Acne.org Products
Mineral oil being comedogenic is a myth, fortunately.
Behold, the free paper!
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00752.x/full
Here's the paragraph:
"Acne cosmetica was coined in the early 1970s to describe the association between cosmetic use and acne breakouts. A variety of oils, including mineral oil, at the time were thought to be inducing this effect by blocking pores. Animal models were quickly developed. Fulton [36] described the comedogenicity of an extensive list of commonly used ingredients in skincare products of which mineral oil was reported to be mildly comedogenic but nowhere near as much as other ingredients. Conflicting results were found by Mills and Kligman [37] in their rabbit and human models, in which mineral oil was reported not to be comedogenic. The American Academy of Dermatology proposed guidelines to try to interpret the differences in the animal to human data, and they concluded that 12 comedones in animal testing would be unlikely to be an indicator of comedogenicity in humans [38]. This is precisely the comedogenic activity of 100% mineral oil reported in five studies, that is, zero. Furthermore, DiNardo tested in humans the formulations containing mineral oil up to 30% and found that there was no comedogenicity potential of mineral oil [39]. A wide series of products were tested that showed a comedogenic activity in the same range as the negative control. The overall conclusion is that mineral oil is not comedogenic. But this article also reveals that there is a difference between animal models and human models: the rabbit model is much more prone to comedogenicity than the human model, but all the earlier data that condemned mineral oil originate from animal models, a situation scientists even say will be difficult to correct [39]."
Michelle,
I'm not really sure, but I personally can attest to getting new blackheads while using Aquaphor to moisturize while at home when I first started Accutane. I thought that the blackheads were just the price I'd have to pay in order to have enough moisture on my face until my derm recommended Vaseline instead.
Week 15 Update-
Dosage: 60 mg (30 mg/2 x daily)
This is going to be a short update for this week, since not much has changed in terms of my physical and emotional/mental symptoms. I am continuing to experience increased anxiety, especially at this time because I'm taking one of my toughest classes (college algebra). It seems like the stress involved in doing my homework, and taking quizzes and tests does not pair well with the Accutane.
Also, I've got a lovely constellation of new cysts on my right cheek. There are about 4 in total. Two days ago, 2 of those cysts had very obvious heads full of white gunk, sitting there for all the world to see. It was really embarrassing, and thankfully they dried up while I slept during the night. I was dreading the idea of going to the clinic I volunteer at with huge whiteheads on my face. I absolutely cannot wait to start taking the 80 mg per day dosage my P.A. is going to prescribe to me next month. Hopefully, it will clear those cysts up for good.
Finally, I just want to vent for a second about how much I hate that Accutane can be so physically hard on the body. Today, I straightened up clothes in my closet and my drawers, which only took a couple of hours. Now, my lower back is killing me and I am having to walk slightly hunched over as a result. Even though I took a few Advil, I am still sore from doing relatively light tasks. Hate this. I'll be so happy when I no longer have to take this medication.
Thanks so much for reading. More pictures coming next week.
Just wondering if anyone has had success with a supplement to help ease joint pain while on an Accutane course. I was trying a fish oil supplement for a couple of weeks, and it did nothing. I've been using glucosamine and chondroitin for about 3 days, and it's obviously too early to tell if this is going to help me out.
Does anyone have experience with a joint supplement that they'd be willing to share?
Thanks. 
Hi.. Just thought I would check in to see how you are doing!! I STILL have 2 cysts, seriously they will not die. Otherwise , skin looks clear. My derm is not concerned, he says they will resolve and It wouldn't be unusual to get a few more yet. I asked about taking more than 10mg a day but he seems to think I need to be on it long term so low dose is better for me.. I don't know, I sometimes think I would rather hammer it for 6 mths rather than drag it out..I think because I am perimenopausal (Oh the shame!) my doc does not want to go the traditional way.Strangely the hyperpigmentation is starting to fade so I think your derm could be right! I also have a glow to my skin which is nice! I have got no aching or tiredness but it would be surprising if I did on such a low dose. I hope yours resolves too and don't worry about the cysts.. they will go!! Its the acne's last stand before you get clear!
My mum was saying that she has never known so many adult women suffering from acne and that it seemed so much rarer 20-30 years ago, she remembers plenty of teenagers but hardly any adults suffering. This sort of backs up what I have been reading, that there is an adult acne epidemic. Makes you wonder why? Stress maybe affecting hormones?? God knows.. I know the bloody acne is stressful!! Maybe we use too many products on our skin, when previous generations didn't?
Anyway Cherry soda you aren't on your own.. your UK counterpart is here, sympathizing and encouraging you.. and popping the bloody pills alongside ya..!! xx
Just wondering if anyone has had success with a supplement to help ease joint pain while on an Accutane course. I was trying a fish oil supplement for a couple of weeks, and it did nothing. I've been using glucosamine and chondroitin for about 3 days, and it's obviously too early to tell if this is going to help me out.
Does anyone have experience with a joint supplement that they'd be willing to share?
Thanks.
I'm not sure how effective fish oil is for joint pain, but from what I can gather, it takes more than 10 grams daily to have any effect.
Glucosamine and chondrotin isn't really better than the placebo for joint pain, particularly related to osteoarthritis: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24395557
Oh man. Any recommendations for joint pain, Michelle?
-Gentle stretching
-Heat/cold packs
-Massage 😉
-Rest and relaxation
-Gentle exercise
-Sleeping on the back
-You might want to replace your bed if it's bad. You could get away with pillows under the knees.
Hi.. Just thought I would check in to see how you are doing!! I STILL have 2 cysts, seriously they will not die. Otherwise , skin looks clear. My derm is not concerned, he says they will resolve and It wouldn't be unusual to get a few more yet. I asked about taking more than 10mg a day but he seems to think I need to be on it long term so low dose is better for me.. I don't know, I sometimes think I would rather hammer it for 6 mths rather than drag it out..I think because I am perimenopausal (Oh the shame!) my doc does not want to go the traditional way.Strangely the hyperpigmentation is starting to fade so I think your derm could be right! I also have a glow to my skin which is nice! I have got no aching or tiredness but it would be surprising if I did on such a low dose. I hope yours resolves too and don't worry about the cysts.. they will go!! Its the acne's last stand before you get clear!
My mum was saying that she has never known so many adult women suffering from acne and that it seemed so much rarer 20-30 years ago, she remembers plenty of teenagers but hardly any adults suffering. This sort of backs up what I have been reading, that there is an adult acne epidemic. Makes you wonder why? Stress maybe affecting hormones?? God knows.. I know the bloody acne is stressful!! Maybe we use too many products on our skin, when previous generations didn't?
Anyway Cherry soda you aren't on your own.. your UK counterpart is here, sympathizing and encouraging you.. and popping the bloody pills alongside ya..!! xx
Watch out for pimples around the eyes! Considering your age, you could start seeing something called solar comedones around the eyes. They're technically not blackheads, and they tend to be big. Roaccutane can reduce them, but only if you wear sunscreen!
Thanks for the warning Michelle.. I will keep an eye out for them! Ladies is it me or are zits more painful while on accutane?? It seems everything is speeded up and I can literally feel them trying to push there way out? I have got a pimple/small cyst on my cheek and it bloody hurts! I had 2 like this last month. You would think from the pain that I had a big boil on my face. maybe my skin is sensitive? Yesterday I was cleaning the patio off and it was sunny but it was 7 degrees (!) and my face was beet red and burning (thankfully its ok today) I have learned my lesson, sunscreen all the way now regardless of temperature. All the blackheads have come up on my chin now and if I tilt my face in the mirror I can see them. So I don't tilt my face in the mirror
Cherry soda - sorry to hear about the joint pain. I think Michelle has some good suggestions. Its not forever, it will be worth it! How is your skin doing?? I will get my pics up in the next week or so..
Ooh I bit of good news , did you know accutane reverses photoaging? Not only will I be spot free but I will look 18 ( I wish!)
Let me know how you are doing!! xx
Thanks for the warning Michelle.. I will keep an eye out for them! Ladies is it me or are zits more painful while on accutane?? It seems everything is speeded up and I can literally feel them trying to push there way out? I have got a pimple/small cyst on my cheek and it bloody hurts! I had 2 like this last month. You would think from the pain that I had a big boil on my face. maybe my skin is sensitive? Yesterday I was cleaning the patio off and it was sunny but it was 7 degrees (!) and my face was beet red and burning (thankfully its ok today) I have learned my lesson, sunscreen all the way now regardless of temperature. All the blackheads have come up on my chin now and if I tilt my face in the mirror I can see them. So I don't tilt my face in the mirror
Cherry soda - sorry to hear about the joint pain. I think Michelle has some good suggestions. Its not forever, it will be worth it! How is your skin doing?? I will get my pics up in the next week or so..
Ooh I bit of good news , did you know accutane reverses photoaging? Not only will I be spot free but I will look 18 ( I wish!)
Let me know how you are doing!! xx
Your skin is more sensitive to everything while on Accutane. It's why derms say to not use many topicals or go through with facial procedures, like chemical peels during this time.
Oh, BTW Nicola for isotretinoin and photoaging:
The results are mixed. Check it out:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.12191/full
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1540-9740.2007.07145.x/full
Thanks for the warning Michelle.. I will keep an eye out for them! Ladies is it me or are zits more painful while on accutane?? It seems everything is speeded up and I can literally feel them trying to push there way out? I have got a pimple/small cyst on my cheek and it bloody hurts! I had 2 like this last month. You would think from the pain that I had a big boil on my face. maybe my skin is sensitive? Yesterday I was cleaning the patio off and it was sunny but it was 7 degrees (!) and my face was beet red and burning (thankfully its ok today) I have learned my lesson, sunscreen all the way now regardless of temperature. All the blackheads have come up on my chin now and if I tilt my face in the mirror I can see them. So I don't tilt my face in the mirror
Cherry soda - sorry to hear about the joint pain. I think Michelle has some good suggestions. Its not forever, it will be worth it! How is your skin doing?? I will get my pics up in the next week or so..
Ooh I bit of good news , did you know accutane reverses photoaging? Not only will I be spot free but I will look 18 ( I wish!)
Let me know how you are doing!! xx
Hi.. Just thought I would check in to see how you are doing!! I STILL have 2 cysts, seriously they will not die. Otherwise , skin looks clear. My derm is not concerned, he says they will resolve and It wouldn't be unusual to get a few more yet. I asked about taking more than 10mg a day but he seems to think I need to be on it long term so low dose is better for me.. I don't know, I sometimes think I would rather hammer it for 6 mths rather than drag it out..I think because I am perimenopausal (Oh the shame!) my doc does not want to go the traditional way.Strangely the hyperpigmentation is starting to fade so I think your derm could be right! I also have a glow to my skin which is nice! I have got no aching or tiredness but it would be surprising if I did on such a low dose. I hope yours resolves too and don't worry about the cysts.. they will go!! Its the acne's last stand before you get clear!
My mum was saying that she has never known so many adult women suffering from acne and that it seemed so much rarer 20-30 years ago, she remembers plenty of teenagers but hardly any adults suffering. This sort of backs up what I have been reading, that there is an adult acne epidemic. Makes you wonder why? Stress maybe affecting hormones?? God knows.. I know the bloody acne is stressful!! Maybe we use too many products on our skin, when previous generations didn't?
Anyway Cherry soda you aren't on your own.. your UK counterpart is here, sympathizing and encouraging you.. and popping the bloody pills alongside ya..!! xx
A glow to the skin is always nice!
I do think it's crazy that more adult women seem to have cystic acne nowadays, as opposed to what I've heard about female adult acne 20+ years ago. I wonder if Michelle might be able to find a paper or journal article online about that. 🙂 Maybe if we ask nicely, she'll come up with something.
So glad to still have my UK counterpart. I appreciate your support, as always!
Hi.. Just thought I would check in to see how you are doing!! I STILL have 2 cysts, seriously they will not die. Otherwise , skin looks clear. My derm is not concerned, he says they will resolve and It wouldn't be unusual to get a few more yet. I asked about taking more than 10mg a day but he seems to think I need to be on it long term so low dose is better for me.. I don't know, I sometimes think I would rather hammer it for 6 mths rather than drag it out..I think because I am perimenopausal (Oh the shame!) my doc does not want to go the traditional way.Strangely the hyperpigmentation is starting to fade so I think your derm could be right! I also have a glow to my skin which is nice! I have got no aching or tiredness but it would be surprising if I did on such a low dose. I hope yours resolves too and don't worry about the cysts.. they will go!! Its the acne's last stand before you get clear!
My mum was saying that she has never known so many adult women suffering from acne and that it seemed so much rarer 20-30 years ago, she remembers plenty of teenagers but hardly any adults suffering. This sort of backs up what I have been reading, that there is an adult acne epidemic. Makes you wonder why? Stress maybe affecting hormones?? God knows.. I know the bloody acne is stressful!! Maybe we use too many products on our skin, when previous generations didn't?
Anyway Cherry soda you aren't on your own.. your UK counterpart is here, sympathizing and encouraging you.. and popping the bloody pills alongside ya..!! xx
A glow to the skin is always nice!
I do think it's crazy that more adult women seem to have cystic acne nowadays, as opposed to what I've heard about female adult acne 20+ years ago. I wonder if Michelle might be able to find a paper or journal article online about that. Maybe if we ask nicely, she'll come up with something.
So glad to still have my UK counterpart. I appreciate your support, as always!
*cracks fingers* Let's see what I can find.
Looks like no one studied any increase or decrease for cystic acne in women. All I've found was that there's been an increase of acne starting earlier--nothing specific about severity. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23210645
There are acne look-alikes. There's a particular variant that looks like severe acne that only happens in young women. It's called pyoderma faciale, AKA rosacea fulminans. http://www.dermnetnz.org/acne/pyoderma-faciale.html
Sometimes, severe enough acne rosacea, which also occurs in women, can look like severe acne. Nobody really distinguishes or says much these, since treatment is similar. They would if there was enough biopsies done and that would be more often published in journals.
Week 16 Update-
Dosage: 60 mg (30 mg/2 x daily)
Sorry that my update for last week has been so slow in coming, you guys. Last week was especially busy for me, with a big exam and my first weekend out in several weeks. I needed a little break from the computer.
I feel like last week was especially anxiety-inducing, almost certainly because of my Accutane treatment. My exam last week really stressed me out, and on Thursday I succumbed to a panic attack while in my mom's car on the way to do some shopping. It was a pretty frightening experience, and I felt so guilty for scaring my mom, as well. I used to have panic attacks in my early to mid-twenties, when I was a smoker and ate gluten. It had been about 4 years since my last panic attack, and I was not happy about experiencing my latest one. I hope it doesn't happen again, but I am not sure how to avoid them while on these meds. Getting stressed out over exams is pretty much unavoidable, because I'm taking this medication.
Not much has changed, in terms of my skin. The constellation of acne lesions I described in my Week 15 update is fading away, and I think that I broke out as much as I did this time because I ate more dairy dairy products than I usually do past month. I thought it might be safe to reintroduce larger quantities of dairy into my diet while taking isotretinoin (before I got on the meds, I largely abstained from it), but apparently that's not the case. This past breakout occurred a little before my most recent menstrual period, and it's the biggest breakout I've had in a long time (even before I started taking Accutane).
Finally, here are some pics I took today of my face in natural light. I am wearing Vaseline in them, since it's my day off. More pics coming in about 4 weeks.
Thanks for reading.
I like your description, "constellation of acne scars". That's creative!
Good thing you've stopped smoking! Your skin will thank you in the long run!
How are you tolerating the Vaseline? Is it too greasy for you?
From your heavily pixelated pics, it doesn't look your acne scars are too bad. Is that a good thing? 
I like your description, "constellation of acne scars". That's creative!
Good thing you've stopped smoking! Your skin will thank you in the long run!
How are you tolerating the Vaseline? Is it too greasy for you?
From your heavily pixelated pics, it doesn't look your acne scars are too bad. Is that a good thing?
I quit smoking about 2 years ago. One of the best decisions I ever made!
I like the Vaseline. It is very greasy, but I think the effects are worth tolerating the grease for. When I wake up in the morning after having Vaseline on my face for the entire night, my skin looks so well-rested and moisturized.
No, it's not a good thing. I want to show my scars as they are. I'm using a different camera next time.
I like your description, "constellation of acne scars". That's creative!
Good thing you've stopped smoking! Your skin will thank you in the long run!
How are you tolerating the Vaseline? Is it too greasy for you?
From your heavily pixelated pics, it doesn't look your acne scars are too bad. Is that a good thing?
I quit smoking about 2 years ago. One of the best decisions I ever made!
I like the Vaseline. It is very greasy, but I think the effects are worth tolerating the grease for. When I wake up in the morning after having Vaseline on my face for the entire night, my skin looks so well-rested and moisturized.
No, it's not a good thing. I want to show my scars as they are. I'm using a different camera next time.
Yay! I'm pretty sure you're breathing a lot better now. 🙂
Slathering moisturizers makes my skin look a lot better, too. And it looks not as oily! Muahaha! 😀
Hmm, is it a lot worse than what the pics are showing?
The nice thing about being pale is that more options are available to you!