Update! Week 2 Accutane

Hi everyone :) Fall is quickly approaching and it's sad to say that it is already October. But I have Thanksgiving and Christmas to look forward to! A psychologist once said that women who are happy have things that they anticipate. When we anticipate things that make us happy and excite us, we are put into that happy mood and have something to look forward to. What are you looking forward to this month?

Week Two is here and I am starting to feel the change in my lips and nose. I totally jynxed it! I am starting to get those nose bleeds and/or dry bloody nose in the morning. With the season change, my allergies are starting to act up. During spring, I hardly felt the symptoms of allergy. But this fall, my eyes are itchy and patchy. My nose is super super itchy and stuffy. I would blow my nose and specks of blood would be present. 

In turns of side effects of Accutane, my nose is extremely flakey and dry just like it was the first time I took Acctuane. My lips are extremely chapped and peeling more than usual. I have had one pimple on my chin but that was a reaction to the vaseline on my lips. Interestingly, vaseline does not break my out on my nose but breaks me out on my chin. I have had inflammation on the keloids on my body. Other than the dry skin and lips, I do not see any change from Accutane. 

Love,

Sweet&Bubblicious

Lightening Acne Scars, Redness, and Dark Spots

Over the course of two months, my acne scars and redness around my chin and nose area have dramatically lighten. I could walk out of my home and not worry about people staring at my "sunburn" like face. What's the secret? 

There are several ways of lightening up scars and redness. One of the best methods is wearing sunscreen every single day. Not only does wearing sunscreen prevent wrinkles, it protects you from sun damage. For those on Accutane, your skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight. If you were to say get a tan or get a sunburn, you could be permenantly scarred because your skin is already thin from Accutane and the UV rays have penetrated through that thin film of skin and damaged your skin cells. By then, there is no way to lighten scars, no even surgery. 

I have been using sunscreen every single day (minus a day or two when I am late for class :X) and I have seen a dramatic change to the redness on my skin. A tragedy happened one and half years ago when I was still doing home remedies for acne I burned my skin with toothpaste, which by the way does diminish the acne but you risk burning your skin which have caused me a big red scar around my chin. I applied ointment for a week, which broke me out. But I am left with a deep red coloring on my chin all the way around to my lip. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture but you could see how red my chin area is after that toothpaste disaster. But you could see here how my skin has changed.  

I have several options for sun protection for the face, ranging from different needs and prices. My favorite is the Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion+ SPF 50+. I know the whole big controversy about how much SPF you really need, but hey I am on Accutane! I need as much SPF as I can. Shiseido have over 130 years of research and skincare knowledge. I think they know what they are doing! And it does not break me out. LOVEE!

My other option would be Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 35. It is a moisturizer with SPF, which saves you double the time so you do not need to put on a moisturizer and wait for that to soak into your skin and then put on sunscreen. Killing two birds with one stone I call it! Plus, CVS offers 100% beauty product returns, which is huge because I am a acne-prone skincare hoarder. I will try anything to get that zit of my face. And knowing that if the product is not for me, I could return it and get my money back. 

At night, I like to do a little something call "healing." After torturing my face with moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, and cleanser, I like to use something gentle. Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is my choice of lightening scars and redness. Clinique is known for its products to be allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, and 100% paraben free. Big pluses for your skin! If you are looking for immediate results, this is not for you. I find that other lightening spot treatments are packed with harsh chemicals that are merely just stripping your skin layer by layer, which can make you dry, flakey, and even more prone to sun damage if you do not apply sunscreen religiously. Although many reviews say that they buy three bottles and see no change, this is one of the most gentle and most effective skin corrector I have used. And it is perfect for Accutane users because your skin is already dry and vulnerable. Why put more chemicals to make your skin more damaged? 

I would take a pea size amount and massage it gently into areas of redness. I like to let the serum soak in before I put on my night moisturizer. A little warning tho - results will not be immediate. It may take up to a couple of months, but the key here is gentle. Plus, this is hydrating, which can keep you moisturize. And it does not break me out or irritate my skin. I am on my second bottle and I just love this. 

Another tip! I know this is an expensive product. I almost died when I bought it. So I have been going to different Sephora's monthly and asking for samples. If you are not sure if this is for you, feel free to go to Sephora and get samples! Samples of scar treatments from Murad (very very effective and immediate), sunscreen (most important!!), and even foundation! I have been using Make Up For Ever HD Foundation at no cost at all. All you have to do is be brave!

Good Luck,

Sweet&Bubblicious

Disclamier: This post is not sponsored. All products were purchased by me. All opinions are my own and completely honest. Thank you for reading!

Week 1 Accutane (Again)

Hi everyone! So I am super excited about starting Accutane again! But not for that dark spot on my nose :( So i have not figured out how and when that came about, but it was only a scar! Now it is a dried blood scar that I cannot cover with foundation or concealer. Have you ever had spots you just cannot conceal no matter what you do?

I have the worst self control ever! I just need to get that acne or spot off my face the next day. But this time, I was being a good girl and it paid off!! I understand the whole "don't pick your pimple," but sometimes when you get the monstrous size ones you just want it to flatten and disappear right away.  I did my regular skin routine, which I have added new products to. I will be doing an updated skin care routine hopefully soon!

I would say that I do not have many side effects yet. My lips are not chapped nor is my skin flakey or dry yet. Maybe because I am on a lower dosage. I hope that it will stay that way throughout my regime!

Love,

Sweet&Bubbilcious

Starting Accutane Again

Sorry for the very very late blog update. I have been having trouble with school work and side work for my study abroad. So during my visit to the dermatologist, she hesitated to allow me to take Accutane again. She had asked me to take antibiotics that do nothing for me for several more years and my acne should be less severe. However, after careful discussion with other dermatologists at the office, she had agreed to monitor my progress while undergoing a lower dosage of Accutane. 

Excited to say, I am taking Accutane again. I believe that my acne has gotten much better. I have experienced less inflammation on other parts of my body. Even though I have to deal with the excessive dryness and horrible makeup, I think in the long run I would be happy with the results. I am just hoping that Accutane does not damage my liver. That just means going back to trying a different antibiotics or medication each month. 

So my acne has not been severely horrible as it was. BUT there was several small pimples around my lip and jawline. They are not yellow nor "ripe." I couldn't pop them, but I was afraid that it would spread. The area is rather rough and bumpy, probably from the benzoyl peroxide cream I used. 

  
The box looks pretty much the same, except it is a lower dosage of 20mg. The pill is a different color, but it is pretty much the same. I am still continuing my birth control, which I felt was actually keeping my acne along my jawline under control, definitely not the antibiotics. 

So the second time around, I think I am going to find ways to improve my liver health. Perhaps, alcohol is not a good idea to have during these next few months. And maybe a diet with more dark leafy greens. Any suggestions?

Love,

Sweet&Bubblicious

Newest Update: Stopped Accutane Due to Potential Liver Damage

I have not updated the blog for a long time because I have stopped Accutane for about three weeks now. My dermatologist told me that my blood test did not go well. There was an increase level of something, indicating that I am reacting to Accutane. More specifically, Accutane is harming my liver.

During the first month of Accutane, I threw up once a week. At first, I thought it was probably from drinking alcohol. My dermatologist said that drinking alcohol while on Accutane is not an issue. However, I was not drunk nor tipsy. I was sober, throwing up. This occurred for two weeks, both times following drinking alcohol. The next week I felt sick suddenly over dinner with my girls, but I have not touched alcohol that day not even during dinner. I thought it was food poisoning, but considering what my dermatologist told me about my blood test, it could be my liver reaction to Accutane.

It has been three weeks since I have stopped Accutane. For the first two weeks, my body acne have flared up. I guess I should mentioned that I have hidradenitis suppurativa, which is keloids around the crotch area, and keloids on the back of my neck. I know it may sound very nasty, but it is far more uncomfortable to have a keloid. I could not walk or sleep or lie down. Keloids are so painful and unfortunately, there is no cure for it and if you were to do surgery for it, there is a high chance that the keloid will come back and it will be worst. But the Accutane has controlled the keloid from growing more painful, but since I have stopped I am in so much pain when I wake up. 

Interestingly, the acne on my face has not changed. The redness have somewhat calmed down and the dryness on my lips and nose have gotten better. However, I still feel that my lips could be chapped from time to time. My nose has been dry still, but that might be from the change of season here in New York. I have the worst allergies :(

I am currently on a different medication, which I have taken before. However, it does absolutely nothing for me. Tomorrow, I will be getting monthly blood test in order to make sure that my liver is functioning correctly. The next week I will be returning to my dermatologist to discuss what may be other options for me. One possibility may be to decrease the dosage of Accutane, which is the most optimal choice considering how much my acne has changed since being on Accutane.

My skincare routine has changed slightly. I have included more acne-targeted cleanser, rather than my oatmeal cleanser. I am currently using the Biore Steam Activated Cleanser [http://www.target.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/p/biore-steam-activated-cleanser-5-oz/-/A-12174335] This was a rave by Hollyannaeree. She is just so beautiful and her reviews are straight to the point and honest! Love Love Love!!! I am still using the same moisturizer and using my sunscreen everyday. I have also switched up my foundation and primer and it is wonderful for dry skin. I will be trying the new foundation routine when and if I start Accutane again.

Final thoughts of the day: I really hope to return soon to my dermatologist and get my keloids under control. I just wish to get acne over with and start doing peels to get rid of the redness and scars. Someday, I want to not wear makeup and not have people stare at me. And to not wake up in pain anymore.

Love,

Sweet&Bubblcious

Newest Side Effect of Accutane

For the past month on Accutane, my nose was relatively itchy and sometimes I would wake up with a dry bloody nose. I have not had a nose bleed for over ten years! But, I did not think too much into the dry blood in my nose. I thought it was because of the new change in my body.

After much googling, Accutane not only causes dry cracked lips and dry skin, but even dry nose. The body becomes dehydrated as we sleep. Because of the lack of moisture in the nose, the nose starts to bleed and thus, wake up to a dry bloody nose.

Excuse the tissue, but this was the first time when I realized there was blood in my nose. I was shock, but did not think too much into it until it became a repeated event. In the past month, I woke up to three occasions of dry bloody nose. 

But there is help, my holy grail - VASELINE!!! I know it may sound disgusting, but moisturizing the skin and lips are not enough, but moisturizing the inside of the nose as well! Now, I take a Q-tip and apply vaseline inside my nose each night. It may feel uncomfortable, but just applying for the past week my nose feels so much better! And since I am no longer rubbing my nose, my nose is no longer dry and flakey. I have also read that getting a humidifier could also retain the moisture in the room, but I do not have that kind of money! 

Hope this helps!!! 

Love,

Sweet&Bubblicious

Skincare Routine for Accutane

Since being on Accutane, my skin has been intensely dry and my lips are peeling. Makeup appeared very patchy. But have trying all kinds of product, I have found my holy grail products!

I cannot go out without makeup because I have too many scars and deep redness on my face. I would feel like people are focusing on my acne, rather than who I am behind all that. 

My first holy grail product is oatmeal. Oatmeal has replaced all my cleansers and trust me I have tried so many products over the past year. However, these products are no longer fit for my skin being on Accutane. They are all too harsh, even the cream cleansers. Even my favorite Biore cleanser has become too drying for my skin. The idea of using oatmeal as my cleanser came from Bubzbeauty. [http://youtu.be/7e5_RVBwNjE] She shared her story of her skin being extremely allergic and sensitive. Skin under acne treatment, especially something like Accutane, should also be treated gently. Oatmeal makes your skin feel hydrated and a perfect spa treatment for your skin and even your drying peeling lips!

Before I take my shower, I put a handful of oatmeal in a plastic container and fill it up with warm to not very hot water, almost just a palmful of water only.  In the shower, I like to take off my makeup with the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. Before Accutane, I loved loved lovedddd the Clinque Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser because of how gentle and effective it is to take off my makeup. But it has been a bit dry as well. The oil cleanser does not do as good of a job removing foundation, but it is fabulous to remove eye makeup! Sometimes, I like to switch up my routine by using the deep clean cream cleanser. I do not love it, but I guess it will do for now.

 AHHH!!! Sorry for the scary picture, but I take the oatmeal that has been sitting in the container and I massage it into my skin. I like to take this time as my spa time, doing an oatmeal mask. I massage my chin and nose area longer because those areas have been excessively dry and peeling. I also focus on my lips because they do peel. I let the oatmeal soak in for about one to two minutes and gently rinse off the oatmeal. Don't need to rinse thoroughly. Sometimes, I like to leave the oatmeal water on my face because it just feels so hydrating.

I pat my face dry with a paper towel and apply my Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector. I like to massage over areas where I would like to lighten the scars, mostly on my old acne marks, chin, and my nose area. Then I apply my Ren ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Night Serum. For skin under acne treatment, moisturizers are not enough. You would need a hydrating serum and Ren is an excellent brand for acne-prone skin.

My second holy grail product is Vaseline. It was the only product that kept my skin from being dried out and peeling. I have tried moisturizers, argan oil, coconut oil, and many many more. Do not be alarm! My skin did not break out from using the oils, but rather it was not hydrating enough for my skin because of Accutane! Vaseline has been my life savor. I love putting it on my nose, chin, and lips and waking up the next morning feeling hydrated, rather than frustrated!!!

The white jar with the blue and red letterings all worn off is a jar of Egyptian Magic Cream. It use to be too oily and greasy for me, but now it helps make my makeup even more flawless. I like to apply Egyptian Magic Cream after apply my Clinique corrector, Ren Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream, and sunscreen. I find that Egyptian Magic Cream blends better with makeup than Vaseline. Egyptian Magic Cream have so many uses - hair treatment, treatment for scars, cuticle treatment, and many more! A trick to draw out the full benefits of Egyptian Magic Cream is to warm up the cream between your fingers or in your palm before massaging it into the skin. The warmth helps the cream from being too oily or greasy on the skin. 

DO NOT use face moisturizers with salicylic acid or beta hydroxyl or harsh chemicals. Try to pick moisturizers that are more gentle and ideal for dry skin, rather than acne prone. The Accutane is fighting the acne for you already! Your skin needs moisture!! SO DRINK UP!!

Hope this helps those of you struggling from Accutane! 

Love,

Sweet&Bubblicious