Thank you everyone for your warm welcome!

Kimber: I moisturize every morning after my shower. I bought the Clean AC Avene moisturizer.. which was made to accompany drying acne treatment like Accutane. I think it's fine. The skin feels greasy right after the application but it gets better after 10-15 minutes. At night, I moisturize only the very dry spots. My skin doesn't feel tight at all.

Thank you everyone for your warm welcome!

Kimber: I moisturize every morning after my shower. I bought the Clean AC Avene moisturizer.. which was made to accompany drying acne treatment like Accutane. I think it's fine. The skin feels greasy right after the application but it gets better after 10-15 minutes. At night, I moisturize only the very dry spots. My skin doesn't feel tight at all.

Thanks

Ill have to check it out!

Hope things continue t go well!

kim

Just got me one of them big ol lip zits that hurt like hell....wooooo let's keep rollin guys!!

Just got me one of them big ol lip zits that hurt like hell....wooooo let's keep rollin guys!!

Haha love your attitude, but of course it isnt awesome to wake up to a zit hhaha just think... Another zit bites the dust! Its enjoying its last days on your skin hahaha let it sit there while it can

Wow, there really is a lot of activity in here! Wonderful to not feel alone anymore

DGrayPDX: I as asked by my doctor if I as working out for something special before i started my treatment, and I had to admit that I'm not, but it would not help With my mood to not be able to work out. So she adviced me to skip the Heavy weight lifting and otherwise just listen to my body. And said that I could take an Ibux (not sure what you call this, ibuprofin?). I do notice that I'm not able to push myself like I used to, and I have needed to take a low dosage of ibux once, otherwise good. Hope Your back pain is a one off! Can't imagine staying on this treatments for months without running, that would most certainly make me depressed.
I haven't been swimming since I started this though, and I usually swim at least once a week... .

I do drink a lot of coffee. Lots! But I also drink tons of water. Did before I started the Tane, but now it's like I Wake up in night because I'm thirsty..

Kim: Just walking is good Fresh air and some daylight makes the world I think! And I don't think that dring this treatment would be the best time to start running anyway. Btw; Could you try 30 mg instead of 40? My derm has written to take 2-3 pills each day, while we agreed on 2 (40 mg). I'm not sure though if that's to make sure I have enough of them and don't get a pause because of blood- and pregnancy tests, or because she wants me to Experiment myself... . Have read that some People take 40 mg one day, and 60 mg the next, then 40 mg again. A bit confused.

Today my make up looks terrible for the first time. Day 13. The skin looks dry (finally!?), but for some reason it doesn't feel dry-yet. It's morning here. A dark and Cold morning, and it's raining. I'm so glad it's Christmas time, and dreading the dark January. I have the biggest cyst I've ever had. It actually popped itself when I got out of the shower yesterday, but it's just as big. I sincerely hope that will be the only one, because it looks like I have a horn (?) at the side of my face.. .

Have a Nice day everyone! And I hope you have a "Nice" skin day

Oh, and Kim; you're not alone With dry eyes. Luckily I just change dmy glasses, so I'm using them as much as I can, and take off my contacts as soon as I get inside my house. Hope they won't dry up even more.... .

Anyone had any nose bleeds yet? I'm terrified that my nose will start to bleed when not at home, bringing Kleenex With me at all times.

Just got me one of them big ol lip zits that hurt like hell....wooooo let's keep rollin guys!!

I hate those!!!

are they the norm for you?

Im just asking because my lips are so sensitive with lip balms and products I have to be really careful..dr dan when used too much caused issues for me..now I use it maybe 2-3 times a day max and just a little

Hang in there

Kim

Wow, there really is a lot of activity in here! Wonderful to not feel alone anymore

DGrayPDX: I as asked by my doctor if I as working out for something special before i started my treatment, and I had to admit that I'm not, but it would not help With my mood to not be able to work out. So she adviced me to skip the Heavy weight lifting and otherwise just listen to my body. And said that I could take an Ibux (not sure what you call this, ibuprofin?). I do notice that I'm not able to push myself like I used to, and I have needed to take a low dosage of ibux once, otherwise good. Hope Your back pain is a one off! Can't imagine staying on this treatments for months without running, that would most certainly make me depressed.

I haven't been swimming since I started this though, and I usually swim at least once a week... .

 

I do drink a lot of coffee. Lots! But I also drink tons of water. Did before I started the Tane, but now it's like I Wake up in night because I'm thirsty..

 

Kim: Just walking is good Fresh air and some daylight makes the world I think! And I don't think that dring this treatment would be the best time to start running anyway. Btw; Could you try 30 mg instead of 40? My derm has written to take 2-3 pills each day, while we agreed on 2 (40 mg). I'm not sure though if that's to make sure I have enough of them and don't get a pause because of blood- and pregnancy tests, or because she wants me to Experiment myself... . Have read that some People take 40 mg one day, and 60 mg the next, then 40 mg again. A bit confused.

 

Today my make up looks terrible for the first time. Day 13. The skin looks dry (finally!?), but for some reason it doesn't feel dry-yet. It's morning here. A dark and Cold morning, and it's raining. I'm so glad it's Christmas time, and dreading the dark January. I have the biggest cyst I've ever had. It actually popped itself when I got out of the shower yesterday, but it's just as big. I sincerely hope that will be the only one, because it looks like I have a horn (?) at the side of my face.. .

 

Have a Nice day everyone! And I hope you have a "Nice" skin day

 

 

Sorry about the cysts

I had the BIGGEST one i have ever had or seen between my eyebrows..it was over the weekend and I was house bound so just spot treated, took ibuprofen and iced a little

Its finally going down...it didnt blow and I didnt touch it

I just have a little red bump on my chin

i thought accutane would make it shrink over night..LOL

no such luck..little bigger but red..have to be careful not to over spot treat (I am guilty of that!)

Maybe a little extra moisturizer under foundation will help

I know how hard it is too struggle with problem skin and makeup!

I wen tot take out my contact last night and sorry gross alert!!

I had some big old gunks of green stuff in my eyes

ewwwww

it was rough

going to try drops or wear glasses as much as possible

My dr only gave me a script for 40mg

I called because of my issues and told her not comfy bumping from 20 to 40mg yet

could we try 30mg..havent heard back...

kim

Kim, they're not the norm and I really hope it's not from the aquaphor cuz that stuff has been awesome...ill see if anymore come up before bugging out. I don't think it being not the norm is a good indicator cuz since i started tane a lot has been happening that's not the norm...I got two big zits on the back of my neck recently which has NEVER happened.

I other news: JUST HIT WEEK 2 MARK!....wooooohooooo

I hope we will not have any more cysts. Awful thing, and they apear to be much bigger than normal?
I was told by my doctor to stop using all kind of acne-products, and instead start moisturizing like a hero! My skin was sensitive and needed a lot of hydration even before I started this meds, but now I'm using a serum for dry skin, and different Rich moisturizers (one from La Roche Posay made for acne skin on Heavy medication). So I think I may have to switch my Foundation to perhaps a BB cream for dry skin? I just need at least a little coverage, especially since my skin has decided to become all red? So typical I just bought new violet glasses. Red face and violet frames-a sucess. Not.

It sounds like you should def try not to wear contacts if you get that green stuff anyway. An eye infection is really not the thing to get now.

Btw: Is anyone else freezing their butt off? I know it's winter and all that, but I'm wearing several layers of wool and the heat is on max (which we've never needed to do before), and I'm still sooo cold?

DerpFace: Congratulations with the two week mark! I'm one day behind you, and childishly looking forward to taking the meds each day

Kim, they're not the norm and I really hope it's not from the aquaphor cuz that stuff has been awesome...ill see if anymore come up before bugging out. I don't think it being not the norm is a good indicator cuz since i started tane a lot has been happening that's not the norm...I got two big zits on the back of my neck recently which has NEVER happened.

I other news: JUST HIT WEEK 2 MARK!....wooooohooooo

Congrats on hitting the 2 week mark!!!!

I agree def cant spaz over new things happening..sure we have all experiences that to some degree since starting tane

I know just for me aquaphor was NO good..Dr Dan in moderation and vaseline work peachy

Have a god one

kim

I hope we will not have any more cysts. Awful thing, and they appear to be much bigger than normal?

I was told by my doctor to stop using all kind of acne-products, and instead start moisturizing like a hero! My skin was sensitive and needed a lot of hydration even before I started this meds, but now I'm using a serum for dry skin, and different Rich moisturizers (one from La Roche Posay made for acne skin on Heavy medication). So I think I may have to switch my Foundation to perhaps a BB cream for dry skin? I just need at least a little coverage, especially since my skin has decided to become all red? So typical I just bought new violet glasses. Red face and violet frames-a sucess. Not.

 

It sounds like you should def try not to wear contacts if you get that green stuff anyway. An eye infection is really not the thing to get now.

 

Btw: Is anyone else freezing their butt off? I know it's winter and all that, but I'm wearing several layers of wool and the heat is on max (which we've never needed to do before), and I'm still sooo cold?

 

 

 

 

 

DerpFace: Congratulations with the two week mark! I'm one day behind you, and childishly looking forward to taking the meds each day

At my last derm visit they rec LRP toleraine fluid..something like that

It just scares me since all hydration causes issues but Im using it sparingly

I think a TM or bb/cc cream is a good idea

but for me, powder seems to cause less issues

Il just have to see how things progress..dont want to make to many changes now with makeup or moisturizers

My face is def red in certain areas..I was getting red raised bumpy patches but they seem to be going away

and Im always hot even in winter i wear t shirt

I'm not getting this quote-thing properly.... Trying to answer to one post, but... .

Not sure I undestand what you mean about issues, Kim, With moisturizers and Foundation? You mean to make more clogged pores? I simply have to moisturize, but I'm using "safe" brands. Been a skin care junkie for years, so I was actually kind of worried of the La Roche Posay which was recommended (it's "cheap" and sold in the drug stores here), but thought I'd give it a try, and it seems ok. Not enough moisture for really dry skin I think, but we'll see how it goes. Powder Foundation makes my skin even drier, and I have big pores, so it has a tendancy to sink into them... .

Lucky you feeling that hot all the time! Wool underwear is not my favourite item

I'm old enough to have children myself Seems like you should wear Your glasses more often. You know; it's children and drunk People who tell the truth
My dog kind of makes my glasse smore dirty with her wet nose.. .

I think you should make another call to Your derm asking the 30 mg-question, perhaps the doctor has just forgotten to call you back?

Haven't had a single pimple on my chest since I started this med. Love it! I wasn't really that bothered with them, but naturally there would be one (or 10) if I was going to something special and wearing a dress with some cleavage.

Happy day to you all

coffee-

Ive been a huge skincare makeup junkie for yearrrrssss myself!

Never had issues with breakouts until about 4 yrs ago...booooooo

I used obagi products forever, regular facials and IPL than BAM..breakout city and nothing would control them..assuming hormonal but all b/w came back normal

Which LRP moisturizer are u using?

I waited 2 yrs to see a derm because i really thought by undertsanding skincare products, and tracking ingrdiants i could 'figure it out'..joke was on me

EVERY moisturizer i used the simplest of ing caused clogged pores and large breakouts

I tried drug store to high $$ end..no luck!

I would try out a product breakouts in 1-3 days..give myself 2-3 weeks to recover than start all over

LOL yes kids def. arent shy with their comments!!

My daughter much more than my son....I wore my glasses the first time I had to attend her cheer event, and felt awful about my skin..thought it would make my problem a little less noticeable??

she told me she loved them, and when I had to attend her school the following week she asked me to PLEEAASSEEE wear my glasses again!

Im just more comfy with contact not used to glasses sitting on my face...vision is a little different..hard to explain

I am now frantically blinking so I can see the screen as my contact are getting gummy and i put them in 5 min ago

dooop!

Have a good day as well!
kim

ps. called back derm.nurse sounded annoyed..oh well

Kim: thats so cute! I also wear glasses, you know, when youre tired or reading.. People tell me that they make me look quirky and fun. I feel that they add quite a bit of personality. Mine are like retro style glasses, (like atticus's in the movie how to mockingbird) i love them.

Oh! Will be posting week one pics tomorrow finally terminated and destroyed my two last tests, feeling totally stress-free.

People are commenting about how my skin texture has improved! I dunno whether to believe them or not.

Have a terrific day!

dun dun dun, another zit bites the dust!

Oh! Will be posting week one pics tomorrow finally terminated and destroyed my two last tests, feeling totally stress-free.

People are commenting about how my skin texture has improved! I dunno whether to believe them or not.

Yeah!! Congrats I have another two weeks of school and then I plan to fully indulge in holiday fun times.

Kim et al: My boyfriend used to wear contacts all the time and they always irritated his eyes. Now he wears glasses all the time and I think he looks even cuter. They're kinda retro and they add some personality to his look. I've been using saline eyedrops and it's working out so far.

About nosebleeds: My nurse recommended a saline nasal spray if my sinuses get dry. Also, if it's really bad, you could try applying a thin layer of vaseline in your nostrils. I spend my summers working outdoors in the southwest US (high elevation desert), and this is how we manage nosebleeds. Just try not to do it for too long. I've heard it is not good to breath in too much of it.

Updates: My hair seems to be staying in my head today! My BMs are less painful, but still not ideal. My red t-zone has gone back to normal. My skin looks better than it has in a long time! My boyfriend and my mom commented on it and I feel like I'm getting more looks from dudes on campus. Maybe it's cause I'm feeling more confident and actually holding my head high.

dun dun dun, another zit bites the dust!

Oh! Will be posting week one pics tomorrow finally terminated and destroyed my two last tests, feeling totally stress-free.

 

People are commenting about how my skin texture has improved! I dunno whether to believe them or not.

Yeah!! Congrats I have another two weeks of school and then I plan to fully indulge in holiday fun times.

Kim et al: My boyfriend used to wear contacts all the time and they always irritated his eyes. Now he wears glasses all the time and I think he looks even cuter. They're kinda retro and they add some personality to his look. I've been using saline eyedrops and it's working out so far.

About nosebleeds: My nurse recommended a saline nasal spray if my sinuses get dry. Also, if it's really bad, you could try applying a thin layer of vaseline in your nostrils. I spend my summers working outdoors in the southwest US (high elevation desert), and this is how we manage nosebleeds. Just try not to do it for too long. I've heard it is not good to breath in too much of it.

Updates: My hair seems to be staying in my head today! My BMs are less painful, but still not ideal. My red t-zone has gone back to normal. My skin looks better than it has in a long time! My boyfriend and my mom commented on it and I feel like I'm getting more looks from dudes on campus. Maybe it's cause I'm feeling more confident and actually holding my head high.

awesome!

congrats

No nose bleeds for me..hair also seems to be a bit better

No call from Dr ..Grrrrr

Im having a bit of a panick attack!

Day #17 for me

I have to say the first week I swear my skin looked better...tighter/things were shrinking

Over the weekend as Ive mentioned I went 3 dasy with NO moisturizer or makeup and had NO new breakouts

(same 20mg dose)

I started using moisturizer and a LIGHT dusting of foundation powder and im breaking out

I have a BIG birthday party to attend for a friend on saturday and besides the red bump lower/side chin ..I think see 2-3 more popping up

Nooooooo

What are my options? go w/ out again...I caved and used moisturizer because after 3 days though my face was not peeling my face felt like the tin man

any advice

bummed

sorry to be a downer

kim

No worries Kim, it's stressful! Sometimes when I feel new acne forming in the very early stages I put ice on it, and that really helps! (Obviously, don't give yourself frost bite ) Also, take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you can keep the inflammation down in the beginning I think it lessens the overall severity of the breakout.

Also, it's not til Saturday, so you've got some time to heal! Good luck.

No worries Kim, it's stressful! Sometimes when I feel new acne forming in the very early stages I put ice on it, and that really helps! (Obviously, don't give yourself frost bite ) Also, take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you can keep the inflammation down in the beginning I think it lessens the overall severity of the breakout.

Also, it's not til Saturday, so you've got some time to heal! Good luck.

OMG Ive done that

I was watching tv and iced so much..the area must have gone numb and I was left with a quarter sized freezer burn mark

I know thankfully its not until saturday butim very fair and my skin stays red forever and heals so slowly

Im more upset I dont have a moisturizer i feel comfy using

I dont want to cause more breakouts but i need something..sigh!

Maybe it is just a breakout because i was just going to post my chest is also totally clear, but its not 3-4 red bumps

maybe its just taen phase I am going through

hopefully soon we wont have to deal with these issues

Im annoyed how much my face affects my mood..i was getting out and about and ready for the holidays now Im just pissed

I forgot I wanted to ask if anyone feels liek their skin is more fragile/sensitive

I was using my toner this am and it hurt a little..I looked at my cheek and there was a slight red line (not breakout or bump)

I ignored it..just now nose was hurting so I looked in the mirror and saw TINY whitehead

stupid me tried to squeeze and the top layer peeled off..ouch!
I know no squeezing/picking but thankfully its in the crevace of my nose where u cant see it

taught me to NOT touch my face 100000% over!!!

Kim...this is IT this is the battle we signed up for!! remember in five months this little party that you showed up to w/t whiteheads won't mean sqaut!

Kim...this is IT this is the battle we signed up for!! remember in five months this little party that you showed up to w/t whiteheads won't mean sqaut!

I know I know..i think I just needed a quick vent session I already feel better

we are all going to be SMOKING soon..bye bye stupid skin

I also need to back the F away from the mirror

I get 1 inch from the mirror and analyze everything

thank goodness for a med like accutane

I can hack whatever the next 6mnths brings..but I cant do this crap for the rest of my life

all good now

Me again!!!!

Being such a board hog

Ok Dr just called

Suggested I up my dose but alternate 40/20I

told her how I was feeling tired etc

She understood but said her biggest concern was getting me clear and only having to go through 1 round and be done with this

she thinks if I stay on such a low dose wont work

I dont know what to do?

I have this party saturday so I am scared to go to 40mg and have some massive breakout

BUT i think what if at this point it helps clear me up?

I would do 40 today and 20 thursday and so forth

any thoughts??

thanks much

If the party is your main concern you could always wait til after that to up your dose. I think she's right in that you might just have to bite the bullet and get this over with once and for all. I'm still confused about the effectiveness of low vs. high doses, but when my derm suggested 60mg/day right off the bat I was just like "yes! we're gonna destroy them ALL!"

However if you feel like your side effects are dangerous or intolerable, you know, you gotta do what you gotta do.

If the party is your main concern you could always wait til after that to up your dose. I think she's right in that you might just have to bite the bullet and get this over with once and for all. I'm still confused about the effectiveness of low vs. high doses, but when my derm suggested 60mg/day right off the bat I was just like "yes! we're gonna destroy them ALL!"

However if you feel like your side effects are dangerous or intolerable, you know, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Thanks for the response

BUT I couldnt wait..LOL downed 40mg..yahoooooo

I have this crazy notion extra tane will kill the monster i have on my face sooner than later

derm said ideally she would like 40/20 but even 40, every 2-3days..she just wants more in my system

IDK I was petrified of IB and crappy side effects

I did a ton of reading and research about low dose being JUST as effective as higher dose with less side effects and more tolerable..so I didn't want to go through hellish side effects if it was unnecessary

I think ill try the 30mg for now

and the search for moisturizer continues..I think Im going to need it more than even

my skin seems dehydrated though not peeling and fragile

Thansk much

kim

Kim, I'd follow your derms lead...this five months suck trust me I know..ive been dating and giving school presentations with this disaster of a face that was virtually clear two months ago..it ain't easy. When I went to get perscribed my derm was trying to decide what to give me she wasnt sure if is hould do 80 mg a day from the start or work up to it. In the end she said "look, do you want a clear face?" I said "uh yeah:" she said "then here's the deal...take 80 mg a day from the start and push through the next five months as hard as it may be and i can all but garantee your face will be clear".

It sucks but if your derm thinks you should get upped I'd listen to her and just get thiese five months over with..it seems long now but afterwards we'r gonna be like "waaa? that was five months!?"

It's gonna be sick times

c ya on the other side

Kim, I'd follow your derms lead...this five months suck trust me I know..ive been dating and giving school presentations with this disaster of a face that was virtually clear two months ago..it ain't easy. When I went to get perscribed my derm was trying to decide what to give me she wasnt sure if is hould do 80 mg a day from the start or work up to it. In the end she said "look, do you want a clear face?" I said "uh yeah:" she said "then here's the deal...take 80 mg a day from the start and push through the next five months as hard as it may be and i can all but garantee your face will be clear".

It sucks but if your derm thinks you should get upped I'd listen to her and just get thiese five months over with..it seems long now but afterwards we'r gonna be like "waaa? that was five months!?"

It's gonna be sick times

c ya on the other side

Thanks feedback..it really helps to push through

My only other concern is if the IB gets bad..ill be let instead with breakouts with a ton of scaring

guess i was just hoping by taking it easy and low dose could avoid the IB and scars

maybe not? too good to be true maybe