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Hi all, I am a 26 year old female who has been...
Hi all,
I am a 26 year old female who has been struggling with acne since high school. My break outs seemed normal up until about 2 years ago when I began to develop cystic acne sporadically. These large painful lumps along with multiple break outs led me to finally consult with a dermatologist.
I felt (and still feel) like I have tried everything imaginable to obtain clear skin; regimens of both doxycycline and minocycline, retinA, clindamycin, adapaline, epiduo, clarisonic, professional facials and extractions, benzoyl washes and spot treatments, face masks, tanning, and red light therapy- which have all failed me.
I will begin my Isotretinion regimen next week upon completion of my second negative pregnancy test and prior authorization approval from my insurance (kaiser permanente of WA). I am 6' and weigh 178lbs. My dermatologist stated at my last appointment that she would like me to take 80mg a day, however, I am uncertain on the initial dosage for the first month.
From reading fellow reviews, I am very anxious about my skin purging in the beginning. I am so embarrassed of my skin lately that I've stopped doing things I once loved. I have days where I don't want to leave the house and nights where I can't stop crying. Call it dramatic-but I pray for the day that I can feel comfortable going out without a stitch of make up on.
I have an amazing support system that I feel grateful for everyday, especially as I am unsure how my body will react to this medication. I will keep my reviews updated either once or twice a month depending on my side effects/results. I hope my journey and yours lead us both to clear skin.
Cheers!
I am a 26 year old female who has been struggling with acne since high school. My break outs seemed normal up until about 2 years ago when I began to develop cystic acne sporadically. These large painful lumps along with multiple break outs led me to finally consult with a dermatologist.
I felt (and still feel) like I have tried everything imaginable to obtain clear skin; regimens of both doxycycline and minocycline, retinA, clindamycin, adapaline, epiduo, clarisonic, professional facials and extractions, benzoyl washes and spot treatments, face masks, tanning, and red light therapy- which have all failed me.
I will begin my Isotretinion regimen next week upon completion of my second negative pregnancy test and prior authorization approval from my insurance (kaiser permanente of WA). I am 6' and weigh 178lbs. My dermatologist stated at my last appointment that she would like me to take 80mg a day, however, I am uncertain on the initial dosage for the first month.
From reading fellow reviews, I am very anxious about my skin purging in the beginning. I am so embarrassed of my skin lately that I've stopped doing things I once loved. I have days where I don't want to leave the house and nights where I can't stop crying. Call it dramatic-but I pray for the day that I can feel comfortable going out without a stitch of make up on.
I have an amazing support system that I feel grateful for everyday, especially as I am unsure how my body will react to this medication. I will keep my reviews updated either once or twice a month depending on my side effects/results. I hope my journey and yours lead us both to clear skin.
Cheers!
Night one
So, after a lot of phone tag between my dermatologist, the pharmacy, and ipledge- I was finally able to pick up my prescription yesterday. I wasn't going to take it for another week as my boyfriend and I are planning to spend the weekend at the lake but the newly forming nodules were just too painful to put off. He understands and supports me but I always feel terrible making him pick up the pieces of my broken heart over my skin break downs.
Long story short, make sure you are extremely proactive about getting your prescription within 7 days of your appointment (keep calling) otherwise it will delay your process by almost another month! I was lucky enough for my insurance to cover this medication without a prior authorization and only require a $15 copay, however, to see the dermatologist every month is an additional $25.
My initial dosage is 40mg of Claravis. I was a little weary about jumping in at such a high dose but my dermatologist assured me it would be fine due to my height and weight. I also decided to take this at night as that is when I am most likely to have a full stomach. Like I said before, I plan on monthly updates or as symptoms and progress occur. Stay strong and remember you're beautiful regardless of acne.
Long story short, make sure you are extremely proactive about getting your prescription within 7 days of your appointment (keep calling) otherwise it will delay your process by almost another month! I was lucky enough for my insurance to cover this medication without a prior authorization and only require a $15 copay, however, to see the dermatologist every month is an additional $25.
My initial dosage is 40mg of Claravis. I was a little weary about jumping in at such a high dose but my dermatologist assured me it would be fine due to my height and weight. I also decided to take this at night as that is when I am most likely to have a full stomach. Like I said before, I plan on monthly updates or as symptoms and progress occur. Stay strong and remember you're beautiful regardless of acne.
Night Ten
Phew! Night ten complete (40 mg once daily of claravis). I spent the weekend at the lake and in the sun-hard to avoid when we only have nice weather 3 months out of the year. I made sure I applied and re applied spf 50 multiple times (I have olive skin and am definitely not used to doing this, but it's a good habit to get into), I wore a large hat religiously to always keep my face covered, and found shade whenever possible. Overall, my tactics seemed to work. I got a slight tan but never burned.
I am finding that my face is still oily throughout the day but my overall breakouts seem to already be improving. Last night I experienced my first noticeable skin thinning. My face had been very itchy throughout the day, I attributed to the heat, and when I took a bath that night I scratched my skin like I would normally do and ended but taking two layers of skin off under my right lip. It's so uncomfortable right now and is making talking / smiling really annoying, lol.
I did a lot of research while waiting to start this medication so here's what I've been doing in preparation for anticipated symptoms.
-stay hydrated (drink 1 gallon of water a day)
-take medicine with food (apple and peanut butter at night with one full glass of water)
-began taking; fish oil, biotin, and probiotic
-use aquaphor on my lips at all times, even when they don't feel chapped
-ensure that my boyfriend washes his beard morning and night (all natural beard wash from lush)
-use gentle cleanser and absolutely nothing additional for acne treatment
-wear sunscreen daily no matter what
-nightly overnight masks
-avoid picking at all costs (the hardest part for me)
-use a humidifier every night
The symptoms I have experienced so far are; facial flushing, dry eyes, and tender lips. I notice at work mid day my face feels really warm to the touch, once to the point I checked my temperature for fever lol. It gets red on both cheeks and then subsides after a couple of hours. My eyes are a little dry but not to the point of needing intervention. My lips feel tender but stay coated with aquaphor at all times.
I'm still wearing make up daily and I will post a picture of all the skin products I am currently using and loving for prevention of dryness. I'm still really concerned about the initial breakout. I have read a lot of reviews where people developed large cysts and extra breakouts during month two. I feel like this may be the calm before the storm..
I am finding that my face is still oily throughout the day but my overall breakouts seem to already be improving. Last night I experienced my first noticeable skin thinning. My face had been very itchy throughout the day, I attributed to the heat, and when I took a bath that night I scratched my skin like I would normally do and ended but taking two layers of skin off under my right lip. It's so uncomfortable right now and is making talking / smiling really annoying, lol.
I did a lot of research while waiting to start this medication so here's what I've been doing in preparation for anticipated symptoms.
-stay hydrated (drink 1 gallon of water a day)
-take medicine with food (apple and peanut butter at night with one full glass of water)
-began taking; fish oil, biotin, and probiotic
-use aquaphor on my lips at all times, even when they don't feel chapped
-ensure that my boyfriend washes his beard morning and night (all natural beard wash from lush)
-use gentle cleanser and absolutely nothing additional for acne treatment
-wear sunscreen daily no matter what
-nightly overnight masks
-avoid picking at all costs (the hardest part for me)
-use a humidifier every night
The symptoms I have experienced so far are; facial flushing, dry eyes, and tender lips. I notice at work mid day my face feels really warm to the touch, once to the point I checked my temperature for fever lol. It gets red on both cheeks and then subsides after a couple of hours. My eyes are a little dry but not to the point of needing intervention. My lips feel tender but stay coated with aquaphor at all times.
I'm still wearing make up daily and I will post a picture of all the skin products I am currently using and loving for prevention of dryness. I'm still really concerned about the initial breakout. I have read a lot of reviews where people developed large cysts and extra breakouts during month two. I feel like this may be the calm before the storm..
Provider Review
Shelley Velickoff, ARNP