still breaking out while on accutane?
U guys im so pissed, i've been on accutane for 5 monthes, and im starting my sixth month now but i still get huge red bumps on my skin that will turn into cysts, so im wondering, does it usually get bad in the end? and do all the blackheads go away or should i get a facial? plus can i use acne spot treatments for the huge red bumps so that they don't turn into cysts?
also, i am wondering howlong its gonna take for the red marks to disappear, cuz im in milwaukee and there is no such thing as a sun, so i get pale and uneven skin tone.
HELP!!!
btw, i use neutrogena stress free cleanser, and olay oil free moisturizer, i cleanse iin the morning and evening. so i take care of my skin.
I started out with 20 mg capsule one in mornin and one in evening (adds up to 40mg) then for the 2nd to 5th month i have been on 30 mg twice a day (60mg). Im turnin 21 in july so does age play into any of this. I am aware of all the obvious side effects so no need to lecture me, cuz this was a last resort i suffered long enough. I can see better skin definatley, my bak cleared up, and my skin doesnt have breakouts except on my cheeks. which was my major problem.
another thing :P when the cysts dry up after a couple of days they do pop by themselves i i guess its a natural procedure right? plus no one answered my question about the acne spot treatments... u know those little tubes that u put a dab on ur pimple..
September 13th, 2010 - 09:37
One thing to consider is the dosage your’e on — is it low? 10mg per day or 20mg per day? If so, this is a low dosage, and that might be responsible for the slow progress and your continued breakouts after 5 months of Accutane therapy. If you’re on a higher dosage, like 40mg or 60mg per day, then it would be more unusual for you to still be having breakouts at the 5-month stage. However, it’s not unheard-of. You should discuss with your dermatologist and potential increase in your dosage if you’re not already on a higher dose. Accutane doesn’t treat blackheads as well as it does whiteheads, pustules, and cysts, but it does reduce blackheads some.
Do *not* get a facial — the *only* exception here is what’s called a SupraPeel facial, which some places offer, and it’s an exceedingly mild facial made for ultra-sensitive skin and is safe for patients on Accutane. Your dermatologist would recommend against any facial, but a SupraPeel facial is ok — it’s not a "peeling" facial with any kind of glycolic acid (despite having "peel" in the name). Do NOT get any type of "acne facial" while on Accutane.
The red marks are called acne hyperpigmentation. You can use hydroquinone *after* you’re off of Accutane (if they are still there) to lighten the marks. They otherwise fade with time naturally. Hydroquinone is a "skin bleach" and is available on over-the-counter products. Look for something with 2% concentration and only apply it to the affected spots — not all over your face.
Good luck!
September 13th, 2010 - 09:37
It took a while for the bacteria to collect, so it’ll take a while for it to leave.
I do recommend that you do get a facial. Do tell the therapist that you are on accutane. They will help you find products and a regimin that is just for you and your skin concerns.
If you stay consistent, you may be able to stop the Accutane.
Please use a sunscreen at all times when using accutane. It thins your skin so you will be extremely sun-sensitive. Even on cloudy days!
Enjoy your facial……..they are wonderful…….
September 13th, 2010 - 09:37
DO NOT GET A FACIAL, infact they probably wont even attempt to touch you if you are on that. oh it gets bad, and accutane can mess your whole body up, like dry you out on the inside. if it was bad enough to resort to that, then it will take awhile to clear up, cuz accutane is like a last resort cause of its known side effects. if the acne is really hurting you can get steriod shots for it, which is not as bad for you as accutane, but can sting quite badly. i studied this stuff while preparing for my state exams on esthetics, and honestly, i’m supprised accutane hasn’t been banned from what i have read.
September 13th, 2010 - 09:37
I feel for you. I was on Accutane for two years for my cystic acne and it didn’t help at all. Even now, 8 yrs. later I haven’t found the magic product to help my skin completely – totally stinks. Drink LOTS of water to help with the dryness inside and out.
I would ask your dr. about a facial before you get one, it could make things worse.
I did use Arbonne products for a while and they seemed to soothe my skin more than anything I had been prescribed. I just started using Cerave’ products because they time-release into the layers of the skin…I like them so far and I can get them at CVS.
p.s. – I still have some of the red spots from when I was on Accutane…you can see under my skin and not even concealer covers them enough. I am pale so at times I feel like a freak with the red splotches all over my face and even peeking out through my makeup when I wear it. My derm told me it was payback for not having acne as a teen…btw, I am in my 30′s.
September 13th, 2010 - 09:37
Do not get a facial on Accutane. I would reccomend talking to your doctors about this if things persist. I remember for me when I was beginning to get things cleared up I had more inflamation and so did a friend who was on it too. Her acne on her back was really bad and large. With the consistant use of the accutane she had the occasional zit but nothing like it was before. Also for me as well. I repeat do not get a facial you could bleed or something could happen really bad. Has your face been drying out as well. Just make sure to keep your skin clean a good soap to use is cetaphil I think you can get it at target. they make a soap and a lotion. I would reccomend using this to keep the area clean. Make sure as well you are moisterizing your lips properly so that they can remain supple. I always hated cracking my lips all the time on accutane.