Okay, full transparency. I’m not actually done with my treatment in its entirety.
I am done with the original timeline, which was approximately 6 months (from December 2020 to June 2021). Although I’ve reached extremely favorable results, my doctor recommended that I continue taking isotretinoin for at least 30 more days to ensure its efficacy. She explained that, while on the medicine, there are certain stats that they monitor and there’s a specific range they want me to hit. To make it simple, let’s just call it a magic number. This magic number falls between 150-220-ish. Per my last appointment in early June, my number was right around 160. My doctor suggested that just one more month would push me closer to the 200 range and that would give me greater chance of permanent results. Though I’m slightly over the tediousness of the daily pills and monthly check-ups, I reluctantly agreed to extend the treatment one more month. The last thing I want to do is be impatient this close to the finish line only to risk relapse later. Truthfully, this treatment went by so fast, I hardly believe one more month will be an issue.
Overall, I consider my personal journey to be a best-case scenario. I’m comparing my experience with those I have heard personally and the multitude of stories I’ve read online. Some of the things I heard and read was enough to make my anxiety levels skyrocket. Nonetheless, I pressed on and was quite relieved when I never encountered the scary scenarios that could’ve occurred. When first prescribed with the medication, I started out at 40mg per day. During month two, I was bumped up to 60mg and by month three until the end of my treatment, I maxed out at 80mg per day. I had, and still have, very minimal side effects. The ones that I did encounter was more of a nuisance than a serious concern. My face was (and still is) considerably dry and in need of constant moisture. My lips took the brunt of the dryness and shed skin and, oftentimes, cracked every single day. However, it was never painful or bleeding. Finally, I experienced sudden onset nausea about three times during the entire 6 months. I can’t say for sure that the medicine was the cause of it, but I know that nausea is a possible side effect. Also, every time I got nausea, I hadn’t eaten anything questionable or near the time the nausea occurred. It was spontaneous and moderately intense, so I just attributed it to the medicine. Those are the only things I experienced, and I am so thankful.
So, what’s going to happen next? Although I am just about through with the isotretinoin treatment, my skincare journey continues. The medicine did an amazing job getting the acne and inflammation under control and even got rid of some dark spots and texture, but there are still areas of years’ worth of hyperpigmentation that must be addressed. Remember, the primary purpose of the medicine is to combat the acne, not hyperpigmentation. For the next half year, I will continue to frequent the dermatologist and begin topical treatments to help lighten the pigmentation on my face. Some of the ingredients that will most likely be used includes kojic acid, hydroquinone, and of course, vitamin C. Those are all excellent active ingredients to look for if you want to confront hyperpigmentation. While there are many over the counter products that have these ingredients, I will be able to obtain a higher percentage of the active ingredients if it is prescribed by my dermatologist. I want the highest percentage possible (within healthy parameters, of course) to get rid of these stubborn dark spots that are lingering all over my face. In addition to that, I will explore different services that, if used in conjunction with the skincare, will make the ingredients and the results more effective. I’ll have to be careful, though, because my skin is still sensitive, and some services may cause too much trauma to the skin resulting in more scarring. The devastation that would put me through cannot be put into words. Seriously, I don’t want to negate the hard work and sacrifice that I’ve put in thus far.
Another thing to keep in mind is that life doesn’t automatically go back to normal. I will officially take my last pill July 3rd, assuming I don’t make the mistake of missing a dose. I doubt that will happen. I took my medicine faithfully for 180 days straight with no problem. I’m very proud of that statistic. Anywho, just because I’m done taking meds seemingly at the perfect time on a weekend notoriously known for fun in the sun (including one or two cocktails), I cannot partake in the festivities like everyone else may be able to. As the medicine will remain in my bloodstream until roughly month after my last dose, I won’t be able to drink adult beverages and I surely cannot be exposed to direct sunlight, period. I still need to be mindful of the possible negative effects that could take place long after I’ve completed the medicine. Furthermore, beauty services that cause trauma to the skin, no matter how minor, such as waxing, and laser treatments should still be avoided for 6 months after my completed treatment. Blah.
Additionally, the lifestyle change that I’ve been working towards since last year will remain in full effect. First, my rigorous skincare routine will always be here to stay. On top of that, I’ll continue doing my workouts, consuming lots of water, fruits and veggies, little to no dairy, little to no meat, and taking my extra vitamins and supplements. I do believe that what you put inside of you impacts your skin in numerous ways. Now, there are the exceptions like me where, no matter what you do or how you live, you just have complicated skin. I completely understand that and that’s what ultimately pushed me to take the medicine. However, I won’t be foolish to believe that my work is done now that the medicine is done and was “successful”. Regardless of how favorable my results are, I know that maintenance is key. Think of it this way; why would I invest in a new car only to forego routine oil changes, tire rotations, etc.? That would be a waste of time, a waste of money and resources, and you’ll eventually end up losing everything you invested and then some. It just doesn’t make sense.
One thing about health and beauty is that it’s all about preventative care. It’s conducive to our overall health to prevent the unpleasant things from happening as much as we can rather than trying to repair it. Yes, my acne may be handled, but there are plenty other skincare concerns that are lurking just around the corner, especially as I age. The skincare regimens and preventative care will never stop, but the focus will shift. Instead of my focus being on breakouts and inflammation, my concerns will now turn to color correction, and anti-aging. Those things were always in my rotation, but for the last year or so, my energy was not spent on that. It’s very poetic in a sense because we all go through seasons in life, and we ought to adjust our behaviors and thoughts to accommodate the current season in order to successfully come out on the other side.
Well, fingers crossed that I am done with the excessive acne season that lasted nearly half of my life. It took a lot of trial and error to find the thing that would help, but now that I did, I’m thrilled to move forward!
Cheers to happy and healthy skin!
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