Accutane is an oral acne medication that is meant to reduce your acne and prevent scarring on your face. I have taken it twice: once when I was in high school and today, when I’m 23 years old. Here is what I’ve learned and can offer you, from a patient’s perspective.
Visit the iPledge program website to learn the EXACT known side effects of Accutane and the precautions you should take while on the drug.
I had awful acne in high school. I turned to Accutane when I was 15 years old, and again when I was 23 years old (I’m currently taking it). If you have tried each and every face wash you can think of, with the various toners and herbal remedies, I personally recommend Accutane for one reason: it will help prevent scarring. Today, I have scarring from my blemishes even after taking Accutane. For the record though, my scarring could never have been prevented. It has just been lessened by the medicine and I’m forever thankful for that.
Visit a dermatologist. To find a dermatologist, you just google ‘dermatologists near me’. Like finding a coffee shop.
Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout your Accutane journey. You will have to get your blood drawn every two months or so, depending on the doctor (Don’t let needles dissuade you from improving your complexion). Several patients have expressed varying results. For example, Accutane reduced the severity of my acne in high school SIGNIFICANTLY. No, it did not reduce it to nothing, and that is the first thing your doctor will tell you: your acne will not be 100% cured. But you may never have the degree of blemishes you had before. I was impressed and highly satisfied. I began my second round of Accutane when I noticed acne on my chest and back. I am not a normal case, but I am an example of a recurring and satisfied Accutane patient.
You will hear a lot of people tell you that Accutane will ‘mess you up’. Basically, it dries your skin out to a very high degree. My thought is that no one can tell you what to and what not to take because they are not living in your skin. Listen to yourself when considering the medication. Accutane can help. It prevents scarring of your skin. I am four months into my second treatment, and I still approve of the medicine. I also have friends that have taken it and agree that the medicine significantly reduces their acne.
You will have to religiously apply moisturizers and balms not only on your face, but your body as your skin gets used to the newfound dryness. This is a MUST.
Within the first month of treatment, it is not expected for you to see results. This means that you will begin to experience the dryness, but not the loss of acne. Stay patient, it’ll get there.
No matter your dosage, the first difference you will feel in your body is the dryness of your lips. I actually have to carry lip balm on me 24/7. If you do not apply lip balm, your lips can severely crack. I found this out the hard way when I took it in high school. Now, I come strapped with lip balm everywhere I go. My go-to is Carmex or Blistex. A pro-tip is that the creases of your lips are very susceptible to cracking. Lip balm, unfortunately, does not prevent them from cracking as you spread your mouth wide to eat.
Your skin will burn easier because of the medicine. I easily prevented this with an oil-free face moisturizer with at least 15 SPF in it. I purchased a worthy, but expensive, moisturizer at Origins called Vitazing. Although 15 SPF seems like a small amount, it really does wonders for your skin when you want to hit the beach, pool, or hang on the patio with your friends.
Try it here:
The largest CAUTION my doctor offered me before taking it, was to ensure I will not be trying to have kids anytime soon. Even when you open the medication, you will see several images of a black silhouetted pregnant woman in a red box with an X through it. Whether you’re a guy or gal, it is 100% NOT recommended to take Accutane when you are trying to have a baby, or are currently pregnant.
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