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Giselle, are you wearing make up in the lips picture? I see that your skin is clearing up. Accutane seems to be doing the job. Was your acne moderate in the beginning? I can't really see if your lips are bad. They look fine to me. I'm familiar with locoid lipocream. During my brief stint of Accutane, the derm gave me a handful of samples to use. Worked for me.
hey! im the same as u, super busy with exams and stuff. ur skin looks amazing! i really don't see any red marks lol but were much harder on ourselves. green cream has been working amazingly by the way now that ive been on it for over a month, i guess ill keep using it while on accutane until my skin gets too sensitive. I think im gonna get level 6 though...anyway again ur skin looks freakin beautiful
oh p.s i bought olay complete cream for sensitive skin with spf 15...i love it as a day time moisturizer....when u first apply it, it looks a bit shiny but then it sinks in immediatley. I guess ill look into a heavier cream for the night, im using my other aveeno daily moisturizer (with no spf). Maybe vanicream? sounds like u like it?
Hi Giselle!
I'm new to this site and i've been reading your log. I must say, your skin looks amazing and you are really beautiful. I have a couple questions for you since you seem to be the accutane guru 
and you may have answered these in previous posts, so sorry to make you repeat info. I keep hearing things about an initial break out the first month or two... how bad was yours? I have to say, the only things i'm worried about are the IB and losing weight, and maybe the headaches... any advice!
thanks
Month 3, Week 3
Day 72
So it has been about a million years since I have been on this site. It must be the combination of my busy schedule and clear complexion. I don't waste nearly as much time and energy worrying about my skin these days, and I've never felt better!
I had one active in the past week and it is slowly clearing up. My lips are still pretty bad but I have found that alternating products has helped decrease the peeling appearance. I have been using aquaphor, vaseline, nivea lip balm, blistex, and the hydrocortisone cream the PA gave me at my last appointment. I have been alternating products for treatment of red marks, including olive oil, turmeric mask, green cream and desitin diaper rash cream (lol). My red marks look a lot better but they are definitely still noticeable to me.
My makeup regime is so simple too. I was using the samples of Everyday Minerals that I ordered a couple of months ago, along with some leftover Bare Minerals I had from a while ago. I am almost out so I ordered a large container of EM which just arrived in the mail today. I have yet to use it but the colors are really natural so I am not concerned about it not matching. The EM colors blend a lot better than BM colors, in my personal experience.
I actually went to the tanning bed a couple of days ago because my skin is pasty, albino and nasty!! I haven't been in a good 8 months, and the place that I used to go to got bought out by a new company so I got a free 'first' tan. I only went in for 10 minutes, but I underestimated my skin because I probably could have gone in for a solid 15 with no trouble. I am scared that my red marks look a little more brownish since I went, so I am going to hold off for a while before I tan again, at least not my face. I think the recent improvement in my skin has motivated me to improve other parts of my body in addition to the tan glow. I am going to get my eyebrows threaded and dye my hair. I have also been going to the gym although I still consider riding my bike to and from campus everyday as exercise too. I can't decide if I want to cut my hair, I like it long but I feel that it is time for a change - not to mention it is very damaged. Any suggestions?
I also have dry patches of skin in random ass places all over my body. My shoulders, knees and lower back have all fallen victim. What. the. !?.
Everything has been going so great in my life - school, family, social life and dating!! I am almost waiting for something to go wrong. It feels weird to not constantly fuss over my skin. I still look up close at my skin whenever I'm by a mirror to make sure my makeup still covers up discolorations and red marks. It always looks fine but it is almost an obsessive compulsive fear in my head. I have so many other stresses to worry about that it is nice that my life no longer revolves around the state of my skin. I just started volunteering for a hospice in addition to studying, teaching, grading, doing research, mountain biking, club/lab meetings, and other volunteer commitments. I am a busy girl!! I like it that way...it makes me feel like I have accomplished something worthwhile at the end of the day.
I hope that you all experience the same success that I have with accutane...my life is completely different now and I've never been more excited to experience everything life has to offer!!!
DM - The red marks are there! The camera just doesnt focus all that well. It was a present from my best friend since I am a drunkass and lost my old camera around Christmastime. YOUR skin looks good, it will only get better!!
Devendralover - Thank you, I am so excited to see such positive results!! You are right, I need to drink more water. I am sure that will help with the hydration state of my lips. Thank you for stopping by!
JME - Sorry for replying so late, I have been MIA. The CeraVe is in the lotion aisle, I got it at a drugstore. I almost didn't spot it since there is only one or two different types by that brand. I don't really recommend it as a facial moisturizer unless you put makeup on over it. It makes your face pretty shiny, but once you have makeup on it is matte. I hope your IB is short and sweet!
John - That is the weird (and fabulous) thing about my skin; the red marks never stick around for long. I think I made them worse by going to the tanning bed so that's out for me...
UTVols - Your skin looks fabulous too!! Yay for accutane, it is my true love.
Mortalsinner - I was wearing makeup in the lips picture but not very much! That lipocream does work pretty well but the PA warned me that it can thin out my lips so I try not to overuse it. A small price to pay for clear skin
Megan - I think I will continue with the green cream at night. It smells soo good!! I just want to eat it all up haha. I'll look into buying the olay cream because this summer when I hopefully won't have to wear makeup, I will need a lotion that isn't too shiny. The vanicream works pretty well for the dry patches, so does the jojoba oil. Good luck with your busy schedule!
Janie - Thank you for the compliments! I am still in shock when I look in a mirror and I see how smooth my skin is. If you are thinking of starting accutane, please please please do not let the initial breakout scare you away. It is SO worth it in the end. I was on accutane for a whole month before my skin really started clearing up, but in the grand scheme of things, a month of bad skin is worth it for a lifetime of clear skin. As far as side effects, they really are worth it for the results! I would have to say that my lips are the only thing I really think about every day. I manage joint aches with fish oil and vitamin E, and the dryness can be controlled somewhat with lotion. Good luck in making your decision!
Carmelle - Thank you!! I don't even recognize myself!!
Month 3, Week 1Day 58
I've been super busy! I had a test today, so needless to say I am very sleep deprived. I should be getting ready to go out, but I wanted to post some month 2 pictures first. I will put up the rest tomorrow.
compared to
GC samples came in today! Now i just need to get rid of these damn red marks.
And get rid of the herpes on my lips!
Cole - Good luck with your second course! Do you have a log? That's cool we are on the same week of treatment on the second course. I hope this is it...
I'll have to look for the cream this weekend. They sell Elizabeth Arden at department stores right? I'm willing to try anything at this point, my lips are a complete disaster!!
Megan - It's a good thing you asked, I would have just assumed he was referring to the lip cream myself.
Daisy - The lack of attention is irritating more than anything! I am constantly tuning people out when they are talking to me, and I have even unknowingly offended a couple of people. Haha! I can't wait to use the GC tonight when I go to bed. It's always fun to try new products until they don't live up to your expectations.
Whyacne - Thanks for reading my blog, I know it isn't all about acne but I hope it was still helpful. I would recommend accutane to anyone, because it has completely changed my life. The joint pain is really kept to a minimum if you take supplements. Are you thinking of going into medicine? I am actually not a medical student, but I am applying this summer. I would love to be a dermatologist but it is one of the most competitive specialties in the states. Good luck on making your decision!
WHAT DOES GC STAND FOR?
Hey Giselle,
Your log has knocked me out of my bad mood and made me realize that I am in control of my happiness, and not my acne... I just need to get busy!!! lol
Glad you are doing so well. You should be proud of yourself with everything you are doing and accomplishing right now. Can't believe it's already been 3 months for you!! 
Jillie - GC stands for Green Cream. I bought cheap samples of it online at dianayvonne.com
Debbie - You ARE in control, don't let acne run your life!! Easier said than done. Once your actives die down, I guarantee that you will feel better. Did your dermatologist talk about increasing your dose at all?
Hi,
You're log is the best! It cracks me up. I must confesss I haven't read the whole thing, but I read the first three pages. You remind me so much of myself. 
A lot of the stuff you've thought or done, so have I. lol. We both went four years in between courses and there my family is always bugging me about getting married. 
Anyway, thanks for posting in my log. I actually answered you there, becuause I'm an idiot.
Good luck to you!
I can't seem to get to the end of your log but I read it a few days ago and yeah, the derm said I can increase later in my course, so hopefully that would shorten the extra time I might be on it... but when you get back on here read my last log entry... I just had an epiphany and I need your adviceeee!
Month 3, Week 3Day 72
Janie - Thank you for the compliments! I am still in shock when I look in a mirror and I see how smooth my skin is. If you are thinking of starting accutane, please please please do not let the initial breakout scare you away. It is SO worth it in the end. I was on accutane for a whole month before my skin really started clearing up, but in the grand scheme of things, a month of bad skin is worth it for a lifetime of clear skin. As far as side effects, they really are worth it for the results! I would have to say that my lips are the only thing I really think about every day. I manage joint aches with fish oil and vitamin E, and the dryness can be controlled somewhat with lotion. Good luck in making your decision!
Thanks for the reassurance. My derm appt isn't until April 2nd and i actually dont want to start anythng until June (so at least i'll enjoy some part of Summer) and my 24th birthday is the end of May so i want to feel good for that It's so funny, reading you log and everyone else's accutane logs i think i'm getting sympathy side effects and i'm not even taking anything..lol! But my lips have been dry, my joints ache and i'm not motivated to go out like i used to... oh well maybe that will prep me for my accutane journey that is if the derm will prescibe it to me... i really hope she doesnt try to put me on tetracylen or anything else before just giving me accutane. I'd rather have something permanent that i know will work wonders. keep your fingers crossed for me And i'm so glad to hear everything is going well for you!!!
YOU can go tanning! wow thats really cool i didnt even think that was a possibility on ye ol' tane..tahts soo cool. And im so happy that ur skin has cleared up so well like i was smiling reading ur last post. GC is amazing is it not? like i said on my log, ive been using it now for a good month 1/2 and yea i do love it. ok so i saw pictures of ur hair on facebook...and i may be bias since i have blonde hair...but i really liked it on u hah, i also thikn u would look cute with a longish bob type hair cut or like layers and just cut it below shoulder length...anyway yea just some suggestions haha isnt it amazing to care about stuff other than ur skin!
Month 4, Week 1
Day 86
Holy crap!!! I cannot BELIEVE I am in my 4th month of treatment!! And what a fun 3 months it's been - I hope everyone who reads this joins my Accutane party, yo.
So I have my appointment later this afternoon, so I will post my month 3 pictures later this evening. I'm excited myself to put my composite picture together so I can see the improvement myself since you can't really tell by looking in the mirror every day...
Sooo my skin still looks great, I haven't had any actives since I last posted. However, I developed a small weird scab of skin near the right corner of my mouth. It wasn't a breakout so I don't know what it was, but I moisturized the hell out of it and it's practically gone. My lips are still being super obnoxious and the corners are kind of scabby. It is a neverending cycle because I am continuously picking the scab off and it will reappear within a couple of hours. It keeps coming back to hauuunt me!!! Hm what else, my night vision is still subpar and I've noticed that my clear contacts behave better than my colored ones. Which sucks because blue eyes are prettier than my hazel!! I have multiple vials of eye drops and 20 different lip treatments with me at any given time so I've been trying my best to deal with the side effects.
I am so friggin excited! So I am on spring break and I am going to THE VEGAS this weekend!! I haven't been since my 21st birthday and that was a bad trip because my now ex boyfriend went and he acted like a grandpa and went to bed at like 12 both nights we were there. My Australian friend came too so the trip was not an entire waste. We had to go to a lame club in TI because of gramps. Did I mention the food poisoning I got from the disgusting buffet!? I ended up throwing up every half hour, starting at 6 am, lasting until 1 in the afternoon. And I HATE vomit with a passion, almost to the extent of a phobia. I thought it was ironic that I got sick in Vegas but not due to alcohol consumption but due to some food handler that probably went poo and didn't wash their hands; rude!!!
Ok so that was vegas trip #1. Vegas trip #2 will be a million times better, because I won't have a reject boyfriend putting a guilt trip on me and will certainly avoid the buffets so I don't get food poisoning. Apparently it is March Madness, so it will probably be crazy this weekend!! The most amazing thing about the trip is the fact that I am going to be sharing a room with 4 other people, 3 of which are guys. A few months ago I would have felt too self conscious about my skin to go on a trip where other people, especially guys, would be able to see me without makeup. My skin is not perfect, I still have some PIH marks but I really don't care. I have been at my parents house the whole week for spring break and haven't worn any makeup. What a liberating experience! I hope that within the next couple of months I will be able to go to class, or even teach without any makeup.
Ok sorry for the random nonacne-ness. Will post pictures tonight. You all should do Accutane immediately if not sooner because it is awesome and i would probably be hiding in my room for spring break rather than going to Vegas...
KarmicKandy - Lol I don't know how old you are but it's getting to the age where our parents or grandparents were already married and had 2 kids so the pressure is on! Hopefully this is our last round of accutane...
Doobs - I posted in your log. STAY ON THE TANE!!! I am so angry at your birth control, how could it wreak so much havoc on your skin!? At least accutane will repair the damage...
Janie - I feel your pain, I will cross my fingers that you can get accutane. You are 24 years old and you don't want to waste another year or two of your life trying antibiotics or spiro or topicals. Trust me, it will be worth it to get on accutane. To answer your question, I am on Ortho Cyclen. Not tri-cyclen, not lo, just normal cyclen. It seems fine to me, but I wasn't able to see its effect on my skin since I started it a month or two before accutane. BCPs usually take a while to clear up your skin.
Megan - I miss my blonde hair!!! This summer I am going back even if it kills my hair haha. I just dyed my hair a darker brown and I am still trying to decide whether or not I like it. I really like your hair, it is gorgeous. The color suites you well because it is more of a dirty/darker blonde. I don't know if I could pull off bangs like yours though.
Strwbrry - That pisses me off that people are posting negative comments in your log. People post accutane logs to receive support from other members, not to be told that they made the wrong decision. As far as long term side effects, I didn't experience any that lasted beyond my first course. Since I am still on my first course, I can't say for certain whether or not any of the side effects will be permanent. My experience with accutane has been entirely positive for both rounds so I'm a definite advocate. My life is completely different now and I'm never looking back!!
b5a4 (nick) - Thank you, and I am sure that you will see the same improvement that I have! Yes I have maintained the 80mg dose the entire treatment, with exception of the first two weeks when I was at 40mg. The side effects aren't all that bad at this dose so if you are thinking of increasing I would say to go for it!
How was Vegas???? You better come back with some scandalous stories because everyoneeeeeeeeeeee needs a scandalous vegas story or two (or ten!).
*Sigh* I loveeeeeeeee Vegas! I'm actually going in June (right after my accutane treatment wraps up!) for a bachelorette's party and I am suuuuuuuuper excited! I am going to be *such* a lightweight though, it's hilarious! I'm going to be out drunked by a bunch of tiny 100 lb asian girls (I'm 5'9 and, well, not 100 lbs), but it will be awesome
Glad to hear your skin is doing so well! I can't wait to hear the Vegas update!
Okay so I just sat here and read your ENTIRE log!!! You are awesome. Its great how funny and positive you are.
I have an appointmen on Tuesday and I am crossing my fingers that I will get accutane. The crappy thing is (and normally i woud be happy about it) but my skin has been clearing up a little bit so it doesnt look as bad as usual. I am scared that I wont get accutane...have any of you girls had a problem getting the prescription?? Also does anyone know what they look for in the blood tests? I havent been eating that healthy and am scared something might prevent me from getting the accutane.
Well...hopefully i will be starting a log pretty soon...that would be so freekin exciting.
Can I ask what kind of birth control you are on?? My dr. prescribed yaz for me and I havent yet taken it..i have heard from some people that it made their skin worse and some that it helped...any ideas on this???
one last question....concerning the dreaded IB....everyone is scaring the hell out of me about that....i mean ill take it if it means im gonna have clear skin later but is it like so bad you dont even want to go anywhere. Is i at least semi-coverupable with makeup????
yes i agree with tinnie, u need to update us on vegas haha. did u drink? (im assuming u did haha) and howd accutane effect that...ive been curious. i went to a family thing this weekend and yesterday i had like 1 1/2 glasses of wine and i swear i felt tipsy haha. Oh and hows the thing with the guy goin?
holy crap! You are sooooo being hated on by that guy's ex hahaha. But I mean he obviously met you and fell in loooooooove! haha. Hope Vegas was awesome!
and #1 being independent is NOT selfish.. it's empowering!!! I've recently encountered this new feeling of "powerful independent woman" too. Maybe it's something that comes in your 20's? I like it though! (although this feeling did make me feel like I had to be single - hence breaking up with my long term boyfriend - BUT since then, I've realized that I can still be with him and be independant.. but that's a whole other story!)
and #2 I love that you say you "actually" like this guy and that might be a bad thing. Get out of here!! It's a GREAT thing! Don't be disappointed in yourself, be excited for what's to come!
Oh and of course, glad you have no break outs! PS - when you go out, how do you deal with the dry lips? Do you wear any lip gloss or stick to the usual and just keep putting it on?
Thank you for your reply! Although the Ipledge system is irritating, I completely understand the need for regulation because there are people out there that do not understand the severity of the birth defects associated with Accutane. At the very least, I am sure the pharmaceutical companies want to avoid getting sued. I am using abstinence as one form of birth control, so they should just hand over the prescription!!
before i started my course, i was forced unto oral contraceptives. i then weighted 119lbs. (i'm 5'9")
two weeks later, i was up to 132. how'd you manage to get your derm to allow abstinance as a form of birth control?
Thank you for your reply! Although the Ipledge system is irritating, I completely understand the need for regulation because there are people out there that do not understand the severity of the birth defects associated with Accutane. At the very least, I am sure the pharmaceutical companies want to avoid getting sued. I am using abstinence as one form of birth control, so they should just hand over the prescription!!
before i started my course, i was forced unto oral contraceptives. i then weighted 119lbs. (i'm 5'9")
two weeks later, i was up to 132. how'd you manage to get your derm to allow abstinance as a form of birth control?
I was able to use absitnence as a form of birth control as well. Did you ask your derm? There is a paper you sign that says you are going to be absitnent and they dont make you take birth control. I told them I would be abstinent but then I decided I'm just going to take birth control anyways in hopes that it might keep my hormonal acne at bay. Although as soon as I started taking it (YAZ) I have been breaking out pretty bad around my mouth in cysts but I know that happens when you first start birth control.
Oh. P.s. If they wont let you use abstinence then just use birth control. You dont actually have to take it. They dont check to make sure you are getting your prescription filled or anything like that....so even if they do make you be on bc you dont have to actually take it