Really enjoy reading your log. I've just took my 29th pill, however I'm only on 20mg so the side efrects are very minimal, will be going onto 40mg in a couple of weeks and praying it's still manageable. Keep going!

Hi! I'm a 16 year old guy on the "delightful" medication of isotretinoin, thought I'd give my 2 cents on my experience so far.

I'm on my 65th day, (2mo,5d). 60 mg/day (30 in morning, 30 at night)

I can't quite remember when I first noticed the effects, but I think it started with lips. So so so dry. That was probably within the first 2 weeks. Then, I started breaking out like crazy. I've never had really bad acne just some whiteheads here and there and the dreaded under-the-skin ones that made my nose look lopsided, rarely. But from week 2- week 8 my skin reached an all time worst. I've had whiteheads everywhere, scabbing, etc etc. The scanning is probably my least favorite because it contrasts my fair skin...which is covered in red blotches now anyways.. I'd begun to think that the medicine just wasn't working for me. Most stories I read said "I saw results in between months 1 & 2". I waited all of month 2 to no avail. I literally got to where my friends would invite me to go to the mall or something and I would say "yeah!" And then think about it and decide to make up an excuse just because I didn't want people to see my face in public. I was at an elementary school helping out and a little boy said "Why do you have so many pimples" and that really got me down. Definitely the least self-confidence I've ever had in my life.

But I'm happy to say that today July 5, I noticed *maybe* the first results. My chin is clearing up after peeling and being all dry for the past week. I had to reapply CeraVe 4 times a day for it to be not painful. Also, the lower half of my right cheek is kind of smooth. Hopefully these are signs of good to come. Still have cysts on the jawline as well, I think that's pretty common.

Side effects: so far, no sunburn whatsoever, which is amazing because I burned fairly easily before the tane. Maybe I've just avoided the sun enough

Joint pain: Ok about halfway thru the first month I would have this SEARING joint pain in my entire spine whenever I relaxed or tensed it in a certain way. It was almost unbearable. Well I was digging around for info on that I someone mentioned fish oil cures it all. Let me tell you, fish oil cures it all. I started taking the fish oil tablets with dinner every night (they're kinda big but I got used to it) and I have no more of that back pain whatsoever. I have experienced a little knee pain after working out, but I'm assuming it's not as bad as it would be.

Lips: aquaphor when I'm not at home, and I just carry a tub of Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) with me in the house and reapply generously every 20 mins or so. Feels great.

Eyes: wake up every once in a while with sore eyes (probably swollen). And sometimes they'll get super dry and I'll use an allergy eye drop. Not too bad.

Other than dry skin of course, the only other thing is mild dry scalp where if I scratch it I notice dry skin come off, so I avoid that.

Best of luck on your journey, maybe I'll check in on this every once in a while and give updates.

All I've been doing to get through this is thinking that I'm not alone, and it will be worth it in the end!!

Also i forgot to add that fish oil capsules also lower your colesterol, kind of an added bonus since the medicine raises it.

And one more side effect: my derm said that my triglyceride levels are getting really high and that I might have to take a med to lower that if it keeps rising. So I've been trying to cut down on carbs and sweets and whatnot, which is tough. Drinking lots of water is key too. But anyways, cheers for now.

Really enjoy reading your log. I've just took my 29th pill, however I'm only on 20mg so the side efrects are very minimal, will be going onto 40mg in a couple of weeks and praying it's still manageable. Keep going!

Thank you! Have you seen any noticeable results yet though? Hopefully 40mg is to your liking; I feel like 40mg is a really small dose for me though Let me know how it goes for you though!

Hi! I'm a 16 year old guy on the "delightful" medication of isotretinoin, thought I'd give my 2 cents on my experience so far.

 

I'm on my 65th day, (2mo,5d). 60 mg/day (30 in morning, 30 at night)

I can't quite remember when I first noticed the effects, but I think it started with lips. So so so dry. That was probably within the first 2 weeks. Then, I started breaking out like crazy. I've never had really bad acne just some whiteheads here and there and the dreaded under-the-skin ones that made my nose look lopsided, rarely. But from week 2- week 8 my skin reached an all time worst. I've had whiteheads everywhere, scabbing, etc etc. The scanning is probably my least favorite because it contrasts my fair skin...which is covered in red blotches now anyways.. I'd begun to think that the medicine just wasn't working for me. Most stories I read said "I saw results in between months 1 & 2". I waited all of month 2 to no avail. I literally got to where my friends would invite me to go to the mall or something and I would say "yeah!" And then think about it and decide to make up an excuse just because I didn't want people to see my face in public. I was at an elementary school helping out and a little boy said "Why do you have so many pimples" and that really got me down. Definitely the least self-confidence I've ever had in my life.

But I'm happy to say that today July 5, I noticed *maybe* the first results. My chin is clearing up after peeling and being all dry for the past week. I had to reapply CeraVe 4 times a day for it to be not painful. Also, the lower half of my right cheek is kind of smooth. Hopefully these are signs of good to come. Still have cysts on the jawline as well, I think that's pretty common.

Side effects: so far, no sunburn whatsoever, which is amazing because I burned fairly easily before the tane. Maybe I've just avoided the sun enough

Joint pain: Ok about halfway thru the first month I would have this SEARING joint pain in my entire spine whenever I relaxed or tensed it in a certain way. It was almost unbearable. Well I was digging around for info on that I someone mentioned fish oil cures it all. Let me tell you, fish oil cures it all. I started taking the fish oil tablets with dinner every night (they're kinda big but I got used to it) and I have no more of that back pain whatsoever. I have experienced a little knee pain after working out, but I'm assuming it's not as bad as it would be.

Lips: aquaphor when I'm not at home, and I just carry a tub of Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) with me in the house and reapply generously every 20 mins or so. Feels great.

Eyes: wake up every once in a while with sore eyes (probably swollen). And sometimes they'll get super dry and I'll use an allergy eye drop. Not too bad.

Other than dry skin of course, the only other thing is mild dry scalp where if I scratch it I notice dry skin come off, so I avoid that.

 

Best of luck on your journey, maybe I'll check in on this every once in a while and give updates.

All I've been doing to get through this is thinking that I'm not alone, and it will be worth it in the end!!

Also i forgot to add that fish oil capsules also lower your colesterol, kind of an added bonus since the medicine raises it.

And one more side effect: my derm said that my triglyceride levels are getting really high and that I might have to take a med to lower that if it keeps rising. So I've been trying to cut down on carbs and sweets and whatnot, which is tough. Drinking lots of water is key too. But anyways, cheers for now.

Hey! Thanks for the great advice! I'm starting to wonder if Accutane really is working for me because I'm not uncomfortably dry. I bought a CeraVe moisturiser and a Cetaphil Gentle cleanser before I went on Accutane because I was so prepared but I haven't been able to use it once since I am not dry at all! I just finished my first month so I guess I'm getting my hopes a little too high thinking everything was going to clear.

And definitely true about the size of those gigantic fish oil pills! Honestly, I can barely take my Accutane without feeling like I'm going to choke for it since it's the biggest pill I've ever taken. Is your triglyceride levels shown in the bloodwork? I don't have a derm but I'm with my walk-in doctor, but should I notice if they're high? He doesn't really discuss the results with me (he said he was just mainly concern with my liver).

Hopefully this goes well for the both of us!

Day 36:

Side Effects: Breakouts are really bad, especially on my right cheek. They're not whiteheads; instead they're really small cysts that won't come to a head. They're purplish and super red so concealer won't work on it, it'll still peek through so it really sucks Nothing new other than the breakouts. Booked my bloodwork for Wednesday.

Day 37:

Side Effects: Sick of these breakouts. I honestly thought after the breakout I had two weeks ago was the threshold point for everything coming up. Apparently not. The worst breakouts are still on the right side of my face and down my jawline/neck area. It's disgusting, it's a small cluster of small cysts and/or whiteheads that won't go away.

Day 38:

Side Effects: Two very big whiteheads appeared on my forehead and at this point, this has been the first time in the last 3 weeks I have had a pimple on my forehead. The small rashes on the back of my hands are itchy and dry, but manageable with some lotion. I've noticed my face is starting to get oily again My eyelids are starting to get oily and my T-zone area are definitely producing some more oil. I'm starting to worry that Accutane isn't working for me, which is the worst thing ever because if this drug doesn't work for me, I'm not sure what will

Day 39:

Side Effects: Officially 22 days late on my period. This could be why I'm breaking out so badly though. I'm not sure if I will get my period at all at this point. I'm not taking any contraceptives because my doctor trusts me and gave me a very adamant talk about the risks of getting pregnant. I went back for a refill yesterday but my doctor is on vacation so I got another month of 40mg of Epuris and by the time I go back, my doctor will be back and hopefully he will either put me on a higher dosage, or I will make enough progress on 40mg currently so he won't have to increase anything. Blood test is tomorrow!

Hey! Thanks for the great advice! I'm starting to wonder if Accutane really is working for me because I'm not uncomfortably dry. I bought a CeraVe moisturiser and a Cetaphil Gentle cleanser before I went on Accutane because I was so prepared but I haven't been able to use it once since I am not dry at all! I just finished my first month so I guess I'm getting my hopes a little too high thinking everything was going to clear.

And definitely true about the size of those gigantic fish oil pills! Honestly, I can barely take my Accutane without feeling like I'm going to choke for it since it's the biggest pill I've ever taken. Is your triglyceride levels shown in the bloodwork? I don't have a derm but I'm with my walk-in doctor, but should I notice if they're high? He doesn't really discuss the results with me (he said he was just mainly concern with my liver).

Hopefully this goes well for the both of us! Day 36:Side Effects: Breakouts are really bad, especially on my right cheek. They're not whiteheads; instead they're really small cysts that won't come to a head. They're purplish and super red so concealer won't work on it, it'll still peek through so it really sucks Nothing new other than the breakouts. Booked my bloodwork for Wednesday.Day 37:Side Effects: Sick of these breakouts. I honestly thought after the breakout I had two weeks ago was the threshold point for everything coming up. Apparently not. The worst breakouts are still on the right side of my face and down my jawline/neck area. It's disgusting, it's a small cluster of small cysts and/or whiteheads that won't go away.Day 38:Side Effects: Two very big whiteheads appeared on my forehead and at this point, this has been the first time in the last 3 weeks I have had a pimple on my forehead. The small rashes on the back of my hands are itchy and dry, but manageable with some lotion. I've noticed my face is starting to get oily again My eyelids are starting to get oily and my T-zone area are definitely producing some more oil. I'm starting to worry that Accutane isn't working for me, which is the worst thing ever because if this drug doesn't work for me, I'm not sure what will Day 39:Side Effects: Officially 22 days late on my period. This could be why I'm breaking out so badly though. I'm not sure if I will get my period at all at this point. I'm not taking any contraceptives because my doctor trusts me and gave me a very adamant talk about the risks of getting pregnant. I went back for a refill yesterday but my doctor is on vacation so I got another month of 40mg of Epuris and by the time I go back, my doctor will be back and hopefully he will either put me on a higher dosage, or I will make enough progress on 40mg currently so he won't have to increase anything. Blood test is tomorrow!

Day 40: //Wed. July 8

Side Effects: Did my blood test today. Complexion is better today, but still breaking out really badly all over my face

Day 41:

Side Effects: My doctor is still on vacation so another doctor prescribed me a month's worth of 40mg. Bummed out because I think being on a higher dosage means that everything will come to the surface quicker and maybe then the results will be quicker. Sooooo sick of these breakouts. They pop up and they go more quicker, but it's so annoying and it's really disheartening to look in a mirror nowadays

Day 42:

Side Effects: Blood tests came back and it's not normal Apparently my cholesterol levels are high so I have to go back and discuss it next Thursday with a doctor. I asked if it was normal for the levels to be high, but the nurse told me over the phone that my cholesterol levels should stay pretty leveled and it shouldn't have changed "that dramatically". I haven't been exercising as vigorously as I would like to because I get very sore and it's a little uncomfortable with how sensitive my face has become and I have went off my strict diet a little, but I'm not too sure.

Day 43:

Side Effects: Been noticing some side effects on my mood lately Not too sure if it's even related to Accutane, but I feel super tired all the time now. I work a lot nowadays and I sleep pretty late and wake up really late, which was never a normal thing. Then the day drags on and I don't feel motivated to do anything and I feel super numb or I have a lack of feeling. I get super annoyed easily (which isn't really normal for me) and days like today, I am fed up with Accutane. This could be due to my lack of sleep, but I'm not too sure. Been eating healthier this week by incorporating more veggies in my day and trying very hard to reduce consuming sugars.

Sorry you're still breaking out, I know how much it sucks.. I feel you as far as looking in the mirror lol I sometimes look in the mirror when I'm brushing my teeth or putting on moisturizer and just yell "I hate my face!" Which is kind of jokingly and not jokingly lol. I try to completely avoid mirrors and I feel a lot better throughout the day. Just try to act like you don't have acne and most people couldn't care less, just smile. Once again I advise fish oil capsules for the cholesterol.

As for my experience, I just did my bloodwork yesterday which is a little early since I'm leaving for vacation. Hopefully my triglycerides are lower.

I went swimming yesterday and my hips were SO stiff now I know what my mom complains about haha.

Im halfway through my 3rd month, and I think I'm finally seeing results. I don't see as many whiteheads besides like 3-4 noticeable ones right now. Mostly just red marks and blotches which suck. But I think there's a tiny pin-prick of light at the end of this tunnel. Remember STAY POSITIVE and IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!!!!!

Day 44 // Sun. July 12:

Side Effects: UGHHHHHH having another breakout. I think this week might even be worse than the very first initial breakout I ever had. Been trying so hard to stay positive but it's not working All I see is the red marks. I've been using BB cream to try to reduce the redness and foundation over certain spots that are big and really noticeable but it's not doing any good. It still peeks through

Day 45:

Side Effects: Breakout is just continuously getting worse. There's a small cluster near the left side of my jawline and so many big and painful cysts and whiteheads along the sides of my neck. The worst area of my face is probably the jawline along with my right cheek. My left cheek have been having a mild breakout, but nothing compared to the right side.

Day 46:

Side Effects: Scalp has been getting more itchy lately and flakes of skin are coming off if I scratch my head. Otherwise, I'm having consistent symptoms. My lips aren't abnormally dry but it gets there. I don't have to wash my hair as frequently anymore. As of today I am 32 days late on my period. I'm starting to wonder if this breakout has anything to do with my late period because I used to get crazy breakouts if my period was incredibly late. Made an appointment to talk about my blood results on Thursday.

Day 47:

Side Effects: Soooooo embarrassed to show up to work today I have the biggest cyst on my right cheek. I'm trying so hard not to pop any because I noticed I scar more easily on Accutane, but it's a really disgusting habit I need to learn to break. I wanted to cry just looking at my face today. Acne is such a debilitating flaw to have, I'm so ashamed of my face I can't even look at anybody in the eye when I'm talking to them. I just turn away or end the conversation quickly so they won't have to look at my face. I wish this could be over soon I'm also very close to the 2nd month mark so I'm praying things turn around??

Day 48:

Side Effects: Every time I question whether or not this breakout can get any worse, it never fails to continue to worsen and prove me wrong. Went to the doctor today and he said my cholesterol was mildly high but it was nothing to be concerned about. Also stated my HcG hormone was negative so no pregnancy here! I'm starting to wonder if I'm having this breakout because of how my lifestyle has been. I've been drinking coffee everyday (I tried to stop before taking Accutane and a few weeks into because I thought caffeine had a role to play in acne) and it's the Nestl© type things and also just pre-made coffee with no dairy. I try to avoid as much dairy as possible, but I wonder if it's the coffee. The thing is, in my senior year, I was consuming around 3-4 cups of coffee every day and that was when I had super clear skin so I'm not sure? Any suggestions for a substitute for coffee? I drink lots of green tea as well but it doesn't get me the same amount of caffeine as coffee. Not too sure if black tea has the same benefits as drinking green tea.

Sorry you're still breaking out, I know how much it sucks.. I feel you as far as looking in the mirror lol I sometimes look in the mirror when I'm brushing my teeth or putting on moisturizer and just yell "I hate my face!" Which is kind of jokingly and not jokingly lol. I try to completely avoid mirrors and I feel a lot better throughout the day. Just try to act like you don't have acne and most people couldn't care less, just smile. Once again I advise fish oil capsules for the cholesterol.

 

 

As for my experience, I just did my bloodwork yesterday which is a little early since I'm leaving for vacation. Hopefully my triglycerides are lower.

I went swimming yesterday and my hips were SO stiff now I know what my mom complains about haha.

Im halfway through my 3rd month, and I think I'm finally seeing results. I don't see as many whiteheads besides like 3-4 noticeable ones right now. Mostly just red marks and blotches which suck. But I think there's a tiny pin-prick of light at the end of this tunnel. Remember STAY POSITIVE and IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!!!!!

I did so much research about the initial breakout and just preparing for it, thinking it'll last only a week, but unfortunately it has been flaring up for over three weeks now. I'm worried that I'll not be able to see results as quickly just because I think I'm on a low dose I'd rather have a high dose and let my whole face flare up for a week rather than have my face slowly purge itself every week L(

Thank you for the positivity, I've been such a downer lately since my face is a wreck so every positive word counts (even if it lifts my self esteem for like, 30 seconds haha). Have fun on your vacation!

Thanks, just finished day 68, (2 months, 1 week, 1 day). I'm on vacation in high altitude so my lips are even dryer and my nose is constantly plugged with bloody crap as hard as rock which really hurts. I officially renounce what I said about thinking I was seeing results... My chin is back to where it was and my cheek is not as good as it was. Also I can't even enjoy vacation because if I go in the sun for over 15 mins I get burnt and I end up having red blotches on my body that are suuuuuper dry. Accutane sucks so bad lol my skin wasn't even that bad before I started, looking back at pictures from like 6 months ago it was perfectly clear and now I can't even remember what that was like . My derm said that it may happen where the pimples that go away become red marks, and then those red marks won't heal until months after I finish the course. I'm hoping he's wrong because he did say that when I hadn't even finished my second month which is a little early. Maybe I just keep breaking out because I'm stressed out since I have a bunch of summer homework and school starts in 20 days. And then thinking about that leads me to thinking about all of my friends seeing my face like this in 20 days.. Or taking my junior year yearbook picture with this face... I guess we can't really control it haha keep drinking a lot of water, in trying to focus on that. I'm a few weeks ahead of you and I still don't see results so I hope you get them sooner than I have(n't). Stay positive!

Day 49 // Fri. July 17:

Side Effects: Breaking out super badly, especially on the right side of my face. I have my sister's wedding to attend to tomorrow and I am bummed out! My sister says that it looks good so far, but it's only on my forehead that's clear. I rarely get pimples on my forehead now, but below my eyebrows, everything is just hell. I've been getting rashes in random places, especially on the back of my hands and down my arms. They're small, tapioca-like dots that are flesh coloured. They're not itchy, but it's uncomfortable looking at them. I'm using a hydrocortisone treatment cream on it but hopefully it goes away.

Day 50:

Side Effects: The makeup artist took 2 hours on my and she said it was because the coverage took so long, so when she finished, I think she put on 3 coats of foundation and who knows how many coats of concealer. I did have to take a little of it off though because my skin felt like it couldn't breathe at all. Other than that, nothing new. The rashes on my hand are still there but they're manageable.

Day 51:

Side Effects: Rash is slowly going away. Still breaking out along my neck area and cheek area. I am praying that my next month will be easier. I feel like I'm not on a high enough dosage though because I don't feel excessively dry. I can't survive without lip balm, but that's the only side effect that's really bothering me. I want to be on a higher dosage but that also means that I could experience another breakout. Today looks a little better, but it still looks like the initial breakout is still continuing.

Day 52:

Side Effects: Woke up with two whiteheads on my philtrum, which I feel like is the worst place to get them. I have to work this week so I'm hoping my skin behaves Cheek area is still a mess, and the rash is almost gone. I went to see my doctor about the blood test and he said they were mildly high, but that I was young and healthy so it shouldn't be a problem. I have been exercising less, if not stopped completely mainly because the weather here is so hot and I can't go outside without worrying I'm scorching my face off. I will try to incorporate some pilates or yoga this week, but I really miss running

Thanks, just finished day 68, (2 months, 1 week, 1 day). I'm on vacation in high altitude so my lips are even dryer and my nose is constantly plugged with bloody crap as hard as rock which really hurts. I officially renounce what I said about thinking I was seeing results... My chin is back to where it was and my cheek is not as good as it was. Also I can't even enjoy vacation because if I go in the sun for over 15 mins I get burnt and I end up having red blotches on my body that are suuuuuper dry. Accutane sucks so bad lol my skin wasn't even that bad before I started, looking back at pictures from like 6 months ago it was perfectly clear and now I can't even remember what that was like . My derm said that it may happen where the pimples that go away become red marks, and then those red marks won't heal until months after I finish the course. I'm hoping he's wrong because he did say that when I hadn't even finished my second month which is a little early. Maybe I just keep breaking out because I'm stressed out since I have a bunch of summer homework and school starts in 20 days. And then thinking about that leads me to thinking about all of my friends seeing my face like this in 20 days.. Or taking my junior year yearbook picture with this face... I guess we can't really control it haha keep drinking a lot of water, in trying to focus on that. I'm a few weeks ahead of you and I still don't see results so I hope you get them sooner than I have(n't). Stay positive!

I definitely felt that too! When I was camping, the side effects were 10x worse and I couldn't enjoy it either. I was so happy to go home. Sometimes I feel like I should have never gone on Accutane but then I just take that back. Even though my acne is probably worse than it was prior to starting Accutane, I feel like being on it has some improvements. Like how the acne just comes and goes, and if I pick at it, it'll just heal faster anyway. And definitely, the red marks suck! I'm so bummed out about it! My doctor also said that after I finish the course, it'll just be all about fixing the scars that were left behind. 20 days is a long time away, hopefully it gets better for you!

Day 53 // Tues. July 21:

Side Effects: Two more whiteheads appeared on the philtrum area. The breakout is slowly fading, but there are still new small cysts forming on my right cheek. I've been trying to reduce or hopefully eliminate processed sugars in my diet and I'm trying to go coffee free this week. Still not sure if coffee was the reason why I was breaking out so badly before.

Day 54:

Side Effects: Blackheads on my nose are slowly coming up. They're definitely taking a long time though. There's more peeling of my lips and now I'm stuck dealing with the scars from the whiteheads from earlier this week. Been more tired lately, but I'm not sure if that's from working late. I'm approximately 36 days late on my period now.

Day 55:

Side Effects: Face hasn't been dry but my arms and hands have been so dry that rashes are reappearing and my skin cracks so easily. Small cysts are forming on the right side of my cheek again But the pimples around my neck aren't as painful or big anymore. Almost on my second month now! I've been keeping a photo journal on my phone and I can definitely say Accutane has worked so far. My forehead has been clear as ever, but all that remains is work on the area below my eyebrows. I've got 20 more days on 40mg and then I'll have to see my doctor again. Hopefully by then everything would have cleared up so I won't have to go on a higher dose.

Day 56 // Fri. July 24:

Side Effects: Woke up with two small cysts on both my cheeks. My left cheek has been pretty clear until now. These are the cysts that will grow so yay, another week of torture of dealing with this :/ Joints have been incredibly sore. Not too sure if it's because I haven't worked out for a long time and just picked it up again yesterday. Lips are peeling as usual, and my skin has really dry patches. I feel like my face is still oily, but not incredibly too oily to the point where my blotting sheets become entirely see through. My arms and hands are disgusting. The back of my hands look like they have tiny scales on them due to the dryness. I've been more adamant in applying lotion, but I'm pretty lazy. I feel like I'm going to have another breakout because cysts are slowly coming up on the sides of my neck. I'm excited to start my third month because a majority of people say that this month is the "turning point" where everything clears up quickly! Just checked my period calendar, I am 39 days late on my period.

Praying that your 3rd month is a miracle month!! Keep going strong girl! I just took my first pills today! I'm sure my devastating first month will be easy to power through once I see your inspiring 3rd month updates!

Day 57 // Sat. July 25:

Side Effects: The two small cysts on my cheeks are slowly coming up. Definitely will not be able to cover those up this week Nothing new to report this week. The area above my lips and below my nose has been peeling so badly. Still no new side effects. I can't wait to see my doctor again because by then I will either have progress or he will give me a higher dose which probably means I can speed this course up to clear skin.

Day 58:

Side Effects: The cyst on my left cheek came up and popped but it left a huge red mark and this will definitely leave a scar The pimples are manageable this week compared to last week but I still have active cysts forming on my neck and cheeks. The whiteheads usually appear on my chin or the area above my lips, but I'm hoping that I'll notice less breakouts by next week. It already seems like it sort of is clearing up (but then I get discouraged because new active pimples just show up), but I don't want to jinx it hehe.

Keep your chin up dude! It'll all work out I'm sure, it's promising you're seeing even tiny results here and there so early into your treatment! I'm currently on month 6 and although I am much clearer than I originally was, I didn't start feeling like accutane was working until month 4ish.

You're still early into it, so just keep your head held high! Best of luck

Day 59 // Mon. July 27:

Side Effects: Cheek cysts aren't as bad compared to the cysts I get above my lips and chin. Those take forever to go away or come to a head and I feel one coming right under my nostril I've been so discouraged with how Accutane has been to me. I keep expecting results but when I think I'm getting better, my face just relapses and has another breakout Any suggestions to how to bring a cyst to a head? This is one of the painful deep ones that might take 2-3 weeks to get better

Day 60:

Side Effects: At last I have finished month 2! It honestly seems like such a long time since I've popped the first pill but it really wasn't that far ago. I can say that my forehead has cleared up almost 98%. I rarely get pimples in this area and if I do get pimples, they will go away in 2-3 days and they won't swell that much. However, the area that's below my eyebrows are horrible. I'm talking about red marks, deep, painful cysts and just really noticeable acne. I'm trying to get a positive outlook on this though, and I'm trying to remind myself more frequently that in the long run, it will be worth it. I'm hoping once I reach the end of my month two, I will see more promising results. Compared to the first month, in my second month, my face is not nearly as dry and I don't get painful joints as compared to the beginning. My skin has been super delicate though and I've been developing rashes all down my arms and on my thighs downward. The cyst below my nostril has swelled enormously. I will apply a hot compress tomorrow hopefully to help bring it up to a head but I hope I don't get anymore of these cysts as they are super painful to deal with However, I will keep going forward. Grateful that Accutane has improved my forehead by so much, but I'm hoping it will be able to fix what's going on below my forehead

Keep your chin up dude! It'll all work out I'm sure, it's promising you're seeing even tiny results here and there so early into your treatment! I'm currently on month 6 and although I am much clearer than I originally was, I didn't start feeling like accutane was working until month 4ish.

 

You're still early into it, so just keep your head held high! Best of luck

Hopefully I'll be able to see results soon I'm so impatient when it comes to these things. I remember when took my first pill, I remember running to the mirror the next morning and expecting that it made some drastic change, but this has been such a rollercoaster ride! One week I think my face is finally clearing up and then the following week, I will break out like crazy. Thanks for the encouragement!

Day 61 // Wed. July 29:

Side Effects: Huge cyst under my nose has swelled even bigger. I had to take Ibuprofen to calm the swelling and the pain around this area So many red marks on my cheeks from previous breakouts and not even BB cream can cover it anymore. I've been trying to do some research on what foundation or concealer to use but I'm so picky. Hopefully next week will go by easier

Day 62:

Side Effects: The enormous cyst or nodule or whatever under my nose has finally come to a head. I tried to be delicate but it burst and it's left a huge crater. I have applied some Polysporin on and hopefully it will scab over. This will definitely leave a huge scar. I'm trying to find a way to deal with the red marks as they leave a huge impact on my self esteem. If people aren't staring at my pimples, they're definitely staring at my red marks sigh, I'm hoping this month I will make some better progress

Day 63:

Side Effects: So not too sure if the thing under my nose is completely gone since it's quite white when I tighten the area... So I'm not sure if it completely drained or not. It might come back up as another whitehead which is usual for the really big cysts for me. Anyways, it's getting so hot here so my skin hasn't been doing so well. I've been getting heat rash and it sucks cause my skin is so fragile on this drug and tears so easily. Also, I woke up in the middle of the night with a really bad nosebleed. I usually get bad nosebleeds when it's extremely hot or when I'm not hydrated so I just have to constantly remind myself that I need to be drinking water.

Day 64 // Sat. Aug 1:

Side Effects: Kind of had a food relapse where I ate unhealthy It's been getting so warm in my city so my skin has not been doing well. I'm not too sure if it's just me, but my skin tends to look and feel better in cooler weather/climate. Usually, we have heatwaves that last 2-3 weeks and then it will cool down dramatically so I'm hoping it will be okay soon. No new symptoms lately. It's rather boring I'd have to say because I would wake up one morning feeling like my face is finally on the road to recovery and then the following day, it will have another massive breakout so I don't know where I stand.

Day 65:

Side Effects: A NEW SYMPTOM (not really classified as "symptom"...) HAS ARRIVED. I FINALLY got my period. Checking my period calendar and it has been 48 days late so I am really happy. I read that being on Accutane makes the flow really heavy and irregular, but I don't see it as unusual so far. One thing I will note is that my cramps come in really painful waves and I'm not too sure if it's Accutane contributing to it or because I just got it so late, but I've never really had period cramps bother me this much before (or in that case, I've never really had any pains when it comes to periods before... Lucky me!). Other than that, I've been breaking out on both of my cheeks and my jawline/upper neck again. I've also had breakouts on my forehead, which is something I haven't really had for awhile Other than that, nothing to report. Hopefully this week will go by easier. It's my last week before I go get a refill. I will be going to the doctor's Tuesday, so I will either receive an increased dosage or remain on 40mg.

Had my derm appointment a week ago, he said my triglyceride levels were way down from being so high and said to keep up the diet. I gotta admit I've been worse this month than last already lol. He prescribed me a week of the steroid Prednisone to take away the redness and I just finished that course yesterday. I think it reallllly helped, my face looks the best it has in a while. Still not great though. Didn't even realize it until my derm noted it but I only have this month and next month and I'm done! I really hope I see significant results soon. I need to drink more water for sure. Been putting CetaPhil on my arms and back at night and my arms are the smoothest they've ever been. The past week of summer I've been laying at home with an open jar of Vaseline and smothering it on my lips every 25 mins and it helped a lot with the lips. I start school on Wednesday ( Nooooooooo ) so I'm gonna have to stock up on Aquaphor. Keep staying positive!

Day 66 // Mon. August 3:

Side Effects: Definitely having another breakout now. It's spreading to both cheeks and are so inflamed. I'm so ashamed to even go outside now because if I turn my face, all people see is redness Super bummed out about having to apply makeup over them. I have been trying my best to go makeup free as much as possible, but I can't do it when it comes to work. No new results today. Will be seeing the doctor tomorrow.

Day 67:

Side Effects: I wasn't able to see my original doctor who put me on Accutane so I got prescribed another month worth of 40mg! Ugh. I'm having mixed doubts about it. I want to be put on a higher dosage, but then I don't because I'm worried for another breakout. My right cheek is still so bad and inflamed with small cysts. I bought a charcoal mask so maybe it will draw some of the impurities out and bring them to a head. The weather is incredibly hot here so I have to remember to stay hydrated and stay out of the sun. I am keeping positive today and remaining what I said about trying to go makeup free. I went to the doctor's and grocery store and will be going out again today with no makeup. Although right now, Accutane is making my self esteem go down, I am hoping that eventually, I'll be able to have clear skin. Hopefully this breakout clears up before I go back to school! It would be a bummer to have to start at a new school and worry about my pimples

Had my derm appointment a week ago, he said my triglyceride levels were way down from being so high and said to keep up the diet. I gotta admit I've been worse this month than last already lol. He prescribed me a week of the steroid Prednisone to take away the redness and I just finished that course yesterday. I think it reallllly helped, my face looks the best it has in a while. Still not great though. Didn't even realize it until my derm noted it but I only have this month and next month and I'm done! I really hope I see significant results soon. I need to drink more water for sure. Been putting CetaPhil on my arms and back at night and my arms are the smoothest they've ever been. The past week of summer I've been laying at home with an open jar of Vaseline and smothering it on my lips every 25 mins and it helped a lot with the lips. I start school on Wednesday ( Nooooooooo ) so I'm gonna have to stock up on Aquaphor. Keep staying positive!

Did you do anything to make your levels go down? I feel like I'm increasing my cholesterol... I haven't been exercising as much since I've started Accutane (mainly because my face is so sensitive to the heat and sun and I sweat really badly now). Definitely on you with Accutane making acne worse. It's such a rollercoaster ride taking it! It sucks! But I'm praying eventually all I can go from now on is up hehe. I've heard about Prednisone to calm the initial breakout, but my chemist says that I should avoid anything because apparently, the initial breakout is the best thing that can happen. So even though I was dying to ask for something to help ease my initial breakout, I held back. Definitely drink more water! It's summer now so you'll have to have a larger intake especially on Accutane!! Thanks for the encouragement!! Let's hope it works for the both of us good luck with school

Day 68:

Side Effects: Breakouts are still so bad! I was hoping the initial breakout only lasted a week but I honestly feel like it's been going on for over a month My left cheek is slowly recovering from this week's breakout, but my right cheek is a disaster. I think I'll be trying a new charcoal mask I got yesterday so hopefully it will calm down because I have three days of work starting tomorrow and would be really embarrassed if I have to go show my face to customers! No new results or side effects. I must say that the middle months are incredibly boring as I don't expect anything hopeful anymore. I'll wake up but I'll expect my face somehow got worse overnight hopefully this changes this month. I'm praying that by the time I finish month 3, I'll have better results.

Day 69 // Thurs. Aug 6:

Side Effects: Soooooo sick of these breakouts. I just want it to get better I start school very soon so I'm praying that it will clear up, but even then, I think I'm hoping for too much. I have to remind myself to drink more water because I suck at reminding myself to do so I got this silly but super cute app called Plant Nanny. It reminds you to drink water frequently and along with it, comes with a plant, so when you drink water, you'll water the plant (and the plant is soooo cute so I would feel bad if I killed it). It's sort of silly but I've been much more frequent with drinking water now and I don't go on prolonged periods without drinking water.

Day 70:

Side Effects: Breakouts are less inflamed and red, but there are still a lot of them! But I guess it's better for them to not be so red and noticeable. I had a little food relapse yesterday where I ate some fast food, but it's okay. I'm trying to stay healthier, but I haven't been able to regain my running because I'm so sensitive to the sun and heat now. I've taken up yoga and although it's nothing strenuous, I hope it's been keeping my stress levels at a bay since stress tends to wreck havoc on my face. Other than that, nothing new to report! 20 more days and I'll be done month 3!

Glad you're not as red anymore... My face is at an all time worst right now, Friday morning I left for school fairly clear and at school I could just feel whiteheads sprouting up "gross, I know" and sure enough when I got home I had the most pimples I've ever had on my face at one time. I think eating is a big part of it because I have been VERY bad about eating a lot of fast food lately. I'll try that water app, I've been bad about water lately. Hopefully fixing my eating habits will help me clear up. To lower my tri-s I've been taking fish oil and then I really cut down on carbs that month to lower them.

Day 71 // Sat. Aug 8:

Side Effects: Still having the breakouts. They're still mainly on my left cheek and on my upper neck/jawline and they're small cysts that never really come to a head. I did the charcoal mask a couple days ago and I've noticed that my dry skin has been flaking off with the mask so when I wash my face after I'm done the mask, my face feels so smooth. I know that it's not recommended to use scrubs or anything harsh on Accutane since the skin is so sensitive, but I think any kind of hydrating mask will substitute!

Day 72:

Side Effects: Nothing new to report other than the continuous breakouts... I've been more consistent with trying to go makeup free as much as possible (the only time I can't stick to that is when I have to work). I'm able to go completely makeup free when I have to go to the store and such, but hopefully I'll be able to go to work one day without covering my blemishes because it can't be good for the skin and I honestly love being able to feel my skin breathe. But I'll take it one step at a time. Less than 20 days away to completing month 3!

Glad you're not as red anymore... My face is at an all time worst right now, Friday morning I left for school fairly clear and at school I could just feel whiteheads sprouting up "gross, I know" and sure enough when I got home I had the most pimples I've ever had on my face at one time. I think eating is a big part of it because I have been VERY bad about eating a lot of fast food lately. I'll try that water app, I've been bad about water lately. Hopefully fixing my eating habits will help me clear up. To lower my tri-s I've been taking fish oil and then I really cut down on carbs that month to lower them.

I TOTALLY KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT FEELING THEM GROW. It's the most disgusting feeling ever. Usually I will go to work particularly clear, but I will feel certain areas on my face that feel super sensitive and sometimes, I can feel a cyst rising and then at the end of the shift, I will go home and see that there is a huge whitehead! Accutane works so fast in bringing those little buggers up though, which I'm happy about.

I definitely have not been eating as healthy as I hoped. Tomorrow I'll be doing a cleanse (nothing too serious though) to help my liver and drinking green smoothies. Apparently a green smoothie cleanse really helps detoxifies the liver further and even just drinking a green smoothie everyday would help. I was even searching recipes online tonight and there was a review on this website for green smoothies and apparently it has done wonders for the skin!

I hope the water app helps you. Just set the reminders to 2 hours or whatever suits you the best (because when I first used it, it was initially set at 4 hours and I was wondering why it wasn't sending me notifications as much as I am right now).

EDIT** http://www.acne.org/green-smoothie-reviews-1792/

Here's the link to the reviews of green smoothies LOL