I'm really looking forward to clear skin, assuming isotretinoin will work! I've suffered from acne for about 7 years. It doesn't really affect my confidence or anything, but let's be honest. It's just not attractive and people judge!

Things I have tried that didn't work:

• Topicals (Duac, Differin, Epiduo, BenzaClin, Retin A)
• Antibiotics (Tetracycline, Doxycyline, Minocycline)
• Various face washes: salicylic acid, Proactive, etc.
• Bio Oil, Jojoba Oil
• Chemical peels
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• No masturbation
• Vitamin A, B, D, E
• Probiotic w/ fiber
• Zinc
• Apple cider vinegar
• Tons of other products and random regimes

I'm so tired of wasting my money.

If I could guess what causes my acne, it's stress. During school breaks, my skin is actually pretty clear. I didn't break out at all over Spring Break, which was just last week. As soon as I got back to college, my skin started getting really oily again. I haven't noticed new acne, but it's bound to happen soon. I can't really avoid stress. I'm a Pre-Med at a fairly cutthroat school, so it is what it is. That said, I better have perfect skin by the time med school interview season comes along! My second guess would be some kind of hormonal imbalance. I think I have really high testosterone or something. I'm constantly horny, pretty aggressive, and put on muscle very easily. I've never gotten tested though, so who really knows? I've actually tried some supplementation to block test conversion to DHT, but not for very long.

Getting isotretinoin (I'm using Absorica) was quite difficult. I had to go through 3 different dermatologists who kept me on creams and useless pills for years until I found one who actually listened to me when I said I've gotta have it!

My doctor got me started on 40mg/day for now. I feel like it's kind of a low dose for me, so I can't wait until we raise it.

Hygiene products:

• Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
• Cerave Daily Facial Moisturizer AM SPF30
• Aveeno Positively Nourishing Hydrating Body Wash
• Aquaphor

In addition, I lift weights religiously, so here are some supplements I will not give up unless I am certain they are causing an issue. My dermatologist said they'd be fine, but not to try to break any Olympic records with the whole effect regarding weakened joints.

• Whey Protein
• Creatine
• Fish Oil

For my log, I promise to post pics every month. Logs here and YouTube reviews were very helpful in researching the treatment. The side effects are a little scary, but most people seem to have a positive experience and absolutely nothing else has worked for me. Also, #YOLO. I definitely don't feel like writing every day, so I'll only do so if something interesting happens like my lips start drying out or I start having psychotic episodes! In addition, I plan on gaining about 20lbs, so I might get a little chubby!

When I was going through puberty years ago, my acne was all on my forehead. Now, I could practically rub a pizza on my forehead and wouldn't break out. It's moved down to my cheeks, jawline, and chin mostly. I get minor spots on my chest from to time and also have some on my left upper back. Yes, only the left side for some reason. I'm not flexible enough to actually wrap my arm around to get a picture there, so you'll just have to take my word for it!

Here goes nothing!

EDIT (LINK TO FULL ALBUM CONTAINING ALL IMAGES): http://imgur.com/a/g9AY1#4

~

Month 1

3/15/13:

3/19/13:

May as well do an update on what has happened so far. Nothing at all yet! I don't seem to be getting that initial breakout. In addition, my lips haven't dried and I'm still producing a ton of oil. Like I mentioned, I think my dose is a bit low. From what I know in my experimentation with supplements, I usually need the max dose! Hmm, we'll see for now. I'm probably just being impatient.