiping off when the hair stylist washes my hair. Likewise, driving with my sunroof open results in the sun shining directly on my face, kindly accentuating the mountains on my face. My skin is either clearing up, or I have adopted the Idontgiveafuck attitude. Yay for me!