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RECAP of MONTH 1
Week 1:
- Day 3: Eczema rash on hand
- Day 4-6: Rashes on lower back/hip/backs of legs
- Day 7: Oil on face greatly reduced
- Frequent headaches
- Mild dry eyes
- Mild constant sore throat
- Some long-term cystic acne greatly reduced
- New breakouts continue, but milder
Week 2:
- Lips beginning to dry out
- Oil on hair greatly reduced
- Itchy and flaking dry scalp
- Mild constant sore throat
- Mild dry eyes
- Body is itchy
- More long-term cystic acne healing
- New breakouts continue, but milder and less frequent
Week 3:
- Lips much dryer
- Face very dry and starting to flake
- Zero oil on face and hair
- Losing a lot of strands of hair
- Mild dry eyes
- Occaisonal extreme fatigue
- Occaisonal headaches
- Face noticeably more red
- Healing of cystic acne slows
- New breakouts increase in number and frequency
Week 4:
- Lips are dry but manageable
- Hair extremely dry but scalp seems to be normalizing
- Losing a lot of strands of hair but also seeing new growth
- Mild dry eyes
- Several days of extreme fatigue, usually coupled with headaches
- Face is quite red
- Healing is still slow
- New breakouts continue, face is purging significantly more
Hi Becca, it's Stacey. I'm so glad you're starting to see improvement! It's so hard in the beginning when the side effects start hitting and you keep breaking out and you're thinking "arrgghh, what did I get myself into??".
Today is day 100 for me! I'm doing six months so I have 80 days to go. My bump to 80mg has been challenging but not horrific. The body soreness is bothering me the most and of course the constant peeling lips are super annoying. But I do think it's helping these under skin bumps I've had forever to start shrinking so I'm hanging in there. I'm thinking maybe I'm not taking enough fish oil so I'm going to try upping my dose and see if that helps with the soreness.
Yay for you getting through month one! 
RECAP of MONTH 1
Week 1:
- Day 3: Eczema rash on hand
- Day 4-6: Rashes on lower back/hip/backs of legs
- Day 7: Oil on face greatly reduced
- Frequent headaches
- Mild dry eyes
- Mild constant sore throat
- Some long-term cystic acne greatly reduced
- New breakouts continue, but milder
Week 2:
- Lips beginning to dry out
- Oil on hair greatly reduced
- Itchy and flaking dry scalp
- Mild constant sore throat
- Mild dry eyes
- Body is itchy
- More long-term cystic acne healing
- New breakouts continue, but milder and less frequent
Week 3:
- Lips much dryer
- Face very dry and starting to flake
- Zero oil on face and hair
- Losing a lot of strands of hair
- Mild dry eyes
- Occaisonal extreme fatigue
- Occaisonal headaches
- Face noticeably more red
- Healing of cystic acne slows
- New breakouts increase in number and frequency
Week 4:
- Lips are dry but manageable
- Hair extremely dry but scalp seems to be normalizing
- Losing a lot of strands of hair but also seeing new growth
- Mild dry eyes
- Several days of extreme fatigue, usually coupled with headaches
- Face is quite red
- Healing is still slow
- New breakouts continue, face is purging significantly more
With the rest of your supplements you should add in Biotin. Super cheap like 2.50 at Target for 150 pills and it makes me hair smooth and shiny and it healthy. It grows like a weed too! Hopefully that will help your hair!
With the rest of your supplements you should add in Biotin. Super cheap like 2.50 at Target for 150 pills and it makes me hair smooth and shiny and it healthy. It grows like a weed too! Hopefully that will help your hair!
Good idea. I also just got my iron checked and waiting for the results...if that's low, that could be part of the reason I'm losing so many strands. But the Biotin is a good idea - I just might do that.
Hi Becca, it's Stacey. I'm so glad you're starting to see improvement! It's so hard in the beginning when the side effects start hitting and you keep breaking out and you're thinking "arrgghh, what did I get myself into??".
Today is day 100 for me! I'm doing six months so I have 80 days to go. My bump to 80mg has been challenging but not horrific. The body soreness is bothering me the most and of course the constant peeling lips are super annoying. But I do think it's helping these under skin bumps I've had forever to start shrinking so I'm hanging in there. I'm thinking maybe I'm not taking enough fish oil so I'm going to try upping my dose and see if that helps with the soreness.
Yay for you getting through month one!
Hi Stacey! Congrats on 100!! That's awesome. The only thing noticeable in the last 3 days after my bump up to 60mg is that my eyes seems dryer...but still wearing my contacts.
Fish oil is good stuff! I hope it helps you.
Sooo...I just looked again at the pics I posted this morning, and suddenly, I see the progress! 
I need to get my iron checked, and my b12 levels. I'm always low on iron. I take supplements for b12 because my body doesn't absorb it well. Last time they were considering injections and I haven't been into to get my labs since then, oops.
I don't think I've ever had my B12 levels checked. What kind of symptoms does a deficiency cause?
Good Luck Girl! Your photos are already showing really great improvements, accutane is going to work really well for you.
JB
Thank you, Jenny! How is your second course going? Was your relapse as bad as before your first round?
i relapsed because of my hormones, which is the main reason i ever got acne. going on (start of accutane) and off (at neurologists request) and back on (six months later at lady docs request) the pill/hormones caused my breakouts. my acne was never as bad the second time, just persistent. not completely clear yet but definitely getting there. i cleared up within a few months in my first course, this time it is taking longer, but as i said (and you can see in my first log) i had a really bad Initial Breakout and then it all went away.
JB
i relapsed because of my hormones, which is the main reason i ever got acne. going on (start of accutane) and off (at neurologists request) and back on (six months later at lady docs request) the pill/hormones caused my breakouts. my acne was never as bad the second time, just persistent. not completely clear yet but definitely getting there. i cleared up within a few months in my first course, this time it is taking longer, but as i said (and you can see in my first log) i had a really bad Initial Breakout and then it all went away.
JB
I know I have some hormone issues too, and I really hate having to be on synthetic birth control while on accutane. I'm afraid going off of it is going to cause a relapse. I'm going to consider going off of it before my treatment is over and using a different form of birth control.
i have thought of this myself. i'm proposing going off it for the next two months, although to be honest the year after my first course i was on birth control and my skin has never looked so good, it was actually perfect. i think the BC pill regulates the hormones that create the fluctuation that then causes the breakouts.
when my neurologist told me he wanted me to stop taking the pill (he wanted to see if it caused my migraines) i was like 'ohhhh no' he's all like 'you'll be fine' and then six months later i still hadn't gotten my cycle back.
So my lady doctor put me back on the pill at this point (after i had tried all other forms of therapy, progesterone creams, chinese tonic.. etc) to get my cycle to start again, as i was having horrible side effects that made me dreadful to be around and uncomfortable. One month after that (March this year) on the very day my period came back i broke out in cysts down one side of my face.
So then the derm put me back on Accutane. i think he expected it to clear up much faster, but as usual with me things have to be difficult. my skin will clear completely just like last time, i just have to be patient. SO FRUSTRATING. 
JB
PRODUCT UPDATE
Still trying to get set on my products, but here's what I'm doing so far:
Face Care:
Morning
- Rinse face with cool water
- Facial Moisturizer - MyChelle Daily Defense Cream SPF 17
Makeup
(Still trying to figure this out, especially the colors that suit me best)
- Choosing between: Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer OR Real Purity Creme Foundation OR Aveda Inner Light Tinted Moisturizer OR Juice Beauty Tinted Moisturizer
- Everyday Minerals Jojoba Mineral Powder OR Alima Pure Satin-Matte Mineral Powder
- Trying the green mineral powders too to combat redness
Evening
- Cleanser - Whole Foods 365 Facial Cleanser (non-paraben form of Cetaphil). This burns a little so I may be looking for something else.
- Moisturizer - Earth Science Almond-Aloe Unscented Moisturizer mixed with a few drops of Aura Cacia Organic Sweet Almond Oil (the oil is Very luxurious and moisturizing!)
- Sometimes I very gently exfoliate my face with a soft wash cloth. I REALLY want to get this: Clarisonic, although even the gentlest brush may be too harsh while on Accutane.
Body Care:
Moisturizers
- Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Oil (after a shower while skin is still wet)
- Whole Foods 365 Fragrance Free Body Lotion
- Whole Foods 365 Gentle Moisturzing Lotion (non paraben form of Cetaphil)
- Skikai Borage Therapy Unscented Body Lotion and Hand Cream
- Cashmere Unscented Argan Oil Lotion
- Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter Hand Cream
Lips
- Pure Lanolin and Lansinoh travel tubes (awesome natural alternative to Aquaphor)
- Dr. Bronner's, Desert Essence & Burt's Bees lip balms
Hair
- Avalon Organics Tea Tree/Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo & Conditioner (I wash no more often than every other day)
- Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Hair Treatment Masque (once or twice a week, apply and leave on ~45 minutes before rinsing out)
- Organic Coconut Oil (mixed with shea masque)
Other
- Florasone eczema/rash cream (homeopathic alternative to cortisone...worked really well)
Supplements:
- Nordic Natural Ultimate Omega Fish Oil: ~2-3 grams/day
- Vitamin D3: 1000IU/day or every other day
- Vitamin E: 400IU/day
- Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle: 150mg/day
- MegaFood MegaFlora Plus Probiotic: 1/day or every other day
Becca,
The supplements you are taking what are they doing for you while on the medication? I was taking Fish Oil but then I read through drugs.com that it doesn't react well with Accutane so I stopped taking them. There are so many mixed messages out there as to what to do and what not to do and I'd like to incorporate some supplements as well but just not sure which ones. Also when you have your headaches what do you take for them? Mine keep coming and going and then I just feel a little foggy which I'm sure is due to not having any caffine since starting the med's as well as the headaches and my eyes being dry and goopy. Fun times!
Thanks again for being so descriptive in your blog of your journey. It's really helpful to read about what you're doing during all of this and how you are feeling throughout it.
Take care,
Courtney
for me my symptoms of low B 12 were most neurological. I was getting very bad headaches, confused, tired. Mainly I was having nerve pain in my brain, pain so bad I would pass out or twitch like I was having a seizer and I couldn't talk or see when it would happen. I would have it happen a few times a week before I knew that the problem was. The nerve pain would last 30 seconds to a min and then I would have a dull headache for days afterwards. Then it would repeat in a cycle like that.
If you are low on B-12 the symptoms don't usually go unnoticed.
FANTASTIC LIST, BECCA!
I also use the Shikai borage therapy body moisturizer (fragrance-free) and LOVE IT. It is so soothing and wonderful. Although, I have to apply it 2-3 times a day on my arms because I get dry patches and eczema there. It's the only thing that helps over time, though. Sometimes I get the feeling it is works by slow release.
I clicked on the Lanisoh and it said nipple cream. That made me laugh. 
But I'm not gonna knock it if it's working!!!!
Becca,
The supplements you are taking what are they doing for you while on the medication? I was taking Fish Oil but then I read through drugs.com that it doesn't react well with Accutane so I stopped taking them. There are so many mixed messages out there as to what to do and what not to do and I'd like to incorporate some supplements as well but just not sure which ones. Also when you have your headaches what do you take for them? Mine keep coming and going and then I just feel a little foggy which I'm sure is due to not having any caffine since starting the med's as well as the headaches and my eyes being dry and goopy. Fun times!
Thanks again for being so descriptive in your blog of your journey. It's really helpful to read about what you're doing during all of this and how you are feeling throughout it.
Take care,
Courtney
I haven't read about any negatives reactions between fish oil and accutane. In fact, you're supposed to take accutane with fat so I would think that would be an indication that the fish oil is A-ok... It combats high cholesterol and triglycerides, both of which commonly elevate on accutane. Fish oil also reduces inflammation. I was taking it long before starting accutane.
Probiotics are important for gut health and Milk Thistle as a liver support (since accutane is hard on the liver). I've been taking E and D3 for a while too.
I'd suggest Advil (ibuprofen) over Tylenol (acetaminophen) for headaches since acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver. I opt for advil if I just can't get rid of a headache.
for me my symptoms of low B 12 were most neurological. I was getting very bad headaches, confused, tired. Mainly I was having nerve pain in my brain, pain so bad I would pass out or twitch like I was having a seizer and I couldn't talk or see when it would happen. I would have it happen a few times a week before I knew that the problem was. The nerve pain would last 30 seconds to a min and then I would have a dull headache for days afterwards. Then it would repeat in a cycle like that.
If you are low on B-12 the symptoms don't usually go unnoticed.
Yikes! What a scary thing to go through. Is it under control for you now?
FANTASTIC LIST, BECCA!
I also use the Shikai borage therapy body moisturizer (fragrance-free) and LOVE IT. It is so soothing and wonderful. Although, I have to apply it 2-3 times a day on my arms because I get dry patches and eczema there. It's the only thing that helps over time, though. Sometimes I get the feeling it is works by slow release.
I clicked on the Lanisoh and it said nipple cream. That made me laugh.
The Shikai is my favorite too. I need to go back and add Florasone, which helped my eczema rash on my hand a lot. I haven't needed since that first initial rash craziness. You may want to try it for your patches of eczema.
Yes....nipple cream, haha. It is funny because the tube says "Soothes, heals & protects sore nipples". It's just plain ol' pure lanolin but the Lansinoh "nipple cream" was the only thing I could find in these nice little travel friendly tubes.
for me my symptoms of low B 12 were most neurological. I was getting very bad headaches, confused, tired. Mainly I was having nerve pain in my brain, pain so bad I would pass out or twitch like I was having a seizer and I couldn't talk or see when it would happen. I would have it happen a few times a week before I knew that the problem was. The nerve pain would last 30 seconds to a min and then I would have a dull headache for days afterwards. Then it would repeat in a cycle like that.
If you are low on B-12 the symptoms don't usually go unnoticed.
Holy crap Betsy, I had no idea some of the low B12 symptoms could be neurological. That must have been scary. My daughter also has trouble with low B12, she did have shots for a few months and then they switched her to taking B12 sublingualy which is a pill that melts under your tongue. Apparently this absorbs into your system better than swallowing it. Her symptoms were extreme fatigue and she feels much better now. They check her levels periodically. I go up and down on low iron but have never had my B12 levels checked. Def something to put on the list!
Hey Becca! Thanks for the list of products. I think I'm going to try your brand of fish oil since I don't think mine is helping enough. I'm also going to look into some of the moisturizers you use - I mix the ceravae cream with Body Shops shea butter but the cream makes me feel sticky. And since I live in Florida I definitely don't need help feeling sticky!!
Becca - It is under control for the most part. I take supplements daily to help combat the over active nerves. I still have my days every once and awhile though.
Stacey- Yea it was crazy! Actually a lot of the B 12 symptoms are neurological. It was very scary. I couldn't drive for 6 months, because the nerves were acting up so often I was scared I would kill myself or someone else on the road. That is interesting about the pill under the tongue, I should mention that to my Neurologist. I am glad your daughter is doing better now! So nice when you can pin point the cause of feeling the way you do, and fix it!
Hey Becca! Thanks for the list of products. I think I'm going to try your brand of fish oil since I don't think mine is helping enough. I'm also going to look into some of the moisturizers you use - I mix the ceravae cream with Body Shops shea butter but the cream makes me feel sticky. And since I live in Florida I definitely don't need help feeling sticky!!
Hi Stacey! I love Nordic Naturals' fish oil....it's ultra concentrated and cleanly sourced!
I have the shea butter hand cream and I'll put it on at night, but otherwise I find it's just too heavy to use all the time. Honestly, since my initial rashes, I haven't really dealt with much dry body skin (my face is dry though) - I usually only moisturize my body once a day. That may change now that I'm on 60mg.
Alright, the verdict is in.... my iron is very low. My ferritin level (the protein that stores extra iron) was 6 ng/mL and the normal range is 13-150 ng/mL. So, I'll be starting an iron supplement again. I'm going to use MegaFood Blood Builder, which I've used before without any of the common constipation problems associated with regular iron supplements. I've also heard great things about Floradix.
My Dr also rechecked my cholesterol and it was even higher than it was when I got my accutane bloodwork a few days prior. My LDL was elevated along with my total cholesterol. He knows it's accutane related but he wants to keep an eye on it. I guess I need to be more careful with my diet.
My cholesterol has been high on this medicine too. I know it's very common. My overall cholesterol is always high anyway because I have very high HDL so it's never been a worry but with the accutane my LDL keeps going up. My derm said there is still plenty of room for it to be high but it's still nerve wracking, right? Just keep taking care of yourself, I'm sure it will be fine.
So I did some more makeup shopping last night and I purchased Aveda Inner Light Tinted Moisturizer and I'm wearing it today with some green correcting mineral powder and then regular mineral powder over top. Ladies, can you tell me if you think I've done a good job with colors?? I think the tinted moisturizer is the correct shade (I was matched at the shop) but I'm still struggling on choosing the powder shade. I know it's hard to tell because my face is red/pink, but what do you think??? Thanks for a helping a non-makeup kinda wearing chic 
I also purchased Juice Beauty Tinted Moisturizer and I'll give that a shot too, but I like the Aveda a lot this morning. I also thought it may have been a sign that the Aveda was my best choice because the Aveda salon I went to was called "Body2Soul"....and, I told the girl that helped me that I was on Accutane and suffering from dry skin and when I left she said "Good luck on your Journey". I just thought that was neat
Hi Becca! Yay it looks like it gives great, natural coverage. Doesn't it just feel good on your skin? What shade did you get? I am 02 in Beechwood. Were you 01? Once the acne rests in peace, it will look flawless!!!!! When I wear this TM, which is only for special occasions since I'm just paranoid about having too many layers of things on my skin, I use the Cerave Foaming Cleanser since it removes makeup really well without stripping. Let us know if your 365 cleanser removes it all. It can be difficult to get it all off.
Yay!!!
Oh yeah, and I did not like the pink colors of the Juice Beauty TM. I thought they looked unnatural.
Cute story on the Aveda girl, too.
Hi Becca! Yay it looks like it gives great, natural coverage. Doesn't it just feel good on your skin? What shade did you get? I am 02 in Beechwood. Were you 01? Once the acne rests in peace, it will look flawless!!!!! When I wear this TM, which is only for special occasions since I'm just paranoid about having too many layers of things on my skin, I use the Cerave Foaming Cleanser since it removes makeup really well without stripping. Let us know if your 365 cleanser removes it all. It can be difficult to get it all off.
Yay!!!
Oh yeah, and I did not like the pink colors of the Juice Beauty TM. I thought they looked unnatural.
Cute story on the Aveda girl, too.
I'm actually 02 Beechwood. She thought 01 was going to be my match but when she tried 02 she said it was better. I can exchange it for 01 if I find it to be too dark. And I may need 01 in the winter (although my face never ever really tans since it's always been covered in makeup). Are you sure it doesn't look too pink compared to my neck?? Do you think that's just my red accutane/acne face showing through?
How long do you let it dry before you add your mineral powder? I found it to be a tad sticky and needed some drying time. But I really like it overall! Thanks for the help.
I think Juice Beauty isn't going to be as good of a match once I try it over my whole face, but I can return it to Ulta if it doesn't work out.
I think I am going to purchase the Cerave foaming cleanser. My 365 stuff burns a little bit, although it does foam up nicely. I needed a sponge to help get off my makeup last night.
Thanks, Gina