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Hi all,
It seems like starting Accutane is a pretty big deal, so I'm starting my own log. Even if no one reads it, it'll be a good way for me to keep track of my progress. FYI, I am on Claravis and at the time of this writing, I am on my second day.
My stats:
I'm a 25 year old Asian male. I'm 5 ft. 6 in. and 138 pounds. Modesty aside, I'm pretty healthy and an undeniable gym rat. I do lift a lot of weights, so I am concerned about potential joint pain from the Claravis. My diet is pretty healthy - I rarely indulge in high-fat, high-carb foods.
My acne:
Let me start off by saying that my acne is not bad at all right now! So, why am I taking Claravis? My acne started 11+ years ago. I've never really had blackheads; my acne consisted mostly of comedones and pustules on my cheeks and forehead, and the occasional cyst on my cheeks.
What I've tried and how my acne has fluctuated:
From the ages of 14-25, I've tried almost everything worth trying over the counter: 5-10% benzoyl peroxide creams and gels, salicylic topicals, benzoyl peroxide face washes, salicylic acid toners, and salicylic acid face washes.
I went on a three month course of Differin when I was 18 - it had no effect whatsoever, so I gave that up.
From the ages of 18-24, I probably had anywhere from 5-7 pimples, and if it was a really good time, I would probably have about 2-3; in short, I was rarely, if ever, pimple-free and pretty much always had some sort of scarring that I was recovering from.
So, now we arrive to 25: I moved to a place with high humidity and it was nightmare on my skin (coupled with the stress of starting graduate school, it was just all sorts of bad). Starting in June of this year, I started a 90-day course of doxycycline. After 2 weeks, I saw no changes and started Differin on top of that. My initial breakout with Differin was BAD and it lasted a few months. When I finished the 90-day course of doxycycline, I decided not to continue with another round as I thought it had no effect whatsoever. After 3 months with Differin, my breakouts were continuing, so I threw in 10% benzoyl peroxide on top of that and voila! My skin started clearing up, and after about two months of that, my breakouts were down to about 2-3 at any given time. I tried to remove the benzoyl peroxide from my routine for about two weeks, but my breakouts tried to flare up with a vengeance, so it was added back in the mix.
My skin right before starting Claravis:
I had two lingering breakouts on one of my cheeks, two on the underside of my jawline. Under certain lighting, you can tell that there are about 3-4 pimples forming under the surface of my skin. My forehead was completely clear. My skin was extremely oily, especially in the humid environment. All in all, not bad at all. I even had the pharmacist look at me and wonder if the Claravis was really for me.
So, why did I want to start Accutane?
Above all, my skin was EXTREMELY oily. This was never really a problem before, but I believe it became worse after starting the Differin-BP cocktail. I was blotting several times a day and everytime, the blotting sheet would be completely soaked (not soaked, but you get the idea). Furthermore, I hated that I was COMPLETELY dependent on slathering a cocktail on my face every night to get my face to an acceptable level. I had bleached several pillow cases and was completely over it. The prospect of breaking free from the oiliness and the products so that I could just use normal products (if any) and just have healthier skin that didn't need to be degreased landed me here.
Second day on Claravis.
So, I haven't noticed any real dryness. I have noticed that I am thirstier, but I drink a lot of water all the time anyway, so this isn't a huge concern. My main hope is that because I've been on Differin this entire time, my initial breakout won't be really bad. I haven't noticed any real decrease in the oiliness of my skin, but we shall see.
I will try to update my log at least bi-monthly. If anyone has questions, fire away!
Hi all,
It seems like starting Accutane is a pretty big deal, so I'm starting my own log. Even if no one reads it, it'll be a good way for me to keep track of my progress. FYI, I am on Claravis and at the time of this writing, I am on my second day.
My stats:
I'm a 25 year old Korean male. I'm 5 ft. 6 in. and 138 pounds. Modesty aside, I'm pretty healthy and an undeniable gym rat. I do lift a lot of weights, so I am concerned about potential joint pain from the Claravis. My diet is pretty healthy - I rarely indulge in high-fat, high-carb foods.
My acne:
Let me start off by saying that my acne is not bad at all right now! So, why am I taking Claravis? My acne started 11+ years ago. I've never really had blackheads; my acne consisted mostly of comedones and pustules on my cheeks and forehead, and the occasional cyst on my cheeks.
What I've tried and how my acne has fluctuated:
From the ages of 14-25, I've tried almost everything worth trying over the counter: 5-10% benzoyl peroxide creams and gels, salicylic topicals, benzoyl peroxide face washes, salicylic acid toners, and salicylic acid face washes.
I went on a three month course of Differin when I was 18 - it had no effect whatsoever, so I gave that up.
From the ages of 18-24, I probably had anywhere from 5-7 pimples, and if it was a really good time, I would probably have about 2-3; in short, I was rarely, if ever, pimple-free and pretty much always had some sort of scarring that I was recovering from.
So, now we arrive to 25: I moved to a place with high humidity and it was nightmare on my skin (coupled with the stress of starting graduate school, it was just all sorts of bad). Starting in June of this year, I started a 90-day course of doxycycline. After 2 weeks, I saw no changes and started Differin on top of that. My initial breakout with Differin was BAD and it lasted a few months. When I finished the 90-day course of doxycycline, I decided not to continue with another round as I thought it had no effect whatsoever. After 3 months with Differin, my breakouts were continuing, so I threw in 10% benzoyl peroxide on top of that and voila! My skin started clearing up, and after about two months of that, my breakouts were down to about 2-3 at any given time. I tried to remove the benzoyl peroxide from my routine for about two weeks, but my breakouts tried to flare up with a vengeance, so it was added back in the mix.
My skin right before starting Claravis:
I had two lingering breakouts on one of my cheeks, two on the underside of my jawline. Under certain lighting, you can tell that there are about 3-4 pimples forming under the surface of my skin. My forehead was completely clear. My skin was extremely oily, especially in the humid environment. All in all, not bad at all. I even had the pharmacist look at me and wonder if the Claravis was really for me.
So, why did I want to start Accutane?
Above all, my skin was EXTREMELY oily. This was never really a problem before, but I believe it became worse after starting the Differin-BP cocktail. I was blotting several times a day and everytime, the blotting sheet would be completely soaked (not soaked, but you get the idea). Furthermore, I hated that I was COMPLETELY dependent on slathering a cocktail on my face every night to get my face to an acceptable level. I had bleached several pillow cases and was completely over it. The prospect of breaking free from the oiliness and the products so that I could just use normal products (if any) and just have healthier skin that didn't need to be degreased landed me here.
Second day on Claravis.
So, I haven't noticed any real dryness. I have noticed that I am thirstier, but I drink a lot of water all the time anyway, so this isn't a huge concern. My main hope is that because I've been on Differin this entire time, my initial breakout won't be really bad. I haven't noticed any real decrease in the oiliness of my skin, but we shall see.
I will try to update my log at least bi-monthly. If anyone has questions, fire away!
Good luck!!
I would suggest a good moisturizer like CereVe or Cetaphil. Also get ready for super dry lips lol
Unfortunately many sunscreens seem to break me out no matter
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod2143589
This seems to be a good sunblock on the body. You could try CereVe am moisturizer with 30 spf in it for your face and neck.
I've tried many different SPF moisturizers, and I can say the CeraVe am moisturizer is good. I used it for quite a while. I noticed my skin was midly red while using it, though. I've since switched to Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30, and I love it. Highly recommended.
Unfortunately many sunscreens seem to break me out no matter
http://www.ulta.com/...tId=prod2143589
This seems to be a good sunblock on the body. You could try CereVe am moisturizer with 30 spf in it for your face and neck.
Thanks for the recommendations! Do either of these go on with a shiny appearance? That's the last thing I need on top of my oily skin lol. Much appreciated and please keep the product recommendations for lips, moisturizer, etc. coming!
Another thing: I've had to lay off my awesome multivitamin because it (of course) contains Vitamin A. Can anyone recommend some Accutane-friendly supplements to take over the next five-six months? Thanks!
Day 4 update:
No changes noticed yet. There are currently no visible pimples on my skin (I can still tell there are a few waiting to bust out under the surface of my skin on the cheeks) and skin is still pretty oily. This is the fourth day that I've been off my benzoyl peroxide face wash and the BP-Differin cocktail, so I'm starting to get paranoid that either I will start breaking out like crazy from abandoning my routine or from the initial breakout lol. Definitely noticed that I'm waaaaaay thirstier though. No joint pain after a few sessions at the gym, so thumbs up there! Also, forgot to mention: I am on a low dose taking one pill per day for the first week, and alternating between 2 pills per day, and 1 pill the next.
I've tried many different SPF moisturizers, and I can say the CeraVe am moisturizer is good. I used it for quite a while. I noticed my skin was midly red while using it, though. I've since switched to Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30, and I love it. Highly recommended.
Unfortunately many sunscreens seem to break me out no matter
http://www.ulta.com/...tId=prod2143589
This seems to be a good sunblock on the body. You could try CereVe am moisturizer with 30 spf in it for your face and neck.
Thanks for the recommendations! Do either of these go on with a shiny appearance? That's the last thing I need on top of my oily skin lol. Much appreciated and please keep the product recommendations for lips, moisturizer, etc. coming!
Another thing: I've had to lay off my awesome multivitamin because it (of course) contains Vitamin A. Can anyone recommend some Accutane-friendly supplements to take over the next five-six months? Thanks!
Day 4 update:
No changes noticed yet. There are currently no visible pimples on my skin (I can still tell there are a few waiting to bust out under the surface of my skin on the cheeks) and skin is still pretty oily. This is the fourth day that I've been off my benzoyl peroxide face wash and the BP-Differin cocktail, so I'm starting to get paranoid that either I will start breaking out like crazy from abandoning my routine or from the initial breakout lol. Definitely noticed that I'm waaaaaay thirstier though. No joint pain after a few sessions at the gym, so thumbs up there! Also, forgot to mention: I am on 40 mg/day for the first week, and alternating between 80 mg for one day and then 40 mg the next.
Nah i didn't have a problem with shinyness. For lips go with either Aquaphor or Burt's Bees
As for supplements i don't really know anything other than no vitamin A. I wouldn't take anything you don't need tbh
Day 7 update:
Today is the last day of my "ease-in" period of taking a low dose. Starting tomorrow I'll alternate between 2 pills a day, and one pill a day. I'm also having my blood drawn for the first time tomorrow, so crossing fingers for that.
No change to the oiliness of my skin yet. I can feel the sub-surface pimples starting to come up but it also seems like they are getting smaller as they do. It might very well be my imagination lol. Lips have not started to dry yet. In fact, I've been moisturizing them so much since I've started my course that it seems like they're actually softer than before lol. Thirst continues, no joint pain to report.
Day 10 update:
Reached the end of my tenth day; today was the second time I took my higher dose. The oiliness of my skin has definitely decreased. I noticed that I didn't have to blot as frequently, and even when I did, the sheets weren't completely soaked. I have a few white heads that are coming to the surface and I'm glad because those have been brewing for several weeks. My skin definitely has a better appearance though! Still moisturizing my lips like there is no tomorrow and I'm keeping any chapping at bay. No peeling skin on my face, no joint pain, thirst continues. I have noticed that the back of my hands are verrrrry dry, however, and I am getting some skin peeling in that area.
Jon, I thought I was reading my own log for a second; my situation is basically identical to yours except doxy and differin/tretinoin worked for me for about a year. I got on claravis in October with the same exact dose (40/80 alternating). My skin is extremely oily and I think it's the main reason for my acne. Right now I'm doing well. My experience is that you'll break out slightly in the first month when you first start experiencing dry skin and chapped lips. Then everything will sort of dry out. Don't monkey around with pimples at this time (no BP, retin-a)- just let it run it's course. and .... GET AQUAPHOR for your lips!
Good luck, I'll be eagerly reading your log.
Jon, I thought I was reading my own log for a second; my situation is basically identical to yours except doxy and differin/tretinoin worked for me for about a year. I got on claravis in October with the same exact dose (40/80 alternating). My skin is extremely oily and I think it's the main reason for my acne. Right now I'm doing well. My experience is that you'll break out slightly in the first month when you first start experiencing dry skin and chapped lips. Then everything will sort of dry out. Don't monkey around with pimples at this time (no BP, retin-a)- just let it run it's course. and .... GET AQUAPHOR for your lips!
Good luck, I'll be eagerly reading your log.
Thanks pleogsk! I've just read your log. How are you doing now? Right now I'm just seeing all my tiny whiteheads and blackheads coming to the surface. They're really tiny though, and the fact that my skin isn't having a bad initial breakout (yet, knocking on wood) right now actually makes me really glad that I was on the differin-bp cocktail before.
I'm currently using Dr. Dan's Cortibalm for my lips, but have been told by multiple people that I should definitely pick up some aquaphor, so I'll be doing that. May I ask if you have any other product recommendations?
Thanks, and good luck to you as well!
Hey Jon,
I think being on the BP/differin really helps before using accutane. I'm doing really well right now (KOW). The first month was the toughest for me because it was that transition from differin stopping to work and the IB from the accutane. My acne during the IB wasn't especially deep or painful (probably thanks to the differin) but it was unsightly because it caused so much hyperpigmentation (I don't know if differin exacerbates PIH). After the first month and that initial crop of pimples, I've had one or two, but they were hardly noticeable.
I believe accutane works not only by reducing oil, but also regulating how your skin is shed. I feel in the past with differin, the skin around my nose would get super flaky, but now that's not the case now. Right now, on my face, I moisturize with Cerave cream twice a day, but really lightly and I use gold bond on my body.
I know you'll do well on accutane and I wish you the best on an acne-free rest-of-your-life.
Day 18 Update:
I DID NOT HAVE TO BLOT A SINGLE TIME TODAY!! Sorry for yelling, I had to basically put the world on notice that I would fight anyone that tried to take my accutane away!
Other than the oiliness, I have finally noticed some dryness/peeling around the corners of my nose and right near my ear lobes. Nothing that some extra lotion can't fix. My whiteheads are continuing to surface, even in areas where I didn't think I had any whiteheads (ex: my forehead, along my jaw area). I do currently have more bumps along my face than I would like to, but if this is the extent of my initial breakout, I'll be happy. I did have one pimple that I absolutely needed to extract, but from here on out, I will be leaving everything on my skin as is to purge naturally. No chapping on my lips still, but I have noticed that if I don't use some sort of product on them, they FEEL dry.
My tip for lips based on my experience thus far: I use Dr. Dan's Cortibalm - once in the morning and once at night before I go to bed; during the day time, I use aquaphor lip repair. I alternate between the two because I don't want to build up a tolerance to the hydrocortisone in Dr. Dan's (or experience any negative effects on my skin from overuse of it). BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, I always use lotion on my lips and let it absorb before applying either of the aforementioned on top. I think this has truly helped me in terms of avoiding any chapped lips.
Day 34 Update:
I had my 1-month update with my derm yesterday. I had to find a new derm just because I moved away from the derm I started with (FYI, this is a very painless process in terms of updating with iPledge). The derm said I seemed to be progressing just fine. He was a bit bothered by my dosage of alternating between 40/80 mg a day, so he switched me to just taking 60 mg every day. Just a shout out to all you Aetna insurance people out there: I ran into a bit of a problem getting my prescription because they no longer consider Claravis 30 mg pills to be generic, but the 10, 20, and 40 mg pills are (this baffles me). The 30 mg pills came out to be $536. Needless to say, I marched straight back to the derm and asked for a new prescription that would be covered under my plan - I got switched to taking 20 mg three times a day. Sorry for that rant, just thought it might be helpful to some readers that might face this issue in the future!
Updates on my skin: I totally lied when I said I wouldn't extract any more pimples. I've extracted two more, only because they didn't seem to be resolving themselves. And holy eff, was I surprised. I merely nicked the surface and well, no gross details necessary, but I definitely think the accutane is helping my skin push everything to the surface, and I'm ok with helping the occasional few be gone from my face. Some more dryness along the sides of my face, moisturizing a lot to help combat some flakiness. Have not had any chapped lips, but I'm still keeping up on moisturizing them very well. I have had a few dry patches of skin develop on my arms, but the derm gave me some sample creams to help resolve that. I would say that I am towards the end of my initial breakout. All of the emerging whiteheads that I saw a week and a half ago have all started to disappear and I haven't had anything new come up for a few days.
Hey! I know its been almost a year since you've posted haha but I just started accutane today and want to know how the rest of your treatment went. I also bought Dr. Dan's lip balm and wanted to know if you had any bad results with that (building up an intolerance to hydrocortisone) and whatnot. I have aquaphor but I read so many great reviews about Dr. Dan's.
Also, how long did your IB last? I am dreading this part...being a 21 girl with a boat load of pimples on your face is not something to look forward to!
My skin right now is very oily with mainly whiteheads and blackheads with a few bigger ones around my chin.
I'd love to hear from you!