Journey To Clear Skin - Clarkston, MI

My name is Melissa, I've had acne since I was in 6th grade, I'm now 24 years old. I've tired all kinds of things over the years to try and help my skin, from prescription creams like Duac, and BenzaClin, to prescription pills like doxycycline, and birth control. I've even tried Proactiv and other over the counter creams and cleansers. None of which cleared my skin. Today I started Absorica (isotretinoin) the generic version of Accutane. My insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield didn't cover Accutane so they gave me the generic. It wasn't easy to get on either, after 2 months of blood test to say i wasn't pregnant, my dermatologist had to call my insurance company to authorize me to be on it before they would approve to cover the generic version. The pills cost me $10 for a months supply, the dermatologist visit cost $80 each month, and the blood test are $50 each month. Overall costing me $140 a month. Finally my journey starts and I'm hoping for the best.

I've been taking 40mg of Accutane for a month now, and I'm still on 40mg. The first 2 weeks my skin got worse but it's better now. My side effects from the pill is dryness. My skin and lips were really dry the first few weeks of taking the pill. My dermatologist told me to use CeraVe moisturizing lotion and Vaniply ointment for my lips. I didn't feel like the Vaniply was working thought, so I started using Carmex for my lips, which is what I've always used before the pill and my lips are healed and fine. The CeraVe works but I like to mix it with Cetaphil moisturizing cream for around my chin and nose, where I get really dry. I think the Accutane is working but, it's still to early to tell. Hoping I see more results this month!

Last month I got sick (throwing up) and had to stop taking pills for a week and a half so I could take some antibiotics, it was not from the Accutane. Back on Absorica, in my 3rd month, still on 40mg and my skin has cleared up a lot! My back and chest has completely cleared up and my face looks better. My Dermatologist wants me to work on my diet, my cholesterol is not so great, so now I'm trying to eat healthier. I also have to drink lots of water because this pill will dry you out. My only cons for now is the DRYNESS! My eyes get dry, so I've been using artificial tears eye drops. For my skin I'm still using CeraVe and Carmex for my lips works. Anyone getting ready to get on Accutane just know, your skin is very sensitive while on this pill! I went to get my eyebrows waxed last month and my eyebrows and eyelids got burnt, this has never happened before and I always go to the same lady. They since have healed but needless to say I won't be getting my eyebrows waxed until I'm off this pill. Looking forward to seeing my face to clear more! :-)