Acne & Accutane

*Disclaimer: I am not a professional. Please do not take advice from me. This is simply my story.

Background:

Acne has been a constant battle for me since puberty, and even at 22, I’m still grappling with it. While the exact cause remains unclear, factors like hormones and genetics likely play a role. My acne primarily manifests as cystic acne and whiteheads on my face. Being a skincare enthusiast, I’ve tried numerous products and treatments, but the road to clear skin has been far from smooth. Follow along to read how I am clearing my acne.

Click HERE to read about my favorite products to use while on Accutane! *Also applicable to most skin types.

What Worked & What Did Not

I’ve explored a plethora of treatment options, from antibiotics to topicals, birth control, and even accutane.

When I first sought treatment, I was prescribed oral antibiotics for nearly a year. While they initially cleared my skin, they disrupted my natural gut flora and weren’t sustainable in the long run. Once I stopped the antibiotics, my acne returned. Topical treatments, including antibiotics and tretinoin, also proved ineffective for me.

With antibiotics and topicals off the list, I turned to birth control. I tried both progesterone and estrogen combined tablets and Nexplanon. While the combined tablets effectively cleared my skin, the side effects were undesirable. Hoping for a better option, I switched to Nexplanon, only to find my skin erupting with painful, under-the-skin modules. This was a significant blow to my confidence, especially while in college, leaving me wondering if my acne would ever cease.

Nexplanon failing to help my acne led me to Accutane (isotretinoin). This is my experience with acne & accutane.

Accutane:

Accutane, essentially a potent form of vitamin A in capsule form, works by reducing oil gland activity, resulting in drier skin, eyes, nose, and lips. I began Accutane while still using Nexplanon. Initially, I saw promising results with my acne clearing within the first two months, despite experiencing common side effects like dryness. However, I developed a pyogenic granuloma, a rare side effect. This led my dermatologist to discontinue Accutane prematurely. Thankfully, my acne had cleared by then, but unfortunately, it didn’t last long as it returned.

Present Day:

Upon the return of my acne, I revisited various treatments, but nothing seemed effective except Accutane. Now, I’m on my second round of Accutane, nearing the end of the third month. Despite encountering another pyogenic granuloma, I’m staying hopeful. Though my skin is still purging, I’m optimistic about reaching clear skin eventually.

Takeaway:

My journey with acne has taught me resilience and patience. While treatments may work temporarily, finding the right solution is a trial-and-error process. What works for one person may not work for another. Through my experience, I’ve learned the importance of understanding my body and its responses, as well as advocating for my health. Acne isn’t just a physical challenge; it takes a toll on mental health too. But amidst the struggles, there’s hope for clearer days ahead. Keep trying, stay patient, and don’t lose hope. You’re not alone in this journey to clearer skin.