My Accutane Experience: Results After 5 Months of Isotretinoin

Introduction

Dealing with persistent acne can be a very frustrating experience. I went through years of struggling with my skin, feeling like nothing was helping, and it seriously impacted my self-confidence. In my mid-twenties, I decided to give Accutane a shot. In this post, I want to share my personal experience with Accutane and how it helped me achieve confidence in my skin (most of the time).

What is Accutane?

Accutane is a brand name for the drug isotretinoin. It is an oral medication that is prescribed for acne that does not respond to other treatments, it is often used as a last resort. It works by reducing the amount of oil produced by the skin, preventing the formation of new pimples and helping to heal existing ones. This is an intense medication, and there are lots of regulations. You need to be on two forms of birth control due to potential birth defects, and also need to get monthly labs done to make sure everything looks okay.

Why I started Accutane

After years of struggling with my skin, I felt like I had exhausted all my options. I was tired of constantly fussing with my skin and feeling self-conscious. So, I decided to ask to my dermatologist about starting Accutane. They explained the potential side effects and risks of taking Accutane, including dry skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and and many others. However, my dermatologist assured me that with monitoring and adherence to the medication, the benefits of Accutane would outweigh the risks.

My Accutane Experience

I was on Accutane for five months. I started in the winter months when sun sensitivity was not as much of an issue. At first, I experienced some dryness and was still getting breakouts. However, after about three months, I started seeing significant improvement in my skin. I was able to manage the dryness with a gentle and hydrating skincare routine (blog post coming soon).

During my Accutane journey, I had to make several lifestyle changes to minimize the side effects. For instance, I stopped using any acne-fighting skincare products and only used mild, gentle cleansers and moisturizers. I also made sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. My cholesterol levels became raised, and I changed my diet to limit foods that were high in cholesterol. Note: My cholesterol levels returned to normal after getting off the medication.

Despite the side effects, I was impressed with how quickly Accutane worked for me. My skin started to clear up, and I no longer had to worry about hiding behind layers of makeup, which honestly made it look and feel worse. I was finally able to go out and about without worrying about the bumps on my face.

Accutane Results

I can confidently say that Accutane was the best decision I ever made for my skin. For the first time in my life, I had clear skin and felt comfortable going out without makeup. I saved time and money on skincare products, and my confidence improved significantly. My skin even continued to improve in the months after getting off of Accutane. However, it’s important to note that Accutane is not a one-time solution to acne. After finishing the treatment, I had to continue taking care of my skin to maintain its clear, healthy appearance. I also had to be cautious about using any acne-fighting products in the year after Accutane, as my skin was still sensitive from the Accutane treatment.

My Thoughts 3 Years Later

Now, three years after my Accutane journey, my acne is slowly starting to come back. I had perfectly clear skin for over 2 years, then I decided to go off of the birth control pill, and my skin started going downhill from there. My skin is nowhere as bad as it was before I went on Accutane, but it still knocks my confidence from time to time. I am trying out some new skincare regimens and prescriptions from my dermatologist, but we are considering another round of Accutane in the fall. It is not unusual for people to have to go through multiple rounds of Accutane to completely clear their skin, and keep it clear long-term.

I also think that there are a lot of wholistic medicine approaches that can really help when it comes to your skin. Being sure to drink a lot of water and cutting out dairy almost entirely has definitely helped my skin significantly, but it is not completely clear. I still get breakouts now and then, I am am still working on solidifying a routine that works for my skin.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with persistent acne and feel like you have tried everything, I highly recommend speaking to a dermatologist about Accutane. While the medication does come with some potential side effects, for me, it was a life-changing experience that I will always be grateful for. If you have any questions on my Accutane experience, feel free to reach out, and if you have done Accutane yourself share your experience in the comments!