Joannie D. Sun

I am a 31 year old female. I started suffering from cystic acne mainly on my face and back with occasional chest and upper arm breakouts after quitting birth control. I tried numerous other treatments that did not help, therefore now absorica.

My dermatologist started me at 20mg because of my small size. I have been taking it for 14 days. So far, still oily. Lips are dry, but not painful. Eyes burn, but also not to bothersome. I have had a couple cystic pimples on my body, but only regular acne breakouts on my face. My face is becoming sensitive and slightly red. Most of the discoloration on my face is old acne and the fading melasma (which is why I quit BC).

So far I am happy that my face is clear of giant swollen cysts, and the side effects are very minimal. I hope it stay this way. As precautions, and to help the mild side effects, I always have with me: moisturizing eye drops, Eucerin's Aquaphor, and California Baby calendula cream. The calendula cream has become a favorite of mine for nighttime moisturizing. I also will use the calendula cream lightly when necessary during the day for extremely dry areas. I discovered it during my perioral dermatitis breakout when I required some gentle tlc, and I have been using it ever since. I spent a small fortune on creams during that period and this one was the only one that made a difference. I highly recommend it.

I'm new to Real Self; not sure if I can update this post during my treatment but I will try. Overall recommendation? Give it a try. Everyone is different. What is 6 months of a little bit of uncomfortableness, when the result can be beautiful new skin?

Updated on 7 Aug 2015:
After my last post- BAM! A not so good breakout. I have nodules all over my jawline and some more cystic on cheeks, chin, forehead....Everywhere! I felt awful. Some are still healing, other faint marks. Boooo more scars to deal with.

Main reason for my update is my skin all the sudden changed. Its almost like overnight the oiliness went away. Too much. While its nice not having too much oil, being dry is worse! It looks worse, too! I hope a healthy level returns after treatment.

Other than that everything is the same. Semi dry eyes, lips... mothing too bothersome. Hoping for no more breakouts!