Hey, Charming!
If you're the average person with average skin like me, chances are you've experienced acne before.
Growing up as a teenager, I've had acne but never quite so severe. A couple of bumps here and there but that was it. However, in the summer of 2021, I started developing deep and persistent adult acne. At first, I gave no thought to it, assuming they would go away with time. But as the days and weeks passed and the acne still wouldn't subside, I started to become anxious.
Ugly, red zits started sprouting uncontrollably everywhere like little mushrooms from my nose to my forehead then would spread over to my chin, around my lips, and to my cheeks. It was the worst flare-up of my life and this was all happening in my mid-20s.
Needless to say, it was awful for me.
Scouring the Internet for solutions from beauty publications, YouTubers to skinfluencers, there were plenty of product recommendations ranging from milder formulations like Salicylic Acid to stronger concoctions like Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol out there on the Internet. To save my skin, I tried everything I could or as much as I dared. When the cosmetics failed, I turned instead to my diet to find explanations for the breakout. I even gave up dairy and caffeine at one point.
Despite my best efforts, I wasn't seeing any results. Things felt like they just got from bad to worse and my stress levels continued to grow.
It wasn't long before an unintended hurtful comment from a friend about my skin triggered a meltdown and I finally decided to consult a professional dermatologist.
*Disclaimer: Everything journaled in this blog post reflects my personal experience and is not meant to be prescriptive. Results of Accutane treatment may differ from patient to patient. If you are facing severe acne or have any other skin problems, please consult a certified dermatologist or professional.
- ACCUTANE, THE MIRACLE DRUG? -
I saw Dr. Irene at Sunway Medical in late September last year. Upon assessing my skin, she immediately placed me on oral Isotretinoin, better known as Accutane, to treat the acne. According to the dermatologist, I had deep cystic acne and was vulnerable to scarring, making me a suitable candidate for Accutane.
Typically, dermatologists are to exhaust all means of treatment i.e. topical creams, antibiotics, etc. before prescribing Accutane.
Accutane is a derivative of Vitamin A (Retinol). How Accutane works is it helps to decrease the size of the sebaceous glands in the skin responsible for creating sebum that can clog pores and cause acne. In other words, this shit dries you out but more on that later.
I was instructed to take one 10mg Isotretinoin tablet once every day with meal for the first month and in the following months, this dosage was increased to 20mg.
Because this was meant to be a low-dose prescription, Dr. Irene warned me it would take a while before my skin got better, at least 1 to 2 months for any noticeable change and maybe up to a year or more for full recovery. She said I would also need to get my blood work done bi-monthly to ensure my body was functioning well.
- ACCUTANE'S SIDE EFFECTS -
Before you rush to hit subscribe to Accutane, you should be aware of its side effects.
Accutane is a powerful drug and so it needs to be considered seriously. Women of childbearing age especially experience higher risk because Accutane can induce fetal malformations, premature birth, or spontaneous abortion. Besides that, long-term use of the drug as treatment could lead to increased blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as impact the liver.
I mentioned in the earlier section that my skin became drier as a result of the treatment. This is common and almost unavoidable for all patients of Accutane. Throughout the six months, my lips were unbearably parched and perpetually cracking. I was lucky to avoid nosebleeds but everything else was dry and itchy including my scalp (one of the few things I was thankful for in retrospect). Aside from the need to apply and reapply layers of moisturizer, the amazing thing about Accutane is that it dries you up so much like a prune that my used-to-be oily hair could go days without washing and still look fresh.
There have been reports of Accutane patients suffering from more severe reactions in media and in research including headaches, bloody diarrhea, sudden changes in eyesight or difficulty seeing at night, and other psychological effects like depression and anxiety. However, the dermatologist informed me these symptoms would only present themselves if the dosage was too high. I was on a low-dose prescription and did not experience any of the above.
- WAS IT WORTH IT? -
The short answer is yes.
Accutane changed my skin for the better. I don't claim that my skin is completely healed but most of the previous stubborn cystic acne has cleared. I still carry the scars left behind because Accutane doesn't treat scars, only laser does, but overall, the skin is more controlled and my pores have visibly shrunk.
Before Accutane (left) to post 6-months Accutane treatment (right)
Perhaps more than just the external, more importantly, I feel much better mentally. Prior to receiving treatment, I was insecure and stressed about my acne. I found it difficult to be around people because the topic of skin would always come up. Since Accutane, it has helped me regain confidence in myself. I no longer feel necessary to hide my condition but am upfront with those who ask about it.
If you're considering Accutane, make sure you have proper guidance and monitoring by a trusted professional.
- SKINCARE ON ACCUTANE -
Accutane changes your skin dramatically. From an oil slick, my skin transformed to dry and sensitive within the first month. Consequently, I had to change my skincare to accommodate these changes.
I started by stripping down my products, removing any additional unnecessary items, and just sticking to the basics - cleanse, moisturize, and sun protection, to avoid irritation. I've listed a couple of tried and true recommendations below for your reference:
1. Cleanser
Ceradan Moisturising Wash
Ceradan Moisturising Wash was introduced by my dermatologist. This fragrance and paraben-free cleanser produce a good lather without soap. It is enriched with ceramides which help to rebuild the skin’s protective barrier and shea butter for hydration and antioxidant. Ceradan Moisturising Wash is suitable for all skin types, even eczema-prone skin.
Pick up a bottle here or at selected pharmacies.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Wash
Cetaphil's Gentle Cleansing Wash is an oldie but a goodie. As the name states, it's gentle on the skin and so is great for all skin types. Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Wash does not contain alcohol, is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. You can find this cleanser in various sizes; the largest is 1 litre and the smallest is 125ml including travel size.
Shop Cetaphil's Gentle Cleansing Wash here now.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
The Inkey List has long been raved as one of the few holy grail brands. Formulated with 3% Oat Kernel Oil and 1% Colloidal Oatmeal, this oil-based cleansing balm does double duty to effectively cleanse and replenish the skin's moisture. It can also help alleviate itchiness and reduce acne scars.
I use this for double cleansing whenever I have SPF or makeup on. Be mindful to shake well before use so the oil and the balm mix.
Shop their official website or get it at Sephora.
2. Moisturizer
QV Face Rescue Gel
Lightweight and refreshing, this Aussie brand moisturizing gel soaks right into your skin in an instant, fuss-free. I love it for mornings when my skin wants something less heavy. QV's Face Rescue Gel is perfect for layering under sunblock or makeup. It is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, suitable for sensitive-typed skin.
Shop the product here or at selected pharmacies.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
Picked up CeraVe's Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM by chance after stumbling upon one of Dr. Dray's videos.
While the bottle indicates PM (night-use), I generally use this for both morning and night as it's lightweight enough that it doesn't become sticky but rich enough to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day. Featuring star ingredients like Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides, this baby is a mega moisture boost for even the most dehydrated skin and a total winner on my list.
CeraVe's products are available online.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
If you're looking for a thick, rich cream for bedtime, this one's it. Formulated together with dermatologists, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream's ingredient list is quite similar to the Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM whereby it contains the three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Suitable for normal to dry skin, I pair this cream with Niacinamide serum for the best results.
View CeraVe's products here.
3. Lip Protection
Vaseline Lip Therapy Original
Vaseline Lip Therapy was my go-to staple throughout the Accutane process. This no-nonsense, classic lip balm seals in moisture and helps soothe cracked lips. The tub version can be tricky to use when outdoors so I usually keep that at home but would bring along the lip balm version with me.
You can find Vaseline Lip Therapy at any nearby pharmacy.
Handmade Heroes Cocolicious Luscious Lip Mask
As the sole representative of a Malaysian brand here on my list, Handmade Heroes Cocolicious Luscious Lip Mask is definitely worth purchasing. This bestseller overnight lip mask hydrates, soothes, and plumps your lips with natural ingredients like mango butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil. It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Say goodbye to cracked lips and hello to an ultra-sexy pout all day, every day.
View Handmade Heroes' products here.
4. Sunblock
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
When on Accutane, your skin becomes highly sensitive to sunlight and therefore, burns easily. That's why it's important not to skip SPF, even on cloudy days!
Oil-free EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is great for those with darker skin tones (like myself) because it doesn't leave a white cast. This fragrance-free sunscreen contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin. I wasn't a big fan of sunscreen because they're often either too thick, sticky, or dry (even the Japanese/Korean ones) but EltaMD's UV Clear formulation was a game-changer for me. You should give this one a try.
Shop EltaMD's full range of sunscreens and products here.
That's all the sharing I have for today. I hope this blog post will help clarify your doubts about Accutane. Whatever decision you are going with, do what's best for you. All the best!
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