Looking back to move forward

Comparing June 1st, 17' to July 1st, 17'.

Some of the things I've noticed after these 30 days:
■ Less cystic acne.
■ Less pustule acne.
■ Fewer clusters of pimples.
■ Some patches of clearer skin that I haven't seen in months.
■ Face is no longer paintful to the tocuh where acne was it's worst.
■ Less itching wherever the acne was.
&
on a more mental/emotional note
■ I'm a bit more sociable and less to myself because my face is improving.

Here's to the next month on Accutane.

30 days into Accutane & Chill

I MADE IT and it hasn't been that bad,

Of course there was dryness, the initial breakout, me popping some of the pimples more than i should of... but other than that things seem to be improving.

From June 14th(day of my 1st follow up) until now, I have been on 40mg of CLARAVIS.

I went on vacation and made a decision to enjoy it fully and carefree. That means I went out without covering up, I didn't wear additional or reapply sunscreen. I drank water, but not enough. I even missed a day and freaked out for about 2.5secs. I noticed drying out happened more often and in patches here and there. Crossing my fingers, that it doesn't get much worse than this.

Returned from vacation and within 24hrs, I slid right back into my routine. Sleep & work, that's it. Since starting my Accutane journey, I posted progress pics every Thursday night. I missed last week because I was on vacation. This week, I chose not to post on Thursday because the very next day 6/30/17' marked my 30 days into this journey.

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Thursday night before work.

With flash

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Shower

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Get dressed

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Settle in at work

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and here's my face

14 days in

With flash
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Shower
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Get dressed
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Settle in at work
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and here's my face

On 6/14/17, I went to my Dermatologist for a follow up appt.

I informed them that even though I picked up my pills on 5/22/17, I didn't start them until 6/1/17.

The nursing assistant asked how have things been going and I shared with him the

■Dry lips
■Dry Scalp
■Losing eyelashes daily during days 1-7
He had me give another urine sample. No blood work was done.
He advised that going forward I'll always be 2 weeks ahead of the usual 30 days before a new Rx is written and dispersed.

Dr. Bellamy came in and we chatted it up as she analyzed my face.
She made me aware that I am in the "initial BREAKOUT" phase, then advised to start doubling up.
Instead of taking 1 20mg CLARAVIS capsule, I should start taking 2 20mg CLARAVIS capsules.
Here's where I start to experience more of the drying out of my skin.
The next Rx she writes will be for 40mg CLARAVIS.
She didn't specify if to take 1 in the AM and the other in the PM or both at the same time.
I'm choosing to take 2 at 1 time, because I'll forget, especially since my sleep pattern isn't consistent.
I made her aware that I'm an avid pimple popper and of course she advised against doing so as it leads to scaring. With that being said, she suggested a facial cleanser caller AVAR.

I'm to use on the areas with prominent puss filled bumps. This will help dry them out so they won't get to that stage where I'd usually have the urge to pop them.

The nursing assistant came back in to check me out and I picked his brain about it being SUMMERTIME and what my options are regarding pools and beaches and just being out in general
He advised to cover up as much as I can and to use SPF 30+ with ZINC and sunscreen that were labelled waterproof & sport and provided me samples of different brands of sunscreens:

Onto the next...

1 booklet, first 10 days down

Onto the next...

Start: June 1st

After picking up my RX on May 22nd, I decided to start taking Accutane on June 1st.
Memorial Day weekend was approaching and I had wine I needed to finish.

With that time in between, I thought about what time of day I'd take my pill, because it's suggested that it be taken at the same time every day.
730pm worked out best for me. It's the time I wake up to go to work and on my days off I'm usually going to bed later than that.

So date and time set

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Thursday, June 1st 2017, I woke up at 730pm, walked into the kitchen, grabbed one of these

because it's also suggested that you take the pill with fatty foods such as avocado.
Seemed like regular avocado aren't in season and I hate HAAS avocado, so this will do for now.
Walked back into my room and on my night stand, there it was, ready to be taken:

Before getting in the shower, I took pics of my face {bed hair included}, so I can compare later on.

With flash

Without flash.

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Shower
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Got dressed
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Got to work
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Here's my face

after using Kiehl's Ultra Facial cleanser and then applying the Ultra Facial Cream with SPF 30

SKINtimate with Kiehl's

The other bird I killed(no birds were actually harmed} on my trip to the mall, was a trip to Kiehl's.

There was one person working and I was the only customer at the time.
I asked him (Arthur) if he was familiar with Accutane and he said "a bit, yes."
I then filled him in on the possible side effects I could experience, related to skin/skincare:
■Dryness/Itching
■Redness/Soreness
■Peeling
■Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight

I then asked him to introduce me to products that kept skin moisturized, hydrated as well as protected from the sun.
I also asked him to introduce me to a product I can use at night(for me whenever I go to sleep).

Arthur got me familiar with the look, feel and smell of the following products:
■Ultra Facial Cream: A 24-hr daily face moisturizer
■Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30: A 24-hr, light textured daily hydrator with SPF 30
■Rosa Artica Lightweight Cream: A powerful lightweight anti-aging cream for younger-looking skin
■Ultra Facial Moisturizer: A 24-hr mositurizer
■Super Multi-Corrective Cream: Multi-targeted advanced anti aging moisturizer

After testing out the 5 products above, I went home with 2:
Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30: A 24-hr, light textured daily hydrator with SPF 30

{I chose this for daytime use over the moisturizer because it already has the SPF in it and would work better for being that I'm outside often}
&
Rosa Artica Lightweight Cream: A powerful lightweight anti-aging cream for younger-looking skin

{I chose this for nighttime use over the multi-corrective cream because the texture was lighter, where I wouldn't have to wait for it to set in before going to sleep}

Arthur was nice enough to give me samples of the other products to try at home, including a cleanser he felt I would like.

Thanx Arthur {Kiehl's Associate}

Outta here

So pretty much from the very first day the word Accutane penetrated my eardrums I took the Internets to see what other people have had to say about their experience.

Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter and even Facebook kinda sent me over the deep end.
I was super nervous about this treatment and 2nd guessed my decision before even starting.

I critiqued the products I was already using at home and began throwing things away.
One day on Facebook, I came across an article from XONecole on Jacq's Organics and how the company came to be.
In the article one part stood out to me:

“I already shopped at farmer’s markets because I was a very conscious buyer, but the more I researched, [I realized] everything in my refrigerator was soy. I learned that it mimics estrogen and that was feeding my thyroid.” From hummus and chickpeas to chicken and white rice, Barbara learned – and spread the word – that her food choices were killing her... “And then I look, and I have this make-up artist display of products in my closet,” she continued. “I have bags of MAC make-up, Estee Lauder, Clinique…it was crazy. I just started throwing my stuff away, and that’s when, for me, when I felt that sense of calmness.”

Those products – the ones she placed in her hair and on her skin – were causing equal amounts of damage to her health. And just like over 70% of all beauty products catering to Black women, they included “the dirty dozen”. “The dirty dozen is basically a list of 12 common ingredients that you will find in, not just skin and hair products, but also in food that are a no-no,” Barbara explained. “They’re linked to cancer, birth defects, ovarian issues, stuff that has harmful side effects. But it’s ingredients, preservatives, and products that are basically in everyday [items] that we don’t even think about. Everything from toothpaste to clothes, canned goods, sugar, milk – everything.”

Once I finished the article, I took to my fridge and bathroom and was like

Why? Because cystic acne is commonly referred to as hormonal acne, I felt it was a smart move to look for products with SOY in it and not purchase them and or not use them if I already had them at home.
My trusty Aveeno products had soy in it... I didn't throw them away, I placed them under the bathroom sink.
Out of sight, out of mind, right?

The day after I picked up my Rx, I made a trip to the mall and killed two birds with one stone.
I got my eyes brows threaded happily as it's one of the few things I CAN do during my Accutane treatment.
I love my eyebrow threading lady and I had a chat with her about what I'd be putting my body thru.
She was very understanding and gave me a little advise.
She asked "Do you have an IUD?"
I said "YES, Mirena." She then said "that's your problem.
Mirena affects your hormonal levels."

Two different ways of being informed about hormones, just set me up on a better path to be mindful of the products I use on and in my body.

Hide NO MORE

If this acne was anywhere else on my body I'd cover it up quick, fast & in a hurry. 

Unfortunately, it's on my freakin face. 

Unless I wear a hijab, there is no way I can literally hide my FACE on a daily basis.

So here it is. 

The ugly side that I've kept to myself for the most.

When I say to myself, I mean away from social media.

Outside in natural light, after picking up my Rx

Do your OWN research!!!

This blog documentation of my skin prior to, during and eventually after Accutane all started because  it was kind of difficult to find women with complexions other than white to fair.
There were a few women of color who shared PARTS of their Accutane journey mainly via Youtube.
They however didn't get into much detail, or didn't show their skin without makeup or just talked about how they maintained the dryness they experienced with makeup.

They all emphasized ONE thing though: protecting your lip from severe dryness.
Their recommendation:

AQUAPHOR Lip Repair Immediate Relief

{They advised to use it often, especially when going to sleep}

I bought enough to have one at my desk at work, on my night stand, in my bathroom and in both handbags I'm currently alternating between.
{On the hunt for Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen}
Coming from someone who was an avid Carmex user and from someone who has never had dry/chapped lips I decided to by one and try it...I LOVED it.
Even after my treatment, I'll continue to use it.

Due top the fact that Accutance is going to halt oil production in your skin, mainly your face where the acne is most prevalent, you don't want to invest or continue to use facial cleansing products that will strip you skin of oils(that aren't there).
Sooooooooo...

HYDRATION ■ HYDRATION ■ HYDRATION

To Pinterest I went for all my visual aids and I immediately saw a trend.
I noticed a couple of brands that others who were on or are on an Accutane journey being used:
Eucerin
Aquaphor
Aveeno
Kiehl's

from TheMRSandTheMomma

from ThisYouNeed

from PrettyLittleGrub

I eventually made up my mind on a combination pf products to use.

iPLEDGE allegiance to ACCUTANE

The process involved with starting Accutane:

■Urine sample to rule out pregnancy. 

■A blood sample that same day but my veins kept rolling, so NO DICE.

■Was given a booklet titled The iPLEDGE Program
ISOTRETINOIN EDUCATIONAL KIT 

FOR FEMALE PATIENTS WHO CAN GET PREGNANT"

{The Importance of Avoiding Pregnancy on Isotreatinoin}

Inserted in the booklet, were two sets of documents that I had to sign multiple times signifying that I understand I can not start Accutane if I am pregnant nor can I get pregnant during my treatment.

■Dermatologist filed copies of my signed documents.
■In the booklet, I was provided my iPLEDGE number.

■Dermatologist office registered with iPLEDGE and started the process on their end.
■Returned 30 days later{Wednesday May 17th, 17} gave my blood sample & was given my Rx.
{I was told to wait until Friday before registering & dropping the Rx off}
■Dermatologist office completes the iPLEDGE process on their end.
■Register myself with iPLEDGE online and answered a questionnaire that once again signified that I understood I can not start Accutane if I am pregnant nor can I get pregnant during my treatment.
■Dropped my Rx off Friday morning.
■Pharmacy registers and completes their part of the iPLEDGE process.
■Picked up my Rx of CLARVIS{brand name version}of Isotretinoin on Monday May 22nd, 17'

Being that Memorial Day weekend was approaching, I made a decision to not start immediately.

Wrecked but HOPEFUL

(Clears throat) 90% of my life I had not a worry in the world when it came to acne.
My fatter, ate whatever I wanted self had no worries and as of 2 years ago, my healthier, ate cautiously self had not one worry either.
Turn 30 and WHAMM
  ACNE came in like


I've tried over the counter acne solutions.
I've been Rx'd a combo of Retin-A Mirco, Onexton & Solodyn, which worked for a few months then stopped.
After getting the chemical type burn on my face from applying my Rx'd acne medication immediately after using a spin brush, I ventured into natural remedies:
■Vitamin E Oil
■Tea Tree Oil
■African Black Soap
■Coconut Oil
■Baking Soda
■Tumeric
They all provided short lived relief but no permanent fix.

I've revisited Dunwoody Dermatology and saw Dr. Sonya Bellamy.
She strongly advised to go the Accutane route.
She warned me of the excessive dryness and other major & minor side effects.
So many questions came to mind:
■face product suggestions❔
■daytime routines❓
■nighttime routines❔
■do's & don'ts❓
■sunblock suggestions❔
■pros & cons❔
■would this interfere with my gym routine❓

...and then this happened

One night, I went into work for some overtime. 

As the time went by I noticed that I was working harder that the regularly scheduled staff. 

Highly frustrated, I lost it and went AWF!

After venting my frustrations, I went to the restroom and there it was: a cluster of cystic acne along my right jawline. Within a week or so, my face turned into:

In an attempt to ease my frustrations at work, I took a 3 day trip to Ft. Lauderdale.

I had a decent time away, however I came to another realization.

FLORIDA WATER DOES NOT AGREE WITH MY SKIN.
It just got worse.

at this point I felt...HELPLESS

Spring 17' SPRUNG

& so did my breakout {AGAIN}

I honestly thought I was in the clear. But NOPE.

My acne came back slowly and not just on my face. 

It appeared now on my chest, back and shoulders. Thankfully not CYSTIC but still as frustrating.

Incessantly, I used natural oils, soaps and tried to exfoliate this breakout away, but NO DICE.
I scrubbed and exfoliated to no end, until one unlucky day, I used a spin brush on my face with my Cetaphil cleanser.
Not giving it enough time after patting my face dry I immediately applied Retin-A micro and felt a tingle.
Thinking nothing of it I applied Onexton and


I didn't know if to add water to it and wash it off or what, so I sat through the burning tingle that was happening on my face.
When I woke up, I had some sort of chemical like burn going from the sides of my nose outward to my cheeks and the outer sides of my mouth.
The areas that were burning got coarse and peeled for days.

I was so over my skin that I sent a message through the patient portal asking to switch dermatologists.
I inquired about Dr. Sonya Bellamy again and was happy to hear she had a opening on April 17th, 17'.
Booked it asap and threw away every piece of Rx'd acne medication I owned from my previous dermatologist.

Back to basics

Jan 20th, 2017 I was back to basics with my face.

The soreness around my chin was gone and the gash was completely healed.

Jan 28th, 2017 my face was clear.
There was a cluster of acne along my left jawline, but it was barely visible.
Treated my problem areas to a Bentonite clay mask and felt renewed.

2017 ...SURPRISE

If you are lucky enough to know me in real life, you'd know that I love

SURPRISES.

Cheesy, corny, OMG "no you didn't" surprises.

I've flown out to surprise both of my best friends on different occasions and to surprise my father on Father's Day. 

This is where being "single, free & disengaged" isn't a bad thing.
As long as my bank account allows it, I can fly out whenever I chose, to wherever I chose.

2 days before we transitioned from 2016 to 2017, I secretly flew into NYC.
Staying off social media, I pigeon-holed at my cousins house and then at my best friends house before revealing my whereabouts.

I got dolled up and headed out to a club in the city around 10pm on NYE night.
With the help of her best friend, my sister pulled up in a cab to the club I was standing in front of.
She started crying as she got out the cab.

HUGS! What are you doing here? {to her best friend} You kept this from me?
OMG, you're here!

We made it inside the club right as the countdown for 2017 was within the last 10 secs

The night was a blast from that point on:

Here we go AGAIN

Post birthday breakout didn't hesitate to rare its ugly little self.
I attempted to re-familiarize my body with my Rx'd acne meds, but they weren't working.
Mid December 2016, I saw Dr. Emineth and he informed me that my weight gain affected the medication.
The dosage of Solodyn I was previously Rx'd was 80mg and I exceeded the maximum weight limit for it.
I was Rx'd Solodyn 105mg and was sent on my merry way to use in conjuction with the Retin-A Micro and the Onexton.

It's amazing how your body goes backwards...and to think it was worse the day i made the appt...now it's clearing up the closer I get to my appt date.

Dairy AIN'T for me

That Dairy ain't no joke. 

After consuming Dairy for 30 years,  I had a painful episode of cystic acne last April- Sept.
So painful I had to put ice packs on my face to ease the pain.
Dermatologist advised me to cut Dairy out of my diet completely.
Took his advise and that episode hasn't repeated itself since... 

Came across this post on instagram

from GMO_GUS

An acne-riddled bodybuilder has revealed the surprising dietary tips that cleared his complexion.

Brian Turner, 23, turned to veganism after exhausting every possible solution to rid his face of the large pus-filled cysts that had haunted him since puberty.

He guaranteed others could banish acne if they dropped all dairy out of their diet, drank a gallon of water a day and ate at least 10 to 16 servings of vegetables a day.

In an Instagram video posted to his 70,000 followers, Mr Turner revealed the secrets behind his crystal-clear complexion. 'So I used to have super severe acne all over my face. I had nodular cysts - four, five, six of them - over my face every single day of my life,' he said.

#govegan 🌱