Yeah send me a pic for sure! I'm glad you love it! I'm excited to see it

Yeah send me a pic for sure! I'm glad you love it! I'm excited to see it

 

Just sent you a msg!

PICTURE UPDATE

I swear, my skin feels like it's better until I see the pics. You can really see the accutane "burn". God it looks like sh*t. I would love to start seeing more progress soon.

Here's the link to the pics through Day 43: [Removed]

(Edited to remove pics due to size restrictions and add above link)

Also did not realize that there was a limit to the amount of pics I can post. Do most people resize them before posting? They aren't really that big. Maybe I need to only post the post recent pics instead of the whole series (or put them together in one image in Photoshop before posting)

You could do the photo shop thing, or make a collage. Or link them to the page using a public album on photo bucket or something. Or you can go down to the bottom of your post and click on More Reply Options and attach the photos. Then it doesn't deplete your photo limit for some reason. I attach every photo that I post. I think it is easier that way.

I can see a difference with your skin! Everything is look less angry and calmer. Plus things seem to be shrinking down! What matters is that you see and feel the difference. Plus sometimes it is hard to see improvement with all the damn red marks that acne has left behind. Things feel smooth to me, but it still looks like I have acne to people who aren't familiar with red marks, ya know.

Since i'm doing a blog (for friends and fam not on this board), I'll just post the pics there (it took a while to get up the nerve to show them pics).

Progress pics through Day 43:

[Removed]

Besty, things are calmer/inflamed/congested. It's just frustrating to not be able to SEE a difference when I can feel it. And those red marks really are a b*tch, not to mention the burn.

WOW! I do see quite a difference! Amazing it's been 43 days for you already! Yay! The progress is there. I think it is hard to see it in ourselves though.

The red marks and red face on Accutane in and of itself is hard to get by for me. If you look at me without makeup it looks like I'm covered with active spots but they are all mostly just red marks from old breakouts.

WOW! I do see quite a difference! Amazing it's been 43 days for you already! Yay! The progress is there. I think it is hard to see it in ourselves though.

The red marks and red face on Accutane in and of itself is hard to get by for me. If you look at me without makeup it looks like I'm covered with active spots but they are all mostly just red marks from old breakouts.

 

Thanks, Summer. Today is actually Day 46. It is hard to believe its been that long. Just really ready to see more noticeable progress. You're right that it's harder I see it in ourselves. Most of my spots are red marks too....but I still have four very big actives and lots of small stuff under the skin that havent flattened or pushed out plus lots of clogged pores.

This evening I feel quite grumpy! First time since starting really. Not sure if it's The accutane or the fact that the time of the month has come an entire week early. I really do hate being on birth control...last month I had no cycle, now I'm a week early according the pack. Blah.

Plus a new zit tonight! And cracks in the corners of my mouth! Ouch.

Oh, very much empathize with the "grumpy tonight." I was having one too so I just went to bed about two hours early! Today, better.

Was catching up on your blog and so happy to hear how much you love your new haircut! That is fantastic! I've always hid behind my hair but wanted to cut it, but the fear. Good for you for going for it and being rewarded with loving it!

Good luck with your bloodwork & derm next week!

I have been using Tea Tree too, with good results. It's a fine line between just enough and too much.

Wow, do I know what you mean about the red marks looking like acne to everyone but you. Same here. We know our skin soooo well, don't we? Every bump, mark, you name it. I've had this bump under the skin on my neck for almost 3 months. It hasn't budged. It doesn't hurt and it seems to be in one of the areas where I had a cluster of cysts for the longest time. I'm wondering if it's some strange scar or scar tissue.

Fatigue is my biggest side effect now too. No real way to cope other than to just bear it, for me. I'm not dry really at all, except my hair and lips.

Very cool that you are loving your new hair! Makes me want to cut mine too.

I finally ran out of the cleanser I was using this whole time and had to switch to something new. Which fills me with dread every time. I picked up the Whole Foods cleanser and found it stings a little but I haven't had any other reaction to it so I'll keep going and hope I get used to it. I am not sure it does a great job removing makeup. But hesitant to go through a lot of switches right now.

Are you still loving the Aveda?

Yes- good luck with your appointment!

What are you ladies using Tea Tree Oil for? As a moisturizer for your face? I know some people will use this on active acne, right? I'm very uneducated on the stuff...

I have had a few "new ones" pop up recently I've been using epiduo as a spot treatment on the exact spot only. I'm not sure how well it's working, but I think it's helped to dry them out a little bit faster.

I'm glad you love your hair!!! So happy you followed your heart!

Good luck with your bloodwork & derm next week!

I have been using Tea Tree too, with good results. It's a fine line between just enough and too much.

Wow, do I know what you mean about the red marks looking like acne to everyone but you. Same here. We know our skin soooo well, don't we? Every bump, mark, you name it. I've had this bump under the skin on my neck for almost 3 months. It hasn't budged. It doesn't hurt and it seems to be in one of the areas where I had a cluster of cysts for the longest time. I'm wondering if it's some strange scar or scar tissue.

Fatigue is my biggest side effect now too. No real way to cope other than to just bear it, for me. I'm not dry really at all, except my hair and lips.

Very cool that you are loving your new hair! Makes me want to cut mine too.

I finally ran out of the cleanser I was using this whole time and had to switch to something new. Which fills me with dread every time. I picked up the Whole Foods cleanser and found it stings a little but I haven't had any other reaction to it so I'll keep going and hope I get used to it. I am not sure it does a great job removing makeup. But hesitant to go through a lot of switches right now.

Are you still loving the Aveda?

 

Hi Summer! I think tea tree is a pretty good way to spot treat. Not too harsh as long as its not full strength.

I notice my red marks so much more now! And I hope they aren't tue scars though I suspect I have some!

I'm not sure if you read my post about switching from that WF cleanser...I had the same problem with it stinging and just not gentle enough. So even though it's not natural I'm using CeraVe foaming face wash...it's very gentle and I'm much happier with it. Even though it's not as natural at least it's not sitting on my face all day. So if I were to make a suggestion to you I would say avoid the WF cleanser (if you're talking about that same Cetaphil type brand I was)

I do still like the Aveda! And I finally found a good shade in Alima mineral powder.

Yes- good luck with your appointment!

What are you ladies using Tea Tree Oil for? As a moisturizer for your face? I know some people will use this on active acne, right? I'm very uneducated on the stuff...

I have had a few "new ones" pop up recently I've been using epiduo as a spot treatment on the exact spot only. I'm not sure how well it's working, but I think it's helped to dry them out a little bit faster.

I'm glad you love your hair!!! So happy you followed your heart!

 

I just use tea tree oil to spot treat. It can be drying so I don't use it full strength. My brand is 75% tea tree and 25% Vitamin E. You could also just dilute with water if you had full strength tea tree. At first I didn't want to do anything on my face other than gently cleanse and moisturize but Ive found some of these bumps really need some help to speed up the healing process!

Yes my hair is so much easier to manage and it's super cute!!

Day 54

Month 2

Week 8

Still breaking out, although the last few days have been much better. Nothing huge, just small stuff. Seems that several areas that have had clogged pores or stuff that's been sitting under the skin for a long time are starting to purge. That's a good thing.

My chin and around my mouth are irritated, peeling and feeling raw. The crack on one corner of my mouth healed, but the other is still hanging on. Trying to keep my face well moisturized. No dry skin otherwise. I've only been moisturizing my body after my shower with sweet almond oil. And using hand creme.

Feeling a bit agitated lately for some reason. Not sure if it's a side effect or just a little frustration from wanting to see more progress. Either way, I'm keeping on keeping on.

Bloodwork was yesterday, Derm on Friday morning.

Hi Becca!

I know it's been a long time since we chatted, but I read through your log to update myself and I just wanted to say I know how you feel with how slow the progress is. Things are pushing out of your skin and unfortunately the effects often aren't immediate since we have to shed all of this dead crap off. I'm still getting some minor breakouts into my 4th and potentially last month. I didn't see super dramatic effects until after my 2nd month, going into my 3rd month. Yes, my skin felt smoother in the beginning, but I felt like I still had lots of marks and some cysts. I still have 3 cysts that haven't fully gone away.

I'm not sure if you've considered this, but what about not wearing tinted moisturizer for a while? I just find that if I wear too many layers of things, my skin can't breath and detoxify as well. I only wear the tinted moisturizer for special occasions or if I'm going out to a nice dinner or something. Powder is more inert than the liquid stuff and should be fairly free of aggravating bacteria or whatever else might be hanging out in liquid formulations, natural or not. I just remember learning in Biology class a long time ago that bacteria survive in water/moist environments, which is why liquid makeups can be a problem.

I'm not saying the Aveda stuff is causing breakouts, cause I don't think it does. I'm more so wondering if less layers of product will optimize healing by letting the skin breath.

I would love to see photos of your new haircut! Can you PM me? I'll send you a wedding photo in exchange. I'm getting my hair cut this week, too! Sooo excited cause it feels dead!!!

Also, fatigue is very off and on for me. It never fully goes away. I have to be careful with my stress response cause i'll end up feeling so exhausted. You're not alone, my friend.

Hi Becca!

I know it's been a long time since we chatted, but I read through your log to update myself and I just wanted to say I know how you feel with how slow the progress is. Things are pushing out of your skin and unfortunately the effects often aren't immediate since we have to shed all of this dead crap off. I'm still getting some minor breakouts into my 4th and potentially last month. I didn't see super dramatic effects until after my 2nd month, going into my 3rd month. Yes, my skin felt smoother in the beginning, but I felt like I still had lots of marks and some cysts. I still have 3 cysts that haven't fully gone away.

I'm not sure if you've considered this, but what about not wearing tinted moisturizer for a while? I just find that if I wear too many layers of things, my skin can't breath and detoxify as well. I only wear the tinted moisturizer for special occasions or if I'm going out to a nice dinner or something. Powder is more inert than the liquid stuff and should be fairly free of aggravating bacteria or whatever else might be hanging out in liquid formulations, natural or not. I just remember learning in Biology class a long time ago that bacteria survive in water/moist environments, which is why liquid makeups can be a problem.

I'm not saying the Aveda stuff is causing breakouts, cause I don't think it does. I'm more so wondering if less layers of product will optimize healing by letting the skin breath.

I would love to see photos of your new haircut! Can you PM me? I'll send you a wedding photo in exchange. I'm getting my hair cut this week, too! Sooo excited cause it feels dead!!!

Also, fatigue is very off and on for me. It never fully goes away. I have to be careful with my stress response cause i'll end up feeling so exhausted. You're not alone, my friend.

 

Hi Becca! And excuse me Gina, where is my wedding photo missy???

Hi Becca!

I know it's been a long time since we chatted, but I read through your log to update myself and I just wanted to say I know how you feel with how slow the progress is. Things are pushing out of your skin and unfortunately the effects often aren't immediate since we have to shed all of this dead crap off. I'm still getting some minor breakouts into my 4th and potentially last month. I didn't see super dramatic effects until after my 2nd month, going into my 3rd month. Yes, my skin felt smoother in the beginning, but I felt like I still had lots of marks and some cysts. I still have 3 cysts that haven't fully gone away.

I'm not sure if you've considered this, but what about not wearing tinted moisturizer for a while? I just find that if I wear too many layers of things, my skin can't breath and detoxify as well. I only wear the tinted moisturizer for special occasions or if I'm going out to a nice dinner or something. Powder is more inert than the liquid stuff and should be fairly free of aggravating bacteria or whatever else might be hanging out in liquid formulations, natural or not. I just remember learning in Biology class a long time ago that bacteria survive in water/moist environments, which is why liquid makeups can be a problem.

I'm not saying the Aveda stuff is causing breakouts, cause I don't think it does. I'm more so wondering if less layers of product will optimize healing by letting the skin breath.

I would love to see photos of your new haircut! Can you PM me? I'll send you a wedding photo in exchange. I'm getting my hair cut this week, too! Sooo excited cause it feels dead!!!

Also, fatigue is very off and on for me. It never fully goes away. I have to be careful with my stress response cause i'll end up feeling so exhausted. You're not alone, my friend.

 

Hi Becca! And excuse me Gina, where is my wedding photo missy???

 

LOL you saw the one on facebook, right? That was the one I was going to share with her, but sure, I'll message you another one if the size isn't too big!!!

Hi Becca!

I know it's been a long time since we chatted, but I read through your log to update myself and I just wanted to say I know how you feel with how slow the progress is. Things are pushing out of your skin and unfortunately the effects often aren't immediate since we have to shed all of this dead crap off. I'm still getting some minor breakouts into my 4th and potentially last month. I didn't see super dramatic effects until after my 2nd month, going into my 3rd month. Yes, my skin felt smoother in the beginning, but I felt like I still had lots of marks and some cysts. I still have 3 cysts that haven't fully gone away.

I'm not sure if you've considered this, but what about not wearing tinted moisturizer for a while? I just find that if I wear too many layers of things, my skin can't breath and detoxify as well. I only wear the tinted moisturizer for special occasions or if I'm going out to a nice dinner or something. Powder is more inert than the liquid stuff and should be fairly free of aggravating bacteria or whatever else might be hanging out in liquid formulations, natural or not. I just remember learning in Biology class a long time ago that bacteria survive in water/moist environments, which is why liquid makeups can be a problem.

I'm not saying the Aveda stuff is causing breakouts, cause I don't think it does. I'm more so wondering if less layers of product will optimize healing by letting the skin breath.

I would love to see photos of your new haircut! Can you PM me? I'll send you a wedding photo in exchange. I'm getting my hair cut this week, too! Sooo excited cause it feels dead!!!

Also, fatigue is very off and on for me. It never fully goes away. I have to be careful with my stress response cause i'll end up feeling so exhausted. You're not alone, my friend.

 

Hi Becca! And excuse me Gina, where is my wedding photo missy???

 

LOL you saw the one on facebook, right? That was the one I was going to share with her, but sure, I'll message you another one if the size isn't too big!!!

 

I WANT A WEDDING PHOTO TOO.

Sent via facebook!

Hi Becca!

I know it's been a long time since we chatted, but I read through your log to update myself and I just wanted to say I know how you feel with how slow the progress is. Things are pushing out of your skin and unfortunately the effects often aren't immediate since we have to shed all of this dead crap off. I'm still getting some minor breakouts into my 4th and potentially last month. I didn't see super dramatic effects until after my 2nd month, going into my 3rd month. Yes, my skin felt smoother in the beginning, but I felt like I still had lots of marks and some cysts. I still have 3 cysts that haven't fully gone away.

I'm not sure if you've considered this, but what about not wearing tinted moisturizer for a while? I just find that if I wear too many layers of things, my skin can't breath and detoxify as well. I only wear the tinted moisturizer for special occasions or if I'm going out to a nice dinner or something. Powder is more inert than the liquid stuff and should be fairly free of aggravating bacteria or whatever else might be hanging out in liquid formulations, natural or not. I just remember learning in Biology class a long time ago that bacteria survive in water/moist environments, which is why liquid makeups can be a problem.

I'm not saying the Aveda stuff is causing breakouts, cause I don't think it does. I'm more so wondering if less layers of product will optimize healing by letting the skin breath.

I would love to see photos of your new haircut! Can you PM me? I'll send you a wedding photo in exchange. I'm getting my hair cut this week, too! Sooo excited cause it feels dead!!!

Also, fatigue is very off and on for me. It never fully goes away. I have to be careful with my stress response cause i'll end up feeling so exhausted. You're not alone, my friend.

 

Hey Gina! So good to hear from you. I have high hopes for Month 3. This week has been better...still breaking out, but things feel calmer overall. I can see lots of stuff that needs to push out. Dermatologist is tomorrow morning and I have 5 doses of Month 2 left.

I wish I felt comfortable enough to go without the tinted moisturizer + mineral powder. But I just have too many actives and too many red marks that look like zits. The powder by itself doesn't look very good I don't think - probably because my skin is so dry. I am trying to wear nothing as often as possible (weekends, wash my face right after work, etc). At least I switched from that Revlon crap to the Aveda.

I will PM you a before and after pic of my hair! I want to see your wedding pic and a hair pic too!

so glad things are feeling calmer for you! month 3 is suppose to be a magical month, so hopefully the stupid breakouts will stop! good luck at the derm tomorrow!

Hey Becca!

Totally understood about the makeup. Yeah, I find Alima to be super light coverage. I don't even like to wear it alone. I wear a different brand because it looks less "powdery" and covers better. Even the one I use doesn't have perfect coverage...

Let us know what your derm says!

Day 57

Month 2

Week 8

Today was my Dermatologist appointment as I finish up Month 2. She was very pleased with my progress! I went without any makeup to discuss scarring and hyperpigmentation. I was elated when she told me that she doesn't think I'll have any permanent scarring!! Almost all of my post-acne marks are hyperpigmentation and should fade with time (though it can take a while). Now that I'm seeing more healing, I'll also start seeing less red marks. My cholesterol is still inching up, however, so I'll need to be much more careful with my diet this month.

This week my skin was feeling and looking better. I saw less breakouts. My chin and around my mouth are peeling and I'm still nursing the crack in the corner of my mouth. I really need to STOP touching my face! I'm bad about checking it for new breakouts or to see if anything has magically healed in the last five minutes...

Side effects are pretty minimal this week. That can change quickly though, I've found.

PROGRESS PICS:

Day 57 Pictures

For reference, here's my last post with progress pics: Progress pics through Day 43

Progress???

Yes progress!! Your skin looks so much smoother!! I can't wait to see the end of month 3

Don't you love how we check our skin for new bumps all the time? I'm really bad about doing this anytime I wake up at night. I just spent a bad skin weekend. I actually had this weekend off and for some reason broke out terribly! I thought I had avoided the IB but I guess 20 days in I got it. I think they are starting to heal now¦ and I hope when my does increases I don't get this again. The plan is for me to do like you did- month 1 40 and then up to 60 for 5 or six months.

Happy you are seeing improvement!

MONTH 2 RECAP

Today is my final day of Month 2! I've heard from some that Month 3 is the "magic month" so I'm hopeful that I'll see lots of improvement in the coming weeks!

A recap of Month 2 progress and side effects:

• Skin was improving towards the very end of Month 1 and very beginning of Month 2, but there was a lot of breaking out in Month 2. Breakouts became less cystic in nature but individual bumps are much larger and go through a scab/peel/bleed cycle while healing.

   

• Finally saw consistent improvement in the very last week of Month 2. Even though I'm still breaking out, my skin is looking its best going into Month 3.

   

• Eyes are more dry but still able to wear contacts

   

• Lips became much more dry in the second half of this month. Several cracks in the corners of my mouth and more peeling on my lips.

   

• Inside of my nose has been a lot more dry. Needed to occasionally use saline spray to combat nose bleeds due to the dryness.

   

• Itchy scalp no longer a problem. Scalp and hair is still dry, but does not feel flakey and itchy like it did.

   

• Body does not feel dry, no rashes, no eczema, etc. Face very dry but manageable.

   

• Felt some agitation/anxiety a few days this month, which may or may not be because of the drug.

   

• Started feeling a little joint pain in my ankles and toes when I first wake up in the mornings. Last night I felt more joint pain in my wrists, neck, shoulders and back. Nothing too concerning at this point.

   

• Still experiencing random extreme fatigue but it was less often this month.

   

• Cholesterol is elevated to 245.