the scaring is SLOWLY starting to fade and I havent had a breakout since.
see below for some more sans makeup post treatment photos.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
6 weeks Post Treatment photos! :)
about a month and a half later... and my skin is still looking great.. even better than the last dosage month.
the scaring is SLOWLY starting to fade and I havent had a breakout since.
see below for some more sans makeup post treatment photos.
the scaring is SLOWLY starting to fade and I havent had a breakout since.
see below for some more sans makeup post treatment photos.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
210 DAYS and I am DONE!
it has been about 1 week since i finished my last dose of Isotrentenoin.
I havent had one pimple on my face in about 3 weeks now. I have attached ending pictures below.
you can see that i still have some scaring which the Dr. said will take some time to fade but should fade out no problem. but no more bumps on my face! my skin has never been this smooth.
it was a long process but so happy i stuck through it.
I will update in about a month or so about how my skin is doing after being off of the medication. but to leave you with some even better result pictures.. and a reminder of what the end of month 1 was like... see below
yes its a long process and most of the time i didnt have the patience for, but i stuck through it and now have amazing results. my skin has not looked better in over 10years!
Bbig SHOUT OUT to Dr. S. Schleicher- THANK YOU !
it has been about 1 week since i finished my last dose of Isotrentenoin.
I havent had one pimple on my face in about 3 weeks now. I have attached ending pictures below.
you can see that i still have some scaring which the Dr. said will take some time to fade but should fade out no problem. but no more bumps on my face! my skin has never been this smooth.
it was a long process but so happy i stuck through it.
I will update in about a month or so about how my skin is doing after being off of the medication. but to leave you with some even better result pictures.. and a reminder of what the end of month 1 was like... see below
yes its a long process and most of the time i didnt have the patience for, but i stuck through it and now have amazing results. my skin has not looked better in over 10years!
Bbig SHOUT OUT to Dr. S. Schleicher- THANK YOU !
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Day 200 Complete.
I finished the 2nd-10daypack about 4 days ago.. no new blemishes. and scaring and redness continue to fade. Tomorrow is a derm. appointment and we will see if i am done or if i have to go another month.. either way IT WORKED :)
now my only concern is it continues to work when I go off of it.
fingers crossed but super pleased how my skin turned out.. BIG THANKS are in order when I go visit my Dermotologist tomorrow.
I finished the 2nd-10daypack about 4 days ago.. no new blemishes. and scaring and redness continue to fade. Tomorrow is a derm. appointment and we will see if i am done or if i have to go another month.. either way IT WORKED :)
now my only concern is it continues to work when I go off of it.
fingers crossed but super pleased how my skin turned out.. BIG THANKS are in order when I go visit my Dermotologist tomorrow.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Day 190 Complete.
I just finished the first pack of month 7. I am back down to 40mgs.
I havent had much breaking out just the occasional pimple which I have right on the bridge of my nose (that i am attributing to my sunglasses causing)
but otherwise my scaring is fading. my lips arent AS dry. but still dry and cracked and hopfully this will be my last month on it. but again we wont know until the next dermotologist appointment.
Its a good feeling when you dont have to worry about what your skin is going to look out what kind of new breakouts you are going to have when you wake up in the morning.. :) even though it has taken longer than originally planned. I am so happy I followed through with the treatment.. its made a HUGE difference!
I just finished the first pack of month 7. I am back down to 40mgs.
I havent had much breaking out just the occasional pimple which I have right on the bridge of my nose (that i am attributing to my sunglasses causing)
but otherwise my scaring is fading. my lips arent AS dry. but still dry and cracked and hopfully this will be my last month on it. but again we wont know until the next dermotologist appointment.
Its a good feeling when you dont have to worry about what your skin is going to look out what kind of new breakouts you are going to have when you wake up in the morning.. :) even though it has taken longer than originally planned. I am so happy I followed through with the treatment.. its made a HUGE difference!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Day 180 complete.
Just finished month 6 on the treatment. during month 6 the dermatologist increased my dose to 60mgs.
When the medicine kicked in.. it really kicked in.
Right now i do have some minor scaring, which is begining to fade. but my skin is very very smooth.
and when I put make up on.. it doesnt even look like i ever had a problem with acne.
The dermatologist is keeping me on the medicine.. hopefully 1 more month. but now i am back down to 40 mgs.
hoping the 40mgs works just as good my skin stays smooth and the scaring continues to fade.
below are the pictures (sans makeup) from the end of month 6. (you can also see just how dry my lips are.. all cracked and near bleeding.. rather painful)
HUGE difference from the post with the pictures ending month 1 :)
Just finished month 6 on the treatment. during month 6 the dermatologist increased my dose to 60mgs.
When the medicine kicked in.. it really kicked in.
Right now i do have some minor scaring, which is begining to fade. but my skin is very very smooth.
and when I put make up on.. it doesnt even look like i ever had a problem with acne.
The dermatologist is keeping me on the medicine.. hopefully 1 more month. but now i am back down to 40 mgs.
hoping the 40mgs works just as good my skin stays smooth and the scaring continues to fade.
below are the pictures (sans makeup) from the end of month 6. (you can also see just how dry my lips are.. all cracked and near bleeding.. rather painful)
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Day 170:complete
I am actually around day 175. only 5 more days away from being done with Month 6!
and I am impressed! I havent had a new breakout in weeks! and my redness is starting to go away and the scaring is begining to fade.
I go back to the Dermatologist this week for my monthly check up and we will see if I am done with treatment or if I will have to be on isotrentenoin a little bit longer.. at this point, seeing the results i dont really care if i have to be on it a little longer.. its working!
my lips are ridiculously dry and crack and bleed quite a bit now. but with a night treatment of Vasoline on them.. its managable.
in about 5 more days I'll have end of month 6 pictures... stay tuned!
I am actually around day 175. only 5 more days away from being done with Month 6!
and I am impressed! I havent had a new breakout in weeks! and my redness is starting to go away and the scaring is begining to fade.
I go back to the Dermatologist this week for my monthly check up and we will see if I am done with treatment or if I will have to be on isotrentenoin a little bit longer.. at this point, seeing the results i dont really care if i have to be on it a little longer.. its working!
my lips are ridiculously dry and crack and bleed quite a bit now. but with a night treatment of Vasoline on them.. its managable.
in about 5 more days I'll have end of month 6 pictures... stay tuned!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Day 160 Complete:
I am currently on day 163.. I was on vacation when I finished 160 and am just getting to the post now.
honestly in the last 4 days my skin has cleared up.. no more bumps! yes i am still a little red, my lips are disgustingly dry and even my eyes are dry.
throughout the whole treatment, I never had a problem with wearing my contacts.. the last few days when I was wearing them.. I could tell my eyes were way drier than usual.
even had 1 more nose bleed but nothing on a regular basis.
I still have 17 more days to go for month 6 and I am not sure if the Derm would want to put me on another month just to make sure.. but we will see.
now that i am finally looking in a mirror without Acne.. I am thrilled! all i need is some time to let the redness and scaring go away. the scaring will take time but the dermatologist said it will go away. it is not permanent. :)
looking back through the series of pictures and where my skin is now.. its a HUGE difference. I am very pleased with the results.. lets just hope once I am off the medicine.. it continues to work and i don't relapse!
I am currently on day 163.. I was on vacation when I finished 160 and am just getting to the post now.
honestly in the last 4 days my skin has cleared up.. no more bumps! yes i am still a little red, my lips are disgustingly dry and even my eyes are dry.
throughout the whole treatment, I never had a problem with wearing my contacts.. the last few days when I was wearing them.. I could tell my eyes were way drier than usual.
even had 1 more nose bleed but nothing on a regular basis.
I still have 17 more days to go for month 6 and I am not sure if the Derm would want to put me on another month just to make sure.. but we will see.
now that i am finally looking in a mirror without Acne.. I am thrilled! all i need is some time to let the redness and scaring go away. the scaring will take time but the dermatologist said it will go away. it is not permanent. :)
looking back through the series of pictures and where my skin is now.. its a HUGE difference. I am very pleased with the results.. lets just hope once I am off the medicine.. it continues to work and i don't relapse!
Monday, February 18, 2013
DAY 150: COMPLETE
What should be the end of my treatment is now the start of Month 6. the Dr. has increased my dosage to 60mgs and is convinced this will be my last month of treatment... we'll just have to wait and see.
I am switching over from My ORISAN, which I have been on the last 5 months to Absorica.. talking wth the Dr. he had a way to help me get the medicine WAY CHEAPER ( I was paying full price for it -nearly 400$ a month) now I was able to get 2 prescriptions (one for 40mgs and one for 20mgs because they do not make a 60mgs dosage) for 10$ a piece! i wish i knew about this program he has access too earlier than the last month of my treatment! *fingers crossed the last month*
no new side effects but im pretty sure my lips will get even drier bumping up the dose.
looking back through the pictures my skin has definitely gotten much better.. still not exactly where I think it should be but hopefully this last month will clear me up completely for good.
so here is to another 30 days. and below are my end of month 5 pictures....
What should be the end of my treatment is now the start of Month 6. the Dr. has increased my dosage to 60mgs and is convinced this will be my last month of treatment... we'll just have to wait and see.
I am switching over from My ORISAN, which I have been on the last 5 months to Absorica.. talking wth the Dr. he had a way to help me get the medicine WAY CHEAPER ( I was paying full price for it -nearly 400$ a month) now I was able to get 2 prescriptions (one for 40mgs and one for 20mgs because they do not make a 60mgs dosage) for 10$ a piece! i wish i knew about this program he has access too earlier than the last month of my treatment! *fingers crossed the last month*
no new side effects but im pretty sure my lips will get even drier bumping up the dose.
looking back through the pictures my skin has definitely gotten much better.. still not exactly where I think it should be but hopefully this last month will clear me up completely for good.
so here is to another 30 days. and below are my end of month 5 pictures....
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Day 140 complete.
I just started my last 10-day pack of month 5.
This was originally going to be my last 10 days on the medicine. My skin has improved, however not as quickly as the Derm. expected so I will be going on the medicine for another month.
I have a Derm. appt. on Thursday of this week to get the next months prescription. acording to my last visit, also looks like they are going to increase my dosage to 60mgs. but we'll see come Thursday.
Over the weekend, my family had a superbowl party and alot of friends and relative i do not see on a regular basis were there. I also had a lot of them come up to me shocked asking what i did to my face because it looks so nice.
so yes i guess it is working. but seeing my skin everyday, makes it hard to tell. I am still very red and kinda scared but hopefully all that fades in the next month.
im not breaking out much at all, right now I have a pimple on my forhead and one under my chin.. given my hair style, you cant even see it.. but i know its there! haha.
i hope within the next month to not have any (at least any that take this long to heal- still about 2 weeks)
and I hope my scaring fades even more.
all in all hearing my friends and family comment on how great my skin looks and looking back at the pictures i posted on here ( particularly the end of month 1) my skin came a long way and I am happy i decided on this treatment. I dont have to go to bed worrying about what my skin is going to look like in the morning, how many new cysts will i have how swollen my face will be etc.. its pretty consistant now and very minimum swelling. :)
still have dry patches but only using the tazorac cream (very small amount) once every other day and it seemed to help with how flakey and peeling my skin was.
next posting will have the end of month 5 pictures! and an update on my medicine dosage.
I just started my last 10-day pack of month 5.
This was originally going to be my last 10 days on the medicine. My skin has improved, however not as quickly as the Derm. expected so I will be going on the medicine for another month.
I have a Derm. appt. on Thursday of this week to get the next months prescription. acording to my last visit, also looks like they are going to increase my dosage to 60mgs. but we'll see come Thursday.
Over the weekend, my family had a superbowl party and alot of friends and relative i do not see on a regular basis were there. I also had a lot of them come up to me shocked asking what i did to my face because it looks so nice.
so yes i guess it is working. but seeing my skin everyday, makes it hard to tell. I am still very red and kinda scared but hopefully all that fades in the next month.
im not breaking out much at all, right now I have a pimple on my forhead and one under my chin.. given my hair style, you cant even see it.. but i know its there! haha.
i hope within the next month to not have any (at least any that take this long to heal- still about 2 weeks)
and I hope my scaring fades even more.
all in all hearing my friends and family comment on how great my skin looks and looking back at the pictures i posted on here ( particularly the end of month 1) my skin came a long way and I am happy i decided on this treatment. I dont have to go to bed worrying about what my skin is going to look like in the morning, how many new cysts will i have how swollen my face will be etc.. its pretty consistant now and very minimum swelling. :)
still have dry patches but only using the tazorac cream (very small amount) once every other day and it seemed to help with how flakey and peeling my skin was.
next posting will have the end of month 5 pictures! and an update on my medicine dosage.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Day 130- Complete.
I just finished my first 10 day pack on month 5 of 40mgs. during my last visit the dermotologist also gave me tazorac cream to use.. i have been using a very small amount of that twice a day for the last 10 days. My skin is SOOOO DRY! it went from being oily on just the pill to being super dry and flaky on both the cream and the pill.
like stings/burns when i wash my face, put lotion on, put make up on.. i have to fan my face until the lotion and makeup dry completely for it to stop stinging. but its working.. i only have 2 little bumps on my cheek and some scabing from the ones around my chin (in the last picture i posted) left on my face. however my face is flaky and red and irritated.
I am no only applying the tazorac cream once a day and will probably tier it down to once every other day once I go back for my next months prescription ( the derm is going to bump me up to 60 mgs this "last" month).. not sure if it will really be my last month or if ill have to go longer.. we'll just have to wait and see.
I just finished my first 10 day pack on month 5 of 40mgs. during my last visit the dermotologist also gave me tazorac cream to use.. i have been using a very small amount of that twice a day for the last 10 days. My skin is SOOOO DRY! it went from being oily on just the pill to being super dry and flaky on both the cream and the pill.
like stings/burns when i wash my face, put lotion on, put make up on.. i have to fan my face until the lotion and makeup dry completely for it to stop stinging. but its working.. i only have 2 little bumps on my cheek and some scabing from the ones around my chin (in the last picture i posted) left on my face. however my face is flaky and red and irritated.
I am no only applying the tazorac cream once a day and will probably tier it down to once every other day once I go back for my next months prescription ( the derm is going to bump me up to 60 mgs this "last" month).. not sure if it will really be my last month or if ill have to go longer.. we'll just have to wait and see.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Day 120 : Month 4 Complete!
I went to the Dermatologist last week to get started on my month 5 prescription.. what was supposed to be my last month on isotrentenoin. but unfortunately my skin condition is not where they expected it to be.
plus I started getting cystic acne again.
during my appointment, we discussed increasing the time i would be on 40 mgs. so he is extending my treatment 1 month. during this appointment he also injected a few of those cysts with cortizon to bring down the swelling. which actually works pretty quick... and he gave me some aczone cream samples to try and help with the redness that appears to be scaring my skin.
I have been using that cream for about a week and yesterday I woke up with 5 more cysts all over my face from my chin line, mouth, nose and to my forehead. all very swollen and soar. I called the dermatologist up and got an appointment that day to see him and show him what is going on.. He also doesnt think i should be breaking out like this, this far into the game... and thinks that my body has gotten used to the dosage and it just kinda stopped working. he injected all the cysts i had with cortizon and suggested that next month we are going to bump up to 60mgs and see how that goes.
Its just very frustrating right now that i thought i was done with all my painful breakouts and... they came back.
The pictures below are from this morning. (less than 24 hours after the cortizone shots ) and the swelling came down significantly. however the breakouts are still there..
I must say looking back on my pictures, my skin has gotten better.. but just not in the amount of time it was supposed to. I am hoping maybe another month or even 2 on this medicine i will be clear.
Got the pics uploaded!
I went to the Dermatologist last week to get started on my month 5 prescription.. what was supposed to be my last month on isotrentenoin. but unfortunately my skin condition is not where they expected it to be.
plus I started getting cystic acne again.
during my appointment, we discussed increasing the time i would be on 40 mgs. so he is extending my treatment 1 month. during this appointment he also injected a few of those cysts with cortizon to bring down the swelling. which actually works pretty quick... and he gave me some aczone cream samples to try and help with the redness that appears to be scaring my skin.
I have been using that cream for about a week and yesterday I woke up with 5 more cysts all over my face from my chin line, mouth, nose and to my forehead. all very swollen and soar. I called the dermatologist up and got an appointment that day to see him and show him what is going on.. He also doesnt think i should be breaking out like this, this far into the game... and thinks that my body has gotten used to the dosage and it just kinda stopped working. he injected all the cysts i had with cortizon and suggested that next month we are going to bump up to 60mgs and see how that goes.
Its just very frustrating right now that i thought i was done with all my painful breakouts and... they came back.
The pictures below are from this morning. (less than 24 hours after the cortizone shots ) and the swelling came down significantly. however the breakouts are still there..
I must say looking back on my pictures, my skin has gotten better.. but just not in the amount of time it was supposed to. I am hoping maybe another month or even 2 on this medicine i will be clear.
Picture from end of month 4 begining of month 5
As you can see, the acne on my left side of my face ( on the right in the picture) is still pretty active around me chin. however my right side of my face (left on this picture is starting to clear up ( even the red, under the skin "scaring" is starting to clear)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Day 110: complete.
Sunday I finished my 2nd 10 day pack of month 4. So far i have not noticed any changes since ending month 3 and it is frustrating.
I started breaking out again around my chin pretty bad. almost everyday there is a new pimple.
I have a dermotologist appointment in 2 days so this is something I am definitely going to be bringing this to his attention.
Originally the Dr. said 5 months at 40 mgs will be my course on this medication but right now, I just cant see this being cured in another 40 days. I have a feeling I will either be upping my prescription to 60mgs, or increasing my time on this one.. who knows.. maybe even both.
I really have not experienced any new side effects (except a little drier in the skin, but it is January and the weather is very cold, snowy, and I do participate in winter activities that can attribute to the extra dryness)All my bloodwork I have gotten has come back good. no increases to any of my levels of lipids/ triglecerides etc. so my body should be able to handle increased prescription or increased time.. but we'll see on Thursday.
Next post will have updated pictures and I will keep my fingers crossed for a miracle to happen in the next 10 or so days with the status of my skin.
Sunday I finished my 2nd 10 day pack of month 4. So far i have not noticed any changes since ending month 3 and it is frustrating.
I started breaking out again around my chin pretty bad. almost everyday there is a new pimple.
I have a dermotologist appointment in 2 days so this is something I am definitely going to be bringing this to his attention.
Originally the Dr. said 5 months at 40 mgs will be my course on this medication but right now, I just cant see this being cured in another 40 days. I have a feeling I will either be upping my prescription to 60mgs, or increasing my time on this one.. who knows.. maybe even both.
I really have not experienced any new side effects (except a little drier in the skin, but it is January and the weather is very cold, snowy, and I do participate in winter activities that can attribute to the extra dryness)All my bloodwork I have gotten has come back good. no increases to any of my levels of lipids/ triglecerides etc. so my body should be able to handle increased prescription or increased time.. but we'll see on Thursday.
Next post will have updated pictures and I will keep my fingers crossed for a miracle to happen in the next 10 or so days with the status of my skin.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Day 100: complete.
I just finished my 1st 10 day pack of month 4 (about 2 days ago)
about a week ago I noticed a significant difference in my skin. I only have 2 pimples on my chin. the rest of my face was clear ( minus the iritation post acne marks under the skin) but no bumps!
I was so excited. well a day goes by and I broke out again.. actually a pretty bad breakout compared to what I was seeing the last few months, all around my chin. and even had 2 cystic type bumps.
things are starting to heal again but the redness is still there ( I havent started using the cream for the redness yet because I am still breaking out) want to tackle one challenge at a time. once I see my skin clearing and staying clear for a good length of time I will start the redness cream.
I only have 50 more days left on the medicine and I really hope I start seeing the clear skin longer than just for a day. I have my next appt with the dermatologist on 1/10. maybe mention it to him and see if he plans on keeping me on the 40mgs for the last month or if he would suggest going to 60mgs.
I know it will dry me out a bit more, and maybe even worse because it is winter time. but if its what i need to do to get my skin clear.. i will do it.
I just finished my 1st 10 day pack of month 4 (about 2 days ago)
about a week ago I noticed a significant difference in my skin. I only have 2 pimples on my chin. the rest of my face was clear ( minus the iritation post acne marks under the skin) but no bumps!
I was so excited. well a day goes by and I broke out again.. actually a pretty bad breakout compared to what I was seeing the last few months, all around my chin. and even had 2 cystic type bumps.
things are starting to heal again but the redness is still there ( I havent started using the cream for the redness yet because I am still breaking out) want to tackle one challenge at a time. once I see my skin clearing and staying clear for a good length of time I will start the redness cream.
I only have 50 more days left on the medicine and I really hope I start seeing the clear skin longer than just for a day. I have my next appt with the dermatologist on 1/10. maybe mention it to him and see if he plans on keeping me on the 40mgs for the last month or if he would suggest going to 60mgs.
I know it will dry me out a bit more, and maybe even worse because it is winter time. but if its what i need to do to get my skin clear.. i will do it.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Day 90: Month 3 Complete!
Sorry I am a little overdue on a post. but I finished Month 3 about 5 days ago. This week at work has been crazy and just didnt have the time to post.
But on to the end of Month 3...
I have been repeatedly getting complements on my skin and the changes that have happened.
My mom even said everytime she sees me ( usually about every 3-4days) she notices my skin getting better and better.
I wish I noticed it like that, but I guess looking at my skin every day in the mirror i wouldnt notice the changes as much as someone else would.
Surprisingly, still no other side effects besides the dry lips.. my skin isnt even as dry as it normally is in the winter without being on the medicine!
I am still using a gentle cleanser, toner and moisturizer with SPF during the day and a thicker night cream in the evening. which seems to be agreeing with me,
Going back to the Dermotologist, he said I am doing good on the 40mgs so he is keeping me on that prescription, as well as gave me a sample of a topical to help reduce the redness I am seeing.
I am pretty fair-skinned, so the acne is leaving some marks. eventually they would go away however the topuical should speed it up. looking into the product he gave me, it is something prescribed for those with rosacea. I didnt quite start using it yet, I plan to soon once some of the newer breakouts go away.
( yes still getting breakouts- particularly around my chin now; which I never had before. but they do not take very long to go away.)
Otherwise everything is so far so good! and below are the ending my month 3 photos!
Sorry I am a little overdue on a post. but I finished Month 3 about 5 days ago. This week at work has been crazy and just didnt have the time to post.
But on to the end of Month 3...
I have been repeatedly getting complements on my skin and the changes that have happened.
My mom even said everytime she sees me ( usually about every 3-4days) she notices my skin getting better and better.
I wish I noticed it like that, but I guess looking at my skin every day in the mirror i wouldnt notice the changes as much as someone else would.
Surprisingly, still no other side effects besides the dry lips.. my skin isnt even as dry as it normally is in the winter without being on the medicine!
I am still using a gentle cleanser, toner and moisturizer with SPF during the day and a thicker night cream in the evening. which seems to be agreeing with me,
Going back to the Dermotologist, he said I am doing good on the 40mgs so he is keeping me on that prescription, as well as gave me a sample of a topical to help reduce the redness I am seeing.
I am pretty fair-skinned, so the acne is leaving some marks. eventually they would go away however the topuical should speed it up. looking into the product he gave me, it is something prescribed for those with rosacea. I didnt quite start using it yet, I plan to soon once some of the newer breakouts go away.
( yes still getting breakouts- particularly around my chin now; which I never had before. but they do not take very long to go away.)
Otherwise everything is so far so good! and below are the ending my month 3 photos!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Day 80: Complete
I just finished my 2nd- 10 day pack of month 3.. officially a little over half way done.
My lips are still dry, and im pretty sure I'll suffer from painful dry lips for the duration. otherwise I feel great!
I really am not having any other side effects that can happen while on this medication.
My Skin is definitely changing. and those around me have been noticing the difference.
I am still red and slightly blotchy but the bumps have drastically been reduced.
Some days I look in the mirror and very impressed with the changes and other days I look in the mirror and just see all the blotchy redness and get frustrated again.
To see the difference from the begining to now from looking back on my pictures is definitely an improvement. but I still am a little impatient I hope the changes bring continued improvement throughout the remainder of my treatment.
Next post will have pictures of my skin progress moving into month 4!
My lips are still dry, and im pretty sure I'll suffer from painful dry lips for the duration. otherwise I feel great!
I really am not having any other side effects that can happen while on this medication.
My Skin is definitely changing. and those around me have been noticing the difference.
I am still red and slightly blotchy but the bumps have drastically been reduced.
Some days I look in the mirror and very impressed with the changes and other days I look in the mirror and just see all the blotchy redness and get frustrated again.
To see the difference from the begining to now from looking back on my pictures is definitely an improvement. but I still am a little impatient I hope the changes bring continued improvement throughout the remainder of my treatment.
Next post will have pictures of my skin progress moving into month 4!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Day 70: Complete
I just finished my 1st 10-day pack of month 3!
Almost half way there.
Definitely seeing changes in my skin. Even my mom and dad(yes my dad even noticed and commented on it)
Some days I still feel like i have a long long way to go.
I am still breaking out (not as severely as before and the cysts go away pretty quickly now)
but make up is really covering up all the redness and irratation so when i do where it my acne is almost unnoticeable.
I do have to say that my nails have never been so healthy, strong and long! I never had nails, they alway tore and peeled.. now I have beautiful nails.. so that is a plus.. definitely attributing that to the medicine.
My lips however are still very dry and peeling everyday. they hurt. but the aquafor lip balm is fantastic and does help out quite a bit with it.
I have not had problems with dry eyes or super dry skin, but the winter is just starting so I am assuming the dry skin will be right around the corner.
The only thing that is concerning me is that my skin/ acne is coming out (to a white head) drying up and scabbing and pealing/ falling off, when I wash my face put lotion or a toner on it or apply makeup. when it scabs sometimes it looks like it is leaving a little hole in the center of the pimple and I just hope this isnt going to scar.
I am NOT picking at anything and washing my face and applying products and makeup gently but it is still peeling.
This is something I will definitely be bringing up to the dermatologist on my pre-month 4 appointment!
only 2.5ish months left to go until my "clear skin" fingers crossed it all works because right now i am not seeing the progress i was expecting at this point but I know I am impatient sometimes and I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Almost half way there.
Definitely seeing changes in my skin. Even my mom and dad(yes my dad even noticed and commented on it)
Some days I still feel like i have a long long way to go.
I am still breaking out (not as severely as before and the cysts go away pretty quickly now)
but make up is really covering up all the redness and irratation so when i do where it my acne is almost unnoticeable.
I do have to say that my nails have never been so healthy, strong and long! I never had nails, they alway tore and peeled.. now I have beautiful nails.. so that is a plus.. definitely attributing that to the medicine.
My lips however are still very dry and peeling everyday. they hurt. but the aquafor lip balm is fantastic and does help out quite a bit with it.
I have not had problems with dry eyes or super dry skin, but the winter is just starting so I am assuming the dry skin will be right around the corner.
The only thing that is concerning me is that my skin/ acne is coming out (to a white head) drying up and scabbing and pealing/ falling off, when I wash my face put lotion or a toner on it or apply makeup. when it scabs sometimes it looks like it is leaving a little hole in the center of the pimple and I just hope this isnt going to scar.
I am NOT picking at anything and washing my face and applying products and makeup gently but it is still peeling.
This is something I will definitely be bringing up to the dermatologist on my pre-month 4 appointment!
only 2.5ish months left to go until my "clear skin" fingers crossed it all works because right now i am not seeing the progress i was expecting at this point but I know I am impatient sometimes and I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Day 60 and Month 2: COMPLETE!
Tomorrow I start month 3. almost half way there and seeing more and more changes.
some days I see improvement and others I see more breakouts.
It is frustrating to think "woohoo its working!" and then a day later look in the mirror and go "omg my face is a mess". I do have to say that now, make-up is holding up better on my face. covering up better that the redness and irratation is nearly invisable when i wear it.
I had my before month 3 appointment with the dermatologist 2 days ago.
we discussed how my skin is feeling and any side effects I am experiencing on the 40 mgs.
Really my lips are the only thing that are dry. really painfully dry. just about 5 days ago it hit the worst its been. I am able to peel full layers of my lips off. and its getting to the point with deep cracks and bleeding.
not to mention how gross they look.
I told the dr. I was using vasoline because normal chapsticks were not cutting it. and his P.A suggested Aquafor. since they came out with a new lip balm... LOVE IT! it stays on way longer than vasoline, and just after about 2-3 days of using it.. my lips are flaky any more.
definitely suggest getting this product. its amazing.
After looking at the progress my skin has made, very very very rarely getting the cystic type acne, even when I get one it breaks the surface and comes out very quickly, (about a 5-7 days as opposed to 2-3 weeks before the meds) the Dr has decided that 40mgs would be good for me. and I wont need any higher dosages throughout my treatment. this is great knowing that I can handle the side effects i currently have and knowing they shouldnt get any worse.
SO starting month 3 tomorrow and hopefully continuing improvement throughout the rest of this process!
Below are the end of month 2 pictures.. not as bumpy still pretty red and irritated though.
Tomorrow I start month 3. almost half way there and seeing more and more changes.
some days I see improvement and others I see more breakouts.
It is frustrating to think "woohoo its working!" and then a day later look in the mirror and go "omg my face is a mess". I do have to say that now, make-up is holding up better on my face. covering up better that the redness and irratation is nearly invisable when i wear it.
I had my before month 3 appointment with the dermatologist 2 days ago.
we discussed how my skin is feeling and any side effects I am experiencing on the 40 mgs.
Really my lips are the only thing that are dry. really painfully dry. just about 5 days ago it hit the worst its been. I am able to peel full layers of my lips off. and its getting to the point with deep cracks and bleeding.
not to mention how gross they look.
I told the dr. I was using vasoline because normal chapsticks were not cutting it. and his P.A suggested Aquafor. since they came out with a new lip balm... LOVE IT! it stays on way longer than vasoline, and just after about 2-3 days of using it.. my lips are flaky any more.
definitely suggest getting this product. its amazing.
After looking at the progress my skin has made, very very very rarely getting the cystic type acne, even when I get one it breaks the surface and comes out very quickly, (about a 5-7 days as opposed to 2-3 weeks before the meds) the Dr has decided that 40mgs would be good for me. and I wont need any higher dosages throughout my treatment. this is great knowing that I can handle the side effects i currently have and knowing they shouldnt get any worse.
SO starting month 3 tomorrow and hopefully continuing improvement throughout the rest of this process!
Below are the end of month 2 pictures.. not as bumpy still pretty red and irritated though.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Day 50 Complete : a few days ago.
I didnt quite get time this week to update my blog but I am currently 3 days into my last 10-pack of month 2.
I am starting to see some changes in my skin. especially in my cheeks (where the cystic acne was the worst)
where my cycstic acne would stay under the skin for weeks at a time, it is now breaking out and scabbing up within a week.
that being said I still have quite a bit of redness and acne on my face but its not as bumpy and definitely not as soar.
good news is that make-up is covering up my acne much better than before isotrentonoin treatment.
I know i still have a long way to go and it is a lengthy process. and from what i hear month 3 is where i may see significant differences.
ie I could have my most major breakout before the clearing up starts or i could just clear up without that major breakout...
7 more days of month 2 and then we shall see what month 3 brings.
with increasing my dosage, the dermotologist expected me to have dry nose( nose bleeds) and dry eyes to go along with my forever miserable/ annoying dry lips.
yes the lips just keep getting worse and worse..i think its almost to the point where i am used to them.
but i did start noticing a little bit of bloody nose.. not bad by any means but it could also be because it is getting colder and the heat is starting to kick on.. and just making the air dry in general.
I really haven't experienced any of the other side effects / the normal & serious ones. which is good. meaning my body is tolerating it.
I have changed my skin care routine up a little bit to make it a little more gentle.
i am just using a neutrogena gentle foaming cleanser, the neutrogena non-alcohol toner and their night cream at night and a Mary Kay Timewise with SPF 15 moisturizer during the day.. SPF is huge!
making sure i am staying out of the sun or have significant SPF protection when I am in the sun is my biggest concern.
your skin is super sensitive to the sun and will burn very easy while on this medicine. sun burns could even lead to scaring.. definitely don't need scares after having this acne for so long!
looking forward to continuing the treatment and really start on seeing my skin clear up!
next post will have pictures of my progress!
I didnt quite get time this week to update my blog but I am currently 3 days into my last 10-pack of month 2.
I am starting to see some changes in my skin. especially in my cheeks (where the cystic acne was the worst)
where my cycstic acne would stay under the skin for weeks at a time, it is now breaking out and scabbing up within a week.
that being said I still have quite a bit of redness and acne on my face but its not as bumpy and definitely not as soar.
good news is that make-up is covering up my acne much better than before isotrentonoin treatment.
I know i still have a long way to go and it is a lengthy process. and from what i hear month 3 is where i may see significant differences.
ie I could have my most major breakout before the clearing up starts or i could just clear up without that major breakout...
7 more days of month 2 and then we shall see what month 3 brings.
with increasing my dosage, the dermotologist expected me to have dry nose( nose bleeds) and dry eyes to go along with my forever miserable/ annoying dry lips.
yes the lips just keep getting worse and worse..i think its almost to the point where i am used to them.
but i did start noticing a little bit of bloody nose.. not bad by any means but it could also be because it is getting colder and the heat is starting to kick on.. and just making the air dry in general.
I really haven't experienced any of the other side effects / the normal & serious ones. which is good. meaning my body is tolerating it.
I have changed my skin care routine up a little bit to make it a little more gentle.
i am just using a neutrogena gentle foaming cleanser, the neutrogena non-alcohol toner and their night cream at night and a Mary Kay Timewise with SPF 15 moisturizer during the day.. SPF is huge!
making sure i am staying out of the sun or have significant SPF protection when I am in the sun is my biggest concern.
your skin is super sensitive to the sun and will burn very easy while on this medicine. sun burns could even lead to scaring.. definitely don't need scares after having this acne for so long!
looking forward to continuing the treatment and really start on seeing my skin clear up!
next post will have pictures of my progress!
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