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Day 20
Creeping up on one month pretty quickly, huh? I can't believe I already have to get blood work done this Saturday. Crazy!
Anyway. Woke up with a lovely zit near my chin. I was kind of hoping since I hadn't had any new zits on my face since my first week that I would, by some miracle, be clear from here on out. What can I say? I'm a wishful thinker! 
Didn't quite work out as I had hoped. The one good thing is, it's not a cyst. It's pretty small and unnoticeable. So, I'm hoping it won't stick around too long. Although, I'm kind of wondering if this zit is the result of eating an entire bag of Sour Patch Watermelons. I have a weakness for them, but they usually break me out if I eat too many at once. Oops. I can't help it! 
There are a few teeny tiny bumps on my left cheek. They make my cheek feel a little rough and dry. I guess it's time to start moisturizing my face. My morning moisturizer (Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 Purescreen) isn't moisturizing at all. I never use a moisturizer at night.
The swollen lymph node has gone down in size. My guess is it'll be gone before Wednesday. Ditto on the lovely scalp zit.
I have a dentist appointment tomorrow. It's just for a cleaning. I made the appointment six months ago, before I know I would end up on Accutane. I originally planned to cancel the appointment, expecting my lips to be too dry to comfortably get my teeth cleaned. Since my lips aren't too bad and they aren't cracking or anything... I didn't cancel. I'll just keep my Aquaphor in hand!
And to whoever actually reads my ramblings, you're awesome. 
Good to hear the node is going down in size! Good luck with the teeth cleaning hope your lips don't get cracked the bleeding after that! Ouch, if I had to get my teeth cleaned I'd be bleeding all over the guy. I'm not supposed to go till July but I think I might cancel it and go in after my lips have healed. I will be finishing in either July or august I think.
Good to hear the node is going down in size! Good luck with the teeth cleaning hope your lips don't get cracked the bleeding after that! Ouch, if I had to get my teeth cleaned I'd be bleeding all over the guy. I'm not supposed to go till July but I think I might cancel it and go in after my lips have healed. I will be finishing in either July or august I think.
That's what I was going to do... Wait until after I finished Accutane. But, I think I should be alright. Lol. I'll load up on the Aquaphor right beforehand and reapply during the cleaning if I need to. Hopefully it won't be too bad! 
Hey Rachel! I totally did the, "I'm going to eat a bunch of x,y,z and see if it breaks me out! Guess what? NOPE THANK THE LORD! Although, I still notice that my face is more red overall after I drink coffee, but that's always been a problem for me. Green tea does the opposite. I need to stop drinking coffee...I've become addicted again since I'm in finals week(s).
I just wanted to mention that I had an orthodontist appointment on Friday and it wasn't that bad with the dryness. I put Aquaphor on before, during, and after. The worst part was that the skin around my mouth, a bit on my chin, and parts of my cheeks got really dry and flaky. It was embarrassing, but I think they're used to seeing my acne at least, so whatever. I had to moisturize over my mineral makeup once I got home, and everything was better after that. 
Good luck!
Hey Rachel! I totally did the, "I'm going to eat a bunch of x,y,z and see if it breaks me out! Guess what? NOPE THANK THE LORD! Although, I still notice that my face is more red overall after I drink coffee, but that's always been a problem for me. Green tea does the opposite. I need to stop drinking coffee...I've become addicted again since I'm in finals week(s).
I just wanted to mention that I had an orthodontist appointment on Friday and it wasn't that bad with the dryness. I put Aquaphor on before, during, and after. The worst part was that the skin around my mouth, a bit on my chin, and parts of my cheeks got really dry and flaky. It was embarrassing, but I think they're used to seeing my acne at least, so whatever. I had to moisturize over my mineral makeup once I got home, and everything was better after that.
Good luck!
Lol! I thought about doing the same, but I was hesitant. I figured I didn't want to bring on any extra breakouts. Perhaps what we eat while on Accutane doesn't make a difference. Who knows. I'm not sure if dairy ever gave me zits, but if it did, it isn't now. I've been drinking whole milk with my breakfast since that's when I take one of my pills. I'm actually not a milk fan at all, but I drink it anyway for Accutane.
Hopefully you'll be able to cut back on the coffee consumption after your finals are over!
And thanks for letting me know about your appointment! That doesn't sound too bad. I think I'll be able to manage. I am starting to get some flaky patches on my chin. (The dryness is coming! 
) I don't think that'll be a problem though. The corners of my mouth were a little dry and a tad flaky this morning, so I used the Cure Natural Aqua Gel to get rid of the flakes. I put some Aquaphor on afterwards and my lips have been fine since then. That was about an hour and a half ago. Hopefully they won't dry out too much before the appointment this afternoon!
Instead of doing the 'eating x,y,z and see if it breaks me out' why not try 'not eating x,y,z and see if I stop breaking out' lol! That sounds safer 
Hey Rachel! I totally did the, "I'm going to eat a bunch of x,y,z and see if it breaks me out! Guess what? NOPE THANK THE LORD! Although, I still notice that my face is more red overall after I drink coffee, but that's always been a problem for me. Green tea does the opposite. I need to stop drinking coffee...I've become addicted again since I'm in finals week(s).
I just wanted to mention that I had an orthodontist appointment on Friday and it wasn't that bad with the dryness. I put Aquaphor on before, during, and after. The worst part was that the skin around my mouth, a bit on my chin, and parts of my cheeks got really dry and flaky. It was embarrassing, but I think they're used to seeing my acne at least, so whatever. I had to moisturize over my mineral makeup once I got home, and everything was better after that.
Good luck!
Really coffee does that to you?? I've never noticed that before in myself except the last couple of days. I've been drinking more coffee than usual and I've been so red. I don't know if it's accutane. But that coffee analogy I had never heard of.
Instead of doing the 'eating x,y,z and see if it breaks me out' why not try 'not eating x,y,z and see if I stop breaking out' lol! That sounds safer
Hey Rachel! I totally did the, "I'm going to eat a bunch of x,y,z and see if it breaks me out! Guess what? NOPE THANK THE LORD! Although, I still notice that my face is more red overall after I drink coffee, but that's always been a problem for me. Green tea does the opposite. I need to stop drinking coffee...I've become addicted again since I'm in finals week(s).
I just wanted to mention that I had an orthodontist appointment on Friday and it wasn't that bad with the dryness. I put Aquaphor on before, during, and after. The worst part was that the skin around my mouth, a bit on my chin, and parts of my cheeks got really dry and flaky. It was embarrassing, but I think they're used to seeing my acne at least, so whatever. I had to moisturize over my mineral makeup once I got home, and everything was better after that.
Good luck!
Really coffee does that to you?? I've never noticed that before in myself except the last couple of days. I've been drinking more coffee than usual and I've been so red. I don't know if it's accutane. But that coffee analogy I had never heard of.
I rarely drink coffee, but I haven't noticed it making my face red either. I think it's probably because Gina has fair skin and maybe she's a bit sensitive.
Gina, do spicy foods or anything else turn your face red like coffee does?
Instead of doing the 'eating x,y,z and see if it breaks me out' why not try 'not eating x,y,z and see if I stop breaking out' lol! That sounds safer
Hey Rachel! I totally did the, "I'm going to eat a bunch of x,y,z and see if it breaks me out! Guess what? NOPE THANK THE LORD! Although, I still notice that my face is more red overall after I drink coffee, but that's always been a problem for me. Green tea does the opposite. I need to stop drinking coffee...I've become addicted again since I'm in finals week(s).
I just wanted to mention that I had an orthodontist appointment on Friday and it wasn't that bad with the dryness. I put Aquaphor on before, during, and after. The worst part was that the skin around my mouth, a bit on my chin, and parts of my cheeks got really dry and flaky. It was embarrassing, but I think they're used to seeing my acne at least, so whatever. I had to moisturize over my mineral makeup once I got home, and everything was better after that.
Good luck!
Really coffee does that to you?? I've never noticed that before in myself except the last couple of days. I've been drinking more coffee than usual and I've been so red. I don't know if it's accutane. But that coffee analogy I had never heard of.
I rarely drink coffee, but I haven't noticed it making my face red either. I think it's probably because Gina has fair skin and maybe she's a bit sensitive.
Gina, do spicy foods or anything else turn your face red like coffee does?
Sometimes, but it's usually coffee and drinks that are too hot and hot showers, exercise, and being embarrassed. Haha As you can see, lots of things turn my face red. Honestly it could be that the coffee is hot...I'm not sure if iced coffee would do the same cause I rarely drink it iced.
You're right about being being sensitive to things. One dermatologist told me I had a slight case of rosacea combined with my acne, but to be honest, I never had this red-face problem until I started using retin-A, differin, and now the ultimate retinoid: isotretinoin. Even he said so himself---that using them can make your face more sensitive overall.
From what I read on these logs, the red face goes away after the treatment, right??
Sometimes, but it's usually coffee and drinks that are too hot and hot showers, exercise, and being embarrassed. Haha As you can see, lots of things turn my face red. Honestly it could be that the coffee is hot...I'm not sure if iced coffee would do the same cause I rarely drink it iced.
You're right about being being sensitive to things. One dermatologist told me I had a slight case of rosacea combined with my acne, but to be honest, I never had this red-face problem until I started using retin-A, differin, and now the ultimate retinoid: isotretinoin. Even he said so himself---that using them can make your face more sensitive overall.
From what I read on these logs, the red face goes away after the treatment, right??
That's why I asked about the spicy foods. I was wondering if you might have a bit of rosacea. I haven't noticed any foods causing my face to flush, but then again, I don't pay attention. However, I do get red splotches from showering.
I used Differin briefly and used Retin-A Micro for many years. I think I've had the flushing problem long before using those products though...
I think the redness will go down once you're done with the treatment and you skin gets back to normal.
Instead of doing the 'eating x,y,z and see if it breaks me out' why not try 'not eating x,y,z and see if I stop breaking out' lol! That sounds safer
Hey Rachel! I totally did the, "I'm going to eat a bunch of x,y,z and see if it breaks me out! Guess what? NOPE THANK THE LORD! Although, I still notice that my face is more red overall after I drink coffee, but that's always been a problem for me. Green tea does the opposite. I need to stop drinking coffee...I've become addicted again since I'm in finals week(s).
I just wanted to mention that I had an orthodontist appointment on Friday and it wasn't that bad with the dryness. I put Aquaphor on before, during, and after. The worst part was that the skin around my mouth, a bit on my chin, and parts of my cheeks got really dry and flaky. It was embarrassing, but I think they're used to seeing my acne at least, so whatever. I had to moisturize over my mineral makeup once I got home, and everything was better after that.
Good luck!
Really coffee does that to you?? I've never noticed that before in myself except the last couple of days. I've been drinking more coffee than usual and I've been so red. I don't know if it's accutane. But that coffee analogy I had never heard of.
I rarely drink coffee, but I haven't noticed it making my face red either. I think it's probably because Gina has fair skin and maybe she's a bit sensitive.
Gina, do spicy foods or anything else turn your face red like coffee does?
Sometimes, but it's usually coffee and drinks that are too hot and hot showers, exercise, and being embarrassed. Haha As you can see, lots of things turn my face red. Honestly it could be that the coffee is hot...I'm not sure if iced coffee would do the same cause I rarely drink it iced.
You're right about being being sensitive to things. One dermatologist told me I had a slight case of rosacea combined with my acne, but to be honest, I never had this red-face problem until I started using retin-A, differin, and now the ultimate retinoid: isotretinoin. Even he said so himself---that using them can make your face more sensitive overall.
From what I read on these logs, the red face goes away after the treatment, right??
like 95% of the logs I have read say the redness goes away after the first month or so. Some people say it sticks around and years later they are still battling the redness. Who knows if it is from the accutane or if it is a mild case of rosacea and they are unaware they have it. I can't say that I have had my face react to foods I am eating at all. I eat a lot of spicy food yummy and I rarely drink coffee, but I have never noticed the flushed face or redness from the coffee! Very interesting! Im curious for you to try icing some and seeing the results. I have used retin a for like 3 years and diffirin when I was a pre teen for a couple of months. I was red with all of them and it went away when I was finished so hopefully that is the case with the accutane!
I do get very red on my next and chest after showering though since starting the meds... So I must be sensitive from the hot temps. Funny though its only from the shower if I take a hot bath or go into a hot tub I don't get red, so maybe my skin find the beating water irritating who knows. Lets just say I couldn't hop out of the shower and then go out right away, my chest looks terrible after showering!!
like 95% of the logs I have read say the redness goes away after the first month or so. Some people say it sticks around and years later they are still battling the redness. Who knows if it is from the accutane or if it is a mild case of rosacea and they are unaware they have it. I can't say that I have had my face react to foods I am eating at all. I eat a lot of spicy food yummy and I rarely drink coffee, but I have never noticed the flushed face or redness from the coffee! Very interesting! Im curious for you to try icing some and seeing the results. I have used retin a for like 3 years and diffirin when I was a pre teen for a couple of months. I was red with all of them and it went away when I was finished so hopefully that is the case with the accutane!
I do get very red on my next and chest after showering though since starting the meds... So I must be sensitive from the hot temps. Funny though its only from the shower if I take a hot bath or go into a hot tub I don't get red, so maybe my skin find the beating water irritating who knows. Lets just say I couldn't hop out of the shower and then go out right away, my chest looks terrible after showering!!
I've read the same things in logs. It seems to me that Gina's redness comes and goes depending on what she eats, so I don't think it's anything to worry about. At least it's not constant redness!
It's interesting how the beating water must effect your skin, since it's only then that you experience redness. Your skin must be pretty sensitive right now! I've always had redness from showering. It's so weird because I'll get random splotches all over my body. They always go away quickly though, so I don't worry about it.
I can totally relate to the dentist thing. I was able to make sure I went in right before I started accutane because I had no idea how my lips would be or if my chin would have a massive breakout and I was worried how that would affect my cleaning. Good thing too because although my I think my lips would've held up my chin was a war zone for awhile and it's still not healed.
Good luck Rachel!!
Just got back from the dentist. It wasn't bad at all, although I do think my lips were less dry than usual today. Thanks, lips! 
My lips definitely got tested though. Turns out I needed to have my usual x-ray check-up today as well. What fun. I hate having those plastic tabs shoved in my mouth! The hygienist was pulling on the side of my mouth at one point to get to my back teeth during the cleaning. Lol. Fortunately, my lips didn't dry out or bother me. I did put some Aquaphor on just before I left the house. And I put on a nice layer of my Jack Black lip balm right before the hygienist got started and again before the dentist came in to check everything. So, it went well!
I do think that's partially thanks to using the Cure Natural Aqua Gel on my lips this morning. They've been feeling pretty good today since I used that stuff!
Man i need to get myself some of that Aqua gel! I hate those plastic tabs the use for x-rays! One time I got a pretty bad cut on my gums and inside cheek when I let a student hygienist help out in the room.. Never again lol. Good to know it went well and your lips are still intact lol
Mine also calms down and goes away quickly, thank god because I look like a tomato. My neck is bright red and a splotchy chest. Sexy sexy right? I thought so
. Good luck at the dentist appt! Hope the lips hold up!
That's good! I hate those damn splotches!
I can totally relate to the dentist thing. I was able to make sure I went in right before I started accutane because I had no idea how my lips would be or if my chin would have a massive breakout and I was worried how that would affect my cleaning. Good thing too because although my I think my lips would've held up my chin was a war zone for awhile and it's still not healed.
Good luck Rachel!!
Yeah, I was going to cancel. But then I figured I'd wait and see how my lips were. I figured it wouldn't be too bad since my lips aren't terribly dry. Fortunately, it was okay!
Good think you decided to go in before starting Accutane then!
Man i need to get myself some of that Aqua gel! I hate those plastic tabs the use for x-rays! One time I got a pretty bad cut on my gums and inside cheek when I let a student hygienist help out in the room.. Never again lol. Good to know it went well and your lips are still intact lol
The Cure Aqua Gel is some awesome stuff! This morning my lips were seriously drinking up Aquaphor so fast. After I exfoliated with the Cure gel this morning, they've felt much better. And I've had to reapply Aquaphor less today. I guess it's because the gel is supposed to help products absorb better.
Ugh! That sucks! I've gotten cuts on the bottom of my mouth from them before. Not fun.
Day 21
Exfoliating my lips with the Cure Natural Aqua Gel is amazing. It's made my dry lips much more manageable today. Everyone needs to buy that stuff!
My face is definitely starting to dry out. I noticed more flakes on my chin this morning. After my dentist appointment I had some flakes in my laugh lines. Now it's really time to start moisturizing. How many times have I said this so far? Too many.
The zit I developed near my chin is just looking lovely. It's nice and red. Attractive, I know. 
I think the rash (or whatever it is) on my thigh is getting a bit bigger. It don't look bad, but little red bumps still aren't fun. Going to make sure I'm moisturizing that and putting Cortizone on it whenever it itches. If I could just stop scratching it, I'm sure it would go away.
I figured it's time I post some recent photos. There really hasn't been much of a change since I started taking Accutane.
Right side of my face: The marks on my cheek are just red marks leftover from pre-Accutane acne. Along my hairline there is still a bump from the zit I got during my first week on 'tane. Close to my chin there is a bump from a zit I had a while back. I can't remember if that popped up during Accutane. I think it did.
Left side of my face: Again, what you see on my cheek is red marks. Near my chin you can see my new zit! Cute, isn't it? This is the only active acne I have on my face right now. I do think there is something developing on my cheek though. I feel something under the skin. 
The spots on my chin are just red marks. The reddest mark though is from my own stupidity... There was a blackhead there that was a bit more noticeable than the others. So, I squeezed it this evening. I knew I shouldn't have because it didn't want to budge. I kept squeezing it though. Oops. Now it's a nice spot!
Day 21
Exfoliating my lips with the Cure Natural Aqua Gel is amazing. It's made my dry lips much more manageable today. Everyone needs to buy that stuff!
My face is definitely starting to dry out. I noticed more flakes on my chin this morning. After my dentist appointment I had some flakes in my laugh lines. Now it's really time to start moisturizing. How many times have I said this so far? Too many.
The zit I developed near my chin is just looking lovely. It's nice and red. Attractive, I know.
I think the rash (or whatever it is) on my thigh is getting a bit bigger. It don't look bad, but little red bumps still aren't fun. Going to make sure I'm moisturizing that and putting Cortizone on it whenever it itches. If I could just stop scratching it, I'm sure it would go away.
I figured it's time I post some recent photos. There really hasn't been much of a change since I started taking Accutane.
Right side of my face: The marks on my cheek are just red marks leftover from pre-Accutane acne. Along my hairline there is still a bump from the zit I got during my first week on 'tane. Close to my chin there is a bump from a zit I had a while back. I can't remember if that popped up during Accutane. I think it did.
Left side of my face: Again, what you see on my cheek is red marks. Near my chin you can see my new zit! Cute, isn't it?
OMG Rachel! The red bump/cyst/zit on your left jaw/chin matches the one I have exactly!! About the same size, color of red and on the same spot! Isn't that crazy? Mine was orginally a bump from Accutane that went down but not completely away and now it's flaring up again. Arrrgggghhhh! I want it to GO AWAY NOW!! 🙂 We have "sister zits", hahahahahaha!
I picked a little tiny something on my right cheekbone that I just couldn't stop myself from doing and now it's a nice red mark too. It's so hard to resist picking!!
OMG Rachel! The red bump/cyst/zit on your left jaw/chin matches the one I have exactly!! About the same size, color of red and on the same spot! Isn't that crazy? Mine was orginally a bump from Accutane that went down but not completely away and now it's flaring up again. Arrrgggghhhh! I want it to GO AWAY NOW!!
We have "sister zits", hahahahahaha!
I picked a little tiny something on my right cheekbone that I just couldn't stop myself from doing and now it's a nice red mark too. It's so hard to resist picking!!
I was about to say, "Hooray for sister zits!" Then I realized that's not really a good thing because who wants zits?! Lol! But that is pretty funny! 😛 Now if only those pesky things could go away!
Picking is definitely something a lot of people here struggle with it seems. I actually never pick at my zits. I'll hold a hot rag on a whitehead to get it to bust, but that's it. Every now and then I do squeeze blackheads though. I hate those things! They never go away no matter what I do! 🙁
Rachel girl your skin looks the a dream compared to what I'm calling my face these days. Your lips look like they are in good condition so far! Nice and pink, mine are bright red most the time and no color at other times. I miss my lips. I seriously should get my hand on so cure gel. I needs it!!!
Rachel girl your skin looks the a dream compared to what I'm calling my face these days. Your lips look like they are in good condition so far! Nice and pink, mine are bright red most the time and no color at other times. I miss my lips. I seriously should get my hand on so cure gel. I needs it!!!
I know... I almost feel weird because I know my skin is FAR from what everyone else on this forum is dealing with. It makes me wonder how I ended up on Accutane in the first place. I do have times when my skin is a mess though, but it's still never been as bad as what everyone else here, unfortunately, goes through. Although, reading logs like yours and Katie's kind of freaks me out because it makes me scared for what might be coming!
My lips definitely get dry to the point where it's uncomfortable if I don't have lip balm on. However, I don't think it's anything like the dryness everyone else experiences since I read about cracked, bleeding lips. Yikes! Or maybe it's just from the Cure gel and my constant application of some sort of product on my lips.
Definitely get the Cure gel though! If you have any flaky spots on your skin or lips it will really help!
OMG Rachel! The red bump/cyst/zit on your left jaw/chin matches the one I have exactly!! About the same size, color of red and on the same spot! Isn't that crazy? Mine was orginally a bump from Accutane that went down but not completely away and now it's flaring up again. Arrrgggghhhh! I want it to GO AWAY NOW!!
I picked a little tiny something on my right cheekbone that I just couldn't stop myself from doing and now it's a nice red mark too. It's so hard to resist picking!!
I was about to say, "Hooray for sister zits!" Then I realized that's not really a good thing because who wants zits?! Lol! But that is pretty funny!
Picking is definitely something a lot of people here struggle with it seems. I actually never pick at my zits. I'll hold a hot rag on a whitehead to get it to bust, but that's it. Every now and then I do squeeze blackheads though. I hate those things! They never go away no matter what I do!
I've done the hot rag trick too. 🙂 I don't really have many blackheads. I used to have a ton on my nose but I used Retin A for a year and that was the one thing it did help me get rid of so at least it was good for something. I actually think your face looks pretty good and it's just going to get better and better! That's my Gina inspired good mojo for you. 🙂
I've done the hot rag trick too.
I used Retin-A Micro for about four years, but it never helped my blackheads. I would ask my derm what I could do to get rid of them. He didn't think I had any blackheads... I think I just notice them because I apply my makeup in a lighted mirror, so they're easy to spot.
And thank you! Gotta love some good Gina mojo!
Rachel girl your skin looks the a dream compared to what I'm calling my face these days. Your lips look like they are in good condition so far! Nice and pink, mine are bright red most the time and no color at other times. I miss my lips. I seriously should get my hand on so cure gel. I needs it!!!
I know... I almost feel weird because I know my skin is FAR from what everyone else on this forum is dealing with. It makes me wonder how I ended up on Accutane in the first place. I do have times when my skin is a mess though, but it's still never been as bad as what everyone else here, unfortunately, goes through. Although, reading logs like yours and Katie's kind of freaks me out because it makes me scared for what might be coming!
My lips definitely get dry to the point where it's uncomfortable if I don't have lip balm on. However, I don't think it's anything like the dryness everyone else experiences since I read about cracked, bleeding lips. Yikes! Or maybe it's just from the Cure gel and my constant application of some sort of product on my lips.
Definitely get the Cure gel though! If you have any flaky spots on your skin or lips it will really help!
Well I think it is good for you to be on the medication. You have persistent acne and if it scars there is enough there in my opinion to get out on accutane. It doesn't need to be horrible to be on the medication it's better in my opinion to catch it before its horrible and scarring and all that. My complexion isn't terrible either, I mean the other logs on here that I have come across they would laugh at the issues I have with my face, some people out there have no clear spot on their skin at all... It's bad enough though in my opinion and my derms opinion to have me on accutane. All that matters!