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POSTED UNDER Accutane REVIEWS

36 Yrs Old..starting Accutane Soon - Richmond, KY

ORIGINAL POST

I went my whole life and had only mild, hormonal...

Kristielynn
I went my whole life and had only mild, hormonal acne. All of a sudden at age 35..I start getting really bad acne, mostly on my cheeks. Its been extremely embarrassing and has really taken a toll on my confidence. I'll be starting Accutane after my Dec 4th appt. Anyone around my age got any advice? I plan on documenting my journey. I'm scared to take it but also scared not too.

Kristielynn's provider

Joseph Bark, MD (retired)

Joseph Bark, MD (retired)

Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology

Kristielynn rating for Dr. Bark:

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Replies (20)

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November 13, 2014
Sorry you are struggling with adult acne, it is more common than you think. I wish you well with your treatment. Please keep us posted. 
November 18, 2014
Thank you. I plan on documenting everything. I want my journey to help others.
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November 29, 2014

Awesome, thank you :)

November 18, 2014
Good luck! I will be starting accutane in about a month too. I'm nervous, but very hopeful it will work for me. I am 43, and have always have off and on minor break outs. Then, about ten years ago it got worse. I was diagnosed with rosacea and have been fighting it ever since. You are smart for taking care of it right away. I wish I had been offered accutane years ago. (I just switched to a new derm this year and she is trying to help a lot more than my last one.) I have spent ten years hating to look in the mirror, sometimes not wanting to leave the house. Never knowing when I would flare up and break out. It has gotten so bad in the last year or so. I have tried several topicals and oral antibiotics. Nothing ever helps for more than a little while. I am so tired of it. I kind of figured I was just going to be the woman with the bad skin forever. So I am really (really!) hopeful and excited to try accutane. And a bit scared of the side effects. I will cross my fingers for both of us! :)
November 18, 2014
Thank you! I hope everything goes great for you too. Its hard dealing w acne at this stage in my life. I really dread taking the accutane..but I figure I can do about anything for 5-6 months. Especially if it puts it in remission..lol
November 18, 2014
That is exactly how I feel. Six months (hopefully) won't kill me, right? Lol.
November 19, 2014
I went through the 1 month wait period and finally got my prescription last Friday. I am now hesitant to take it after reading so many things online... I just turned 30 two weeks ago and went through a bad breakup that was a result of my stupid acne. Reading different stories here has made reconsider taking it... any thoughts?
November 19, 2014
I know how devastating acne can be at our age, it really hard to face the world when you're worried about your face. How did acne cause your breakup? I've read and studied Accutane til its about drove me crazy. I'm going to do it and pray things go smooth. Yes I'm terrified but hopeful I can get my normal skin back.
November 20, 2014
I have been scaring myself by reading about side effects. I have decided to give it a shot, but to pay attention to how I feel. If anything doesn't feet "right" i will quit. I did also talk to three different doctors (my derm, my family doctor, and my obgyn). They all said they have seen people get great results with accutane and didn't know of anyone getting any of the severe side effects. So that reassured me some.
November 21, 2014
Hi there! I'm 29 years old and today marks my 3 weeks on Accutane. I had similar acne to yours. While it may not be the WORST acne around, it's hard not to feel self conscious. I felt like I was the only one my age with acne and everyone looking at me like "what the hell is she doing wrong for her skin to be that bad". My dermatologist said if I didn't go on Accutane, I would most likely have acne all my life due to adult hormones and genetics. I was always against Accutane because of the side effects, but if you think about all the drugs out on the market, Accutane is no different (just VERY bad for a fetus) in regards to side affects. The blood monitoring and counseling with your Dermatologist should ensure your health and safety. I wish you THE VERY BEST of luck!!! You are going to LOVE it. and Judging by your pictures you should probably see results within 1-2 weeks. Best of luck. Week 1: Skin will start feeling more dry, scalp may be a little itchy Week 2: Skin will be more dry than first week, maybe some peeling around the nostrils Week 3: Skin will still be dry, more peeling/flaking (use lots of moisturizer) impurities will start lifting out of your pores and any blackhead areas will feel like sandpaper (be sure to exfoliate gently with facial cleanser and a wash cloth), your scalp will be super itchy and it may look like dandruff so use a moisturizing shampoo/conditioner and massage the conditioner in well before washing out, also don't wash your hair every day. Keep us updated!
November 24, 2014
Thank you for your comment and advice! I'll take all the information I can get. What kind of products are you using? Cleanser, moisturizer, ect.
November 24, 2014
Facial Cleanser: Dover Soap for Sensitive Skin (bar soap) FacialMoisturizer: Cetaphil Derma Control for Oily Skin Lip Moisturizer: Aquaphor (for your body) I just put some of it into a lip balm container. I also use this for dry patches on my ears/nostrils, etc. Auquaphor is by far the best for your lips. I've tried Carmex and other stuff but it leaves a medicine-like taste in your mouth and dries out very fast.
November 24, 2014
Thank you so much!
UPDATED FROM Kristielynn
21 days pre

Before pics

Kristielynn
Here are my before pics. I pray that accutane works for me!

Replies (2)

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November 29, 2014

Fingers and toes are crossed for you! How are you feeling?

November 29, 2014
Thank you..I'm feeling very nervous and anxious about everything. Go back to the derm this coming week. Which means I'm feeling even more nervous..lol.
UPDATED FROM Kristielynn
1 day post

First day taking a form of Accutane

Kristielynn
Well, I finally got my isotretinoin capsules today. The name of my medicine is Myorisan. I'm taking 40mg, twice a day. I guess its generic for Absorbica. I'm still really nervous.

Replies (2)

December 6, 2014
I will be starting in a month. My doctor told me she would be putting me in a 60mg a day dose for six months. And that if I had any bothersome side effects she could lower the dose, but I would have to take them longer (to get to my cumulative dose). Hoping things go smoothly for you! I'm nervous too, but anxious to get started. Good luck :)
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December 7, 2014

You will do great, keep us posted :)