brought tears to my eyes when u said “I HEAR U”. people keep saying i’m too obsessed with my skin, my appearance, etc. and i don’t blame them as they’ve never had to experience the suffering but it’s just nice to be heard once in a while
I am considering accutane, but I am on spirolactone right now and it’s doing wonders. Don’t let people make you feel guilty for caring about your acne because it seems like a trivial, vanity problem or offer unsolicited advice, making you feel like it’s your fault for lifestyle choices or not investing in expensive skincare. Acne is a painful skin disease that can have mental health implications that medical professionals take very seriously. Go see your doctor and get the best possible care you can!
Oops, I forgot to mention that I was on Spiro for a few years! 😊 It wasn't my long term solution but it definitely worked then. Totally agree with you regarding shaming/guilt, it's so bizarre considering that acne is a legitimate health concern. x
Only people who have battled it will understand the pain. I’ve had two courses of accutane, on and off the pill, diet changes, skin care and recently was on Spironolactone which cleared my skin so quickly! It’s a journey that’s for sure!
In addition to uncontrollable weeping, coming off of BC was a nightmare for my skin as well. Thankfully it’s cleared up, but it’s so nice to see someone who talks so openly about her acne and is also unashamed to share it with the internet! Usually it’s an “I have acne, deal with it” or a “there’s acne on my face, but I’m gonna cover it so no one knows,” but it’s nice to see someone saying “hello, this is my face. It has acne. It’s okay to show it, and it’s also okay to be unhappy with it and find ways to get it reduced.” Also, the shoulder definition! Your gym sessions are giving great results!
Thank you for this comment ♥️ I watched many youtube videos about acne and the accutane journey and I was also inspired by how people just showed up! Breakouts and all, without apologies. xx
I’m so glad you made a video on this. I was on Accutane myself when I was about 18-19 for 9 months. I’ve always had bad acne since I started puberty and was always very conscious of how it looked. People around me couldn’t understand the impact it did to my self esteem. I went to a first dermatologist at 15 and got a yellow medication that did absolutely nothing but cause nausea and vomiting thrice a day everyday. I was actually very scared to start Accutane when I met my second dermatologist but she told me we could start slow, and it worked wonders for me. I’m years out of when I first started Accutane and I’ve had to top up a booster of Accutane for a month or so every couple of years.
I’ve been getting cystic acne since I was 11 or 12 and I’m in my 30s now and I can say that without a doubt there is NO PAIN alike neck acne. It’s just another level pain.
THANK YOU for this video! I'm a 27 year old RUclipsr with moderate hormonal acne and I totally felt bad about wanting to take accutane given that my skin is "not that bad". I was also terrified of the purge given that my (non personal-RUclips) job includes being on camera. Even though it may be considered mild, the psychological weight of always worrying about breakouts and the time it takes to conceal has a major effect on my mental health. I relate so much to your experience and you've given me hope! You and your skin look amazing of course :) So well documented!
Never underestimate the impact of acne scarring. Even being gentle with acne can result in scarring for LIFE. I know as I bear the legacy of never squeezing yet still scarred. A good reason to avoid acne whenever possible.
Literally! I never pop any of my pimples (I barley even touch my face) the only time I touch it is when I’m washing my face & applying moisturisers etc. But I have acne scars around my entire face. I have more acne scars then actual active acne. It sucks
"Everything is on a travel ban except for my neck acne". LOL. Only you could pull off gentle, self depreciating humor alongside wickedly informative and brainy content. I adore you. I imagine this will be incredibly helpful for people exploring Accutane for themselves. Also; how freakin brave and awesome of you to be bare-faced, with ouchey acne and smile about it.
My dermatologist prescribed accutane for my severe cystic acne a few years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done. Being able to access a specialist can be literally life saving.
This video made we feel oddly nostalgic for my accutane days!! I had a very similar experience (20 mg/day, eczema on hands, new breakouts going away super fast) and I would do it a hundred times over. My acne also really affected my confidence and my mental health so it was incredibly exciting to see it go away month by month, and I'm glad I documented it all. Sometimes I still look back on the pictures to see myself looking happier and happier as the acne disappeared. It's just so freeing to not have to constantly think about your skin! In short, I'm very happy you've had a good experience with accutane as well!! I hope you continue to document this journey.
@@karimamckimmie It ended up being about 6 months! but most of the change happened within the first 8 weeks. Even the side effects had mostly gone away, except the super chapped lips lol those persisted until the very end
I was on 20mg Oratane for 8 months when I was 34. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Just waking up without pain every day was amazing! It’s 4 years later and it never returned. By the way, I cleansed with Lipikar Syndet throughout, you introduced me to that lifesaver ❤️
Hi I hope you don’t mind me messaging, but I’m about to go on it and am 33 and ideally want to start trying for babies 3 months after my treatment (as per my docs recommendation). I don’t suppose you tried for babies after your treatment? And was everything ok?
Ugh, it is so refreshing how well spoken and professional you are in your videos! I have only recently found your channel and I love it! I really enjoyed this video, and it's nice to see a well documented journey. I have a dermatology appointment in March to discuss accutane! a little terrified.
Please do continue! My daughter finished her second round of isotretinoin 3 months ago. I think we have to wait another three months to be sure the results are lasting. Your videos are always so high quality and I really appreciate that you are willing to document your journey. It's super interesting!
@@ernestomarquez4972 It’s now 14 months since my daughter finished her second round. The acne has returned, but it is not nearly as bad as it was before. She didn’t want to do a third round with all the side effects, but has chosen to do Curology instead
So glad you did what's right for you and started Accutane. I did an 8 month round of it a couple years ago and have not regretted it for a second. Also glad to hear your symptoms have been minor! I experienced all the horror story ones - constant bloody noses, repeatedly catching pink eye, terrible joint pain and stiffness, sensitive gums, post traumatic IBS after a stomach bug, and insane dryness that lasted at least a year after I finished my course. Still, worth it.
@@MissMichixo I have had a few nose bleeds sometimes multiple in a day but saline gel helps this. I also had pretty bad constipation the first few months but I just made a diet change that included more fiber and fruits/veggies.
Hey Karima, another video with a 3 month update would be very beneficial. I love how thorough and detailed your videos are, I end up learning so much so very grateful for them. Could you also please do a accutane skincare video with the products you used on your face and body to keep they dryness at bay. Thank you : )
You are by far the most interesting, informative and in a way less stressful accutane review I have ever watched. Some just talks toooo much and like repeats all what they have watched and seen from others. Yours is rather genuine for me. Thanks for sharing x
I remember watching your Accutane series back in the day and I knew I have to come back to it now. My story seems so similar, just with a few years of delay. 🤡 I went off of my birth control and it has been almost 3 years since, I‘m struggling with acne for over 2 years now and I finally came to the point where my dermatologist suggested Accutane. I‘m scared, but less so now that I watched your video again. I don‘t know what I will decide yet, I have to do much more research for me, but I really appreciate that you created this content and that it‘s still there. Thank you! ✨
I'm surprised they haven't put you back on BC during accutane? The two things I miss about being on it are not having to wash my hair as often 😂 and perfect skin (after being on it for a little while). I had really mild but persistent acne so I hate when people say it's not serious enough to go on it. It's serious if it really impacts on your self esteem and mental health, and if you've exhausted other avenues of treatment. Side effects for me were quite rough - the muscle and joint aches were the worst! But I have no regrets and would recommend it to anyone! I'm glad you're getting the help you wanted and thanks for documenting an important topic!
This was sooooo helpful! I'm about to start a low dose and I was so nervous about side effects. But this made me feel 100 times better and that it's all gonna be okay 🥰❤️
Thank you for sharing your journey on Accutane! As a dermatologist, it makes me happy to see patients discussing the pros and cons of this medication and what it's like to be on it!
I've dealt with acne since my 30s and I'm 49. Luckily, Retin-A has mostly cleared it up. But yes, never let anyone make you feel like caring for this issue is vain. It's a medical condition. ❤️ I'm glad you're response is good, Karima!
I've been on 10mg accutane for almost 20 weeks. I have mild acne just like yours when I started. My skin used to be super oily, now I don't have to use blotting papers anymore and I can rock day4 hair pretty well. Keep update on your journey Karima, We love it :)
Hi have you had any side effects so far? What are the changes for you? My Dermatologist also advice me on 10mg accutane but I am wondering if it's worth it as I don't have major acne but it seems that no topical acne can improve my acne more...
@@HereDiianas I think i noticed some mild side effects, here and there. Like my stomach was hurt, I had back pain, i felt weak. But everything was fine after 1-2 months. In my opinion, i'm very happy with the result, i don't have to use heavy make up anymore😊
I am so thankful for your videos on this topic. I have the same pattern of breakouts as you, so it was very relatable. Especially the neck acne! I’m beginning my low dose isotretinoin treatment next month. I have a lot of hope in it. Thanks again!
I had the opposite problem- birth control totally ruined my skin, and getting off hasn’t made it better! I’m considering accutane and doing some research, and this is very helpful! ❤️
That was such good advice that you gave at the start of the video. The course of treatment a person takes is between them and their doctor- a stranger can’t possibly judge the right treatment for your body (acne or otherwise) 💕
When you said „I hear you, I know why you are struggling“ I cried. I feel so bad and no one understands me really. Thank you for the video, I talk to my dermatologist next week :)
Good for you! I did it at 28-29 and it changed my mental state! Wish I had done it even younger. However my purge stage was absolutely horrible I went through months of terrible worsening acne along with peeling and dryness and painful corners of lips nostrils and eyes. But outcome after 5 months was worth it ! My skin was flawless for 5 years afterwards and decent ever since ... I’m now 52 and don’t really break out . I have more of a mild rosacea sensitive skin . But no wrinkles ☺️
I stopped being able to take BC due to cluster migraines in my early twenties and have about 10 years of acne scars that I am now, in my 40s, microneedling and lasering away. My skin eventually went from oily and acne prone to dry and with very minor hormonal acne easily managed with topicals, including trentinoin, but I feel like that happened a few years before I turned 40. It was wretched in graduate school. I understand the distress and I'm glad you have a good dermatologist! I very much enjoy this kind of content.
I'm about to start accutane and this video was super helpful. I also shared the exact experience where I had acne in my T zone as a teen and now its on my cheeks and the sides of my face. Thank you for the awesome vid!
Hi Karima! I really appreciate your video. I am starting my isotretinoin treatment soon for mild acne as well and I was very doubtful of taking it because of all the negative experiences I read about on reddit lol (please don't scare yourself like this like I did as everyone's experience is different). I've also had a lot of people tell me not to use accutane because my skin is not "as bad as other people's", but I find this comment to be quite ignorant, and hearing you say that this is just a way to take care of yourself and your skin, it really gave me confidence to start my treatment being hopeful for a solid change in my skin while also being aware of the potential side effects. Even three years later, thank you for a very helpful video!
as someone who got off of accutane 2-3 months ago. I shared the exact same side effects as karima, which is a veryyy small price to pay for beautiful skin afterward. great video xx,
This video was so helpful, Karima! As someone who has struggled with cystic acne for 10+ years and have seen it worsen from my daily mask wearing (still 1000% pro-mask of course), I think it's time to stop putting off trying Accutane over fear of potential side effects. Thanks for sharing your journey and I would love to see more videos on this topic along with all of your regularly scheduled sparkly eye top coats videos too! Best of luck to you with the rest of your treatment!
Pleased you found it helpful 😊 Definitely read some of the journal articles and studies around low dose isotretinoin, the approach has changed in recent years. x
I’ve been on low dose accutane for over a year now, since october of 2019. I had pretty severe, cystic acne, it hurt so much and it affected me mentally a lot. I have never had any side effects besides dry lips and dry, sensitive skin. All of my acne is gone, except for the occasional pimple. Hopefully I’ll be able to get off it before the summer. For me it was definitely worth it though! Good luck on your journey❤️
I’m planning to start on mine soon for cystic acne and lumps on my scalp as well as acne on my face. The worst part is dealing with pain everyday even worst when try to sleep. I just wanna ask besides clean and clear skin, did it eliminate the pain and inflammation as well?
I almost feel as though being heavily invested in the science of skin can make acne worse (you try everything, and the skin HATES IT). Nina is so fantastic; a great derm can make all the difference (from a fellow sufferer of post-pill hormonal acne misery).
Karima, I've been following you for a decade, and I'm sorry you went through this breakout period. I remember how flawless your skin always was and could tell you were distressed in earlier weeks. So happy your treatment went well. 😘
I quite enjoyed watching your journey battling those darn acne, but what I liked the most was the fact that you were smiling throughout the whole time. I mean I would've been a nervous mess as I myself suffer from acne but I never bit the bullet and tried a targeted treatment. I am on antidepressants and I have to be very careful with other medications and treatments lest there might be a reaction which could cause some troubles. I really hope that you will finally succeed and get rid of acne for good. I would love to see more of your journey with accutane.
When you came off birth control did you notice that your skin was much more reactive to your diet? I noticed that when I drank alcohol/ ate a lot of sugar I’d really start to break out. Also the neck pimples!! Why are they there?? Why do they keep coming back?? What is going on?? I relate to the struggle
Thank you so much for documenting your journey! I just started my second month of accutane for mild-moderate persistent acne, and your video really helped prepare me for the process. My dermatologist unfortunately has been no help providing information or care, beyond the prescription itself, which is quite shocking considering the intensity of this drug!
I’ve been watching Karima since years and I think it’s the first time I’ve heard her swear 😂 Isotretinoin has been one of the best things to have ever happened to me. As a teen I never got a single zit but when I started getting my eyebrows done around age 19/20 I started getting some pesky forehead bumps which didn’t have any puss so felt like subclinical acne. I just didn’t give much thought to it and over time having textured forehead became a normal thing for me. However, around a year later, upon exiting teenage, this forehead acne got much worse and I’d have clusters of tiny bumps all over. Soon, I started experiencing similar bumps on my cheeks and I freaked out because that was an uncharted area. I went to one dermat who gave me a clindamycin+adapalene gel and while it worked decently in the beginning, my skin stopped responding to it later. After trying a lot of other things, I finally found another dermat who put me on isotretinoin for 4 months and my skin cleared up completely. There was not one zit in sight. It’s been almost two years since I stopped isotretinoin and I am glad to report that apart from a few stray zits here and there (during that time of the month or if there is a delay in changing my pillow covers or some other lifestyle issue), I have had the smoothest clearest skin. Having textured skin feels like an alien concept to me now. The only issues I have now are hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. But texture wise it’s a dream come true. As far as side effects, I did notice hair loss and dryness but it wasn’t drastic. A very small price to pay for something so life changing. For anyone who has been considering getting on isotretinoin, I highly recommend it. Please see a professional asap. I hope that your isotretinoin journey brings you as much joy and contentment as mine brought to me. Good luck. 🤍✨
@@missds125. it came out in strands but i already had a history of hair fall prior to starting on tretinoin. trust me it won’t be that bad. Dr Dray says that if at all you experience hair loss, it’s only going to last for the period you are gonna be taking the meds. And the lost hair will come back once you stop
@@janemendeguarin6712 yes they were closed comedones. I didn’t go through purging tbh. it just gradually got better. however now after 3 years i am dealing with acne again. I think it’s in reaction to a new product + over exfoliation 😭
My skin looked very similar to yours (before accutane) before I had children. Thankfully my hormones seem to have sorted themselves out after 2 children! It was a long adult acne journey.
I used accutane to help my literal painful acne and my biggest bit of advice would to get Aqauphor for your lips especially at night and SPF! A neat trick to is to stick some on a qtip and lightly coat the inside your nose if you experience dry nasal passage
Super interesting Karima - I'd definitely be keen on a continuation. I watched Arden Rose's experience, too. It's great info, so thank you for sharing it first-hand.
Please keep the isotretinoin update regularly. Not many RUclipsrs that I subscribe have their isotretinoin journey. Btw, currently I'm almost finish my second months oral isotretinoin. My dermatologist also prescribing me topical retin A. Please do video skincare regime while on oral isotretinoin
Just going to share my accutane story as well here. Overall glad I did it. But definitely glad it’s over. Some side effects: extremely dry lips. I moisturized with Vaseline, oils, lip masks, etc but it got so bad my lips cracked in the corners and I couldn’t open my mouth to eat without pain. Mornings were the worst. Flaky skin I actually got an anal fissure because my digestive tract was so dry I got a cut when I took a shit too big once. This lasted 4-5 months. Had to see a colorectal specialist. Irritability Extreme loss of appetite that turned into 15-20 lbs of weight loss, I was 90lbs at my lowest weight
So as someone who did accutane 30 yrs ago...here's the fantastic news...acne never returned, my skin is flawless and I really don't wrinkle...my scalp and skin remained dry..I wash my hair every 7- 10 days and oil my ends...I'm so thankful for accutane..and my 20 yr old daughter started her accutane journey this week....I was hoping she would not get my genetic acne😢
I took accutane for a full year between 2014-2015 and my dermatologist wanted me to continue because he was worried that if I stopped then, that it would come back in the future. And my dumb 21 year old ass wanted to stop since my acne had completely gone away, and I couldn't handle the side effects anymore (extremely sore and tired and dehydrated) so I convinced him to let me stop. And my skin stayed 100% clear for 5 YEARS. Then at the very end of 2019, my acne started to come back a little bit around the mouth, but nothing severe so I wasn't worried. Then the pandemic happened...Once I had to wear a mask for 30-40hrs a week, my face BLEW UP. It was worse than it was before I went on Accutane...I killed all my self-confidence. I ended up needing to quit and try freelancing at home when my skin got so bad to the point of being extremely painful, the cystic acne was insane. And I was really hoping it would go back to normal now that I didn't have to wear a mask as much. Nope. It only healed and slowed down a little bit. Now it's been back to how it was just before I started Accutane and I *really* didn't want to have to go on a 2nd round but I cracked 2 days ago. I'm going back to my old clinic, and finished getting a new referral so I have to wait for the dermatologist clinic to call me and make an appointment. Even though I didn't want to have to go back on it, I know deep down that it will be the only thing that will fix it, since it was the only solution that worked last time. However, I'm nervous they won't put me back on it because I'm still on blood thinners from the beginning of 2019 when I got a blood clot between my chest and my left arm. *fingers crossed* I wish I kept my photos I took when I first went on it, but I got embarrassed about them and deleted them all...so if I get to go back on it, I'm going to document my progress properly like you did!
Just got put on acute! I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on skin care, tried antibiotics, other acne medications, topicals everything I have hope I will finally be acne free since 7th grade
Wishing you the best on your accutane journey! I’ve been on twice, and it did wonders for my skin..Yours already looks like it’s on the mend! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! 💕
Wow! what an informative video, thank you so much! I’m on week 3 of a 40mg/day dose for my post pill acne. I’m 45 years old and after trying so many other options this was what my derm recommended. Watching your video was literally me! Although I’ve been experiencing sabaceous filaments and excessive texture and bumps recently. The dryness is crazy and I’m moisturising now more than ever. But hey, the not having to wash your hair everyday is the best!
I just want to second the gal who said she's happy to see you more regularly again! I've been with you for few years and it's been awesome to see you more recently. And neck pimples are *lé WORST* and I hope that they stop troubling you soon.
I have the exact same acne!! Persistent and more near the jawline as I got older. Just started isotretinoin and you have inspired me to do video updates
I have had accutane twice in my life at different times. Once in high school & again in my mid twenties. I remember having a terrible time with side effects but looking back it was worth it. Twenty plus years later I like my skin. Thoroughly recommend Dermaveen Bath & Shower Oil as a facial & body cleanser.
I took Accutane in high school and my only negative symptom was severe dry lips. It got so bad, my bottom lip split in two places! I now have scars that align perfectly with my canine teeth when I smile. Fortunately, it's been 21 years since I took it so the scars have faded significantly. (I got a kick out of making up stories about the scars in college because they were very obvious. My best were a hockey fight or running with the bulls in Pamplona. I've done neither in real life!) 😊
@@bossgeneration I still get some hormonal acne on my chin and jaw but nothing like I had in high school. I don't get any acne on my back anymore which is where it was the worst for me. I'm 38 now so I think my skin is finally figuring itself out. 😊
I am starting accutane in a few days and literally cried when my doctor approved me for it. I suffer from painful cystic acne on my face, chest, shoulders, and all over my back. Your video is the best I have found. I know you posed this a while ago but I am hoping that you have/are going to post a three month update. Also can you post your skincare routine while on accutane and after you get off it? I haven't been able to find anyone who discussed their skincare routine after completing treatment!
Im 41 and have been dealing with PCOS caused acne since 13 years of age. Even the pill never completely cleared it up 100%. I've now come off the pill due to my age (high BC risk and blood clots in my family) and am considering accutane now. I've paid my dues.. Im 41 for heavens sake! Thanks for this video its helpful!
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I’ve just restarted on roccutane for the 3rd time on low dose 10mg daily as per my new dermatologist. I’ve tried all topicals, SA peels etc. seems more ristanr was told before that I would need to stay on it long term but didn’t believe my last dermatologist. Had to come off pill and now it won’t go away. Fingers crossed it works now
@@aliciahurst333 ah im sorry to hear that. You still on 10mg? When you felt the side effect? It's my third day on 20mg and every morning when i woke up i had really bad headache
I've watched your channel for a long time and always enjoyed it. I really admire that you've come on here to share your journey. During all this mask wearing my skin has broken out. I decided to try Differin (which is over the counter in the States). I didn't know what I was getting into with topical vitamin A and it just destroyed my skin. I put moisturizer underneath (as I've heard can help to buffer it a bit) but I think I started too fast (I started every night...crazy me!). It was so embarrassing how bad my skin looked. I broke out far worse with it and my skin was so dry. I felt that my skin barrier was actually damaged. I ended up trying a product called La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume (it's supposed to help with skin barrier damage). Thankfully it really healed the skin barrier and I've just now started back into a routine again. I have never tried accutane but I am cautiously venturing back into Vitamin A (this time something less intense...a regular retinol with a low percentage only twice a week). On the off nights I use either a BHA or an AHA and feel like I am finally, finally getting my skin back. I know the frustration! BTW, what you mentioned on your neck...there's a great Aussie product called Zitsticka. It's a clear patch that's medicated and it really might help (basically a spot treatment). Within a couple of nights it'll be significantly reduced and feel better.
I’m also currently on accutane, and waited longer than i should have to get on it because I felt it wasn’t ‘bad enough’. I’m dealing with so much scarring, and wish I had done it sooner! I’ll be interested to see what you’re end up doing for scarring.
Fingers crossed 🤞🏻, I think I managed to avoid scarring. I think the Accutane is addressing any red marks actually (because my skin is turning over so quickly). We’ll see at the end of the course 😊
Incredible video! I am 32 (nearly 33) and have been on it for the past 6 months. I wish I had taken the leap and started it ten years ago! It's TOTALLY worth every bad side effect. Laniege lip sleeping mask saved my life!!! I have never had what you would call "acne" but it has been persistent for years. If anyone really this is contemplating it just do it!
I just finished doing accutane myself. I was pretty low dosage 20mg twice a day and I cleared up very well but was only on it for a little over 2 months because I was having a lot of back problems and losing more weight than made me comfortable. Overall I was just having a lot of spasms in my back, sensitive eyes and very low appetite but my bloodwork came back fine but stopped to be safe. I dont regret taking it but dont plan on doing it again if needed. Currently going back to adapalene again since my derm is very happy with how my skin looks now.
This has been so helpful, thank you. About to start a course for the first time and your video has helped relieve some of the anxiety I had around it :)
wow we're more or less on the same timeline and same dosage and same age! I started 16th of December, first it looked like it got better, than I broke out, but it heals quicker, then I healed, then broke out again. I also get them on weird spots, in week 7 I thought wow great it's clearing all uphill and then week 8 some older ones got bigger again or looked more 'sore'. It stresses me because i also work as a model :( i was hoping i'd be one of them where it's all cleared up by end of month two. anyway started week 9 today! Your video calmed me down. I was thinking maybe I need to up the dosage or is this not working but yeah maybe patience is key here. Which obviously is hard, as it is such an emotional rollercoaster. I never really had issues up until September last year (i mean in the last two years here and there but nothing major), I went through everything under the sun, including birth control nothing helped. i was off for birth control prior to the break outs for 3 years so it can't be that. anyway, i am so glad to find someone who is on a similar timeline as me! I also have some dark spots all over my right cheek, hope they clear up! We can do this :) I love your enthusiasm. I recently talked to another girl our age who also did 20mg and her journey was similar to mine described and she stopped breaking out in month 4. Did your dermatologist say you might need to up the dosage at any point? I have mixed feelings on the one hand i wanna up it so i am done quicker and see results quicker on the other hand i don't wanna deal with more side effects. Mine said we'll have to see.. but usually they do try to stay with 20mg. My ex had severe acne and cleared up so quickly with 10mg and I am here going up and down, confusing.
Yeah definitely it's very helpful... Hey karima this is me from India... And first thing I want to tell you is that I love you ❤ you're such a sweet person. I have also started accutane this week.... Was so depressed because of acne since so many years. Hopefully it will help me as it helped you. I also want to tell you that I love your content... Absolute pleasure to watch you.
Woah why am I only watching this now??? Tbh I know that my acne is bad and persistent enough for isotretinoin but until now I've never felt bad enough about my skin to actually try it!
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I’ve not had problems with acne beyond monthly hormonal breakout. Our oldest suffered with acne and since neither my husband or I had ever really dealt with it, I took him to a dermatologist who said it was cystic. She prescribed an oral antibiotic along with topical ointment that changed all the color on our bath towels and some shirts. I wish accutane had been available then. Or it may have been and I just didn’t know about it. Your skin is looking amazing and I know acne is painful. That’s something that’s not widely talked about but I wish it was. Maybe then people wouldn’t judge when someone does or doesn’t choose accutane. Furthermore who cares? It’s your face and how you choose to treat your acne is best left to you and your dermatologist, no one else. Well maybe a significant other! 💜💜💜
Never, ever thought of putting lip balm in my nose! Good tip! Now your skin is better, can you please please please come back to us on RUclips??? 😭😭😭 we miss you. I loved your work make up, eyeliner and IG baddie videos - I remember them clearly!!
I had horrible acne for a good 10 years and really really wish I had gone on isotretinoin as a teenager and saved myself years of pain! I was always too scared to go on it because there was a lot of talk about it increasing depression, which I already suffer from. But it seems now that's there's not really much scientific evidence to support that the depression is actually caused or worsened by it, now they are thinking that it's possible people with acne have can often have low self esteem and depression from having the acne itself, and the affect it can have on our self esteem has been ignored or trivialised, and so yes, there were a lot of people with depression on isotretinoin, but probably it wasn't caused or worsened by it. At its peak, it felt like my acne figured my whole face, and it was painful to put my head on my pillow at night the infection was so bad. Thank God it eventually cleared up on its own in my late twenties. But I've of course for scars. I feel I could have avoided a lot of suffering if I had just gone on it as a teenager, but I suppose I made the best decision for myself with the information I had at the time. 😞 I'm glad you are having success in it and are feeling much better and more confident Karima!
Your skin is looking 😙🤌 (good) lol! I started accutane in late October. I should be on it for a couple more months. But oh gosh it has helped tremendously with my acne. The minor side effects is worth it for me! I also watched video after video before I went on accutane too! So I appreciate you adding to the list of accutane videos!
That was such a helpful and informative video ❤️ one of my close family members was on accutane for a few months, and it helped with severe acne problems that nothing else worked on. I’m myself soooo scared to go off the pill, which I plan to do soon, as my skin was quite shitty before 🥲
I'm 17yr old (high school student), I've been suffering from acne for almost 4 years now, it really affected my lifestyle and appearance. Acne changed my personality, Acne destroyed me, I've been fighting against it for such a long time using various of products and none of them worked. I visited a dermatologist 2 months ago (first time in 4 years) and he prescribed me some medications including Isotretinoin (Roaccutane). I had no clue whatsoever about this capsule nor about its side effects. I'm currently on my second month with this capsule, although I stopped using Isotretinoin for a week after my first *box* was finished, it didn't take long (2days) before my skin completely changed its path in an unimagineable way, I started getting the worse acne I could think of but thankfully I visited another dermatologist and she treated and currently does as her son, I did some blood tests and was given the green flag to continue with Accutane. I'm currently on low doses 10mg during Moday-Friday and 20mg during weekends, the side effects are slight and hopefully there will be more improvement upon my skin. Note: Pretty sure you've heard of it already but I'm just reminding you to drink lots of water, I mean alot!!
Hey I loveeeeee this!! So informative and useful! I’ve had spots for 12 years and have been considering accurate now. Please keep us updated! You also mentioned antibiotics - which ones did you take and did you notice any difference at all when you were on those? Xxx thank you so much for this! Also you are an absolute delight :)
brought tears to my eyes when u said “I HEAR U”. people keep saying i’m too obsessed with my skin, my appearance, etc. and i don’t blame them as they’ve never had to experience the suffering but it’s just nice to be heard once in a while
But when i see acne on others its nothing like it really doesnt bother me i find them beautiful but when its on me its so much different
Essentially That’s what happened with me and my dermatologist, man heard me out and straight up prescribed accutane
I am considering accutane, but I am on spirolactone right now and it’s doing wonders. Don’t let people make you feel guilty for caring about your acne because it seems like a trivial, vanity problem or offer unsolicited advice, making you feel like it’s your fault for lifestyle choices or not investing in expensive skincare. Acne is a painful skin disease that can have mental health implications that medical professionals take very seriously. Go see your doctor and get the best possible care you can!
Oops, I forgot to mention that I was on Spiro for a few years! 😊 It wasn't my long term solution but it definitely worked then. Totally agree with you regarding shaming/guilt, it's so bizarre considering that acne is a legitimate health concern. x
Spirnolactalone is amazing :)
Spiro is great. Started taking it for hair loss and it helped both with hair and skin.
Only people who have battled it will understand the pain. I’ve had two courses of accutane, on and off the pill, diet changes, skin care and recently was on Spironolactone which cleared my skin so quickly! It’s a journey that’s for sure!
In germany my doctor said he never heard of using spirolactone for the skin :( its not allowed sadly..
In addition to uncontrollable weeping, coming off of BC was a nightmare for my skin as well. Thankfully it’s cleared up, but it’s so nice to see someone who talks so openly about her acne and is also unashamed to share it with the internet!
Usually it’s an “I have acne, deal with it” or a “there’s acne on my face, but I’m gonna cover it so no one knows,” but it’s nice to see someone saying “hello, this is my face. It has acne. It’s okay to show it, and it’s also okay to be unhappy with it and find ways to get it reduced.”
Also, the shoulder definition! Your gym sessions are giving great results!
Thank you for this comment ♥️ I watched many youtube videos about acne and the accutane journey and I was also inspired by how people just showed up! Breakouts and all, without apologies. xx
Please keep the updates coming! This is really interesting and it’s great to see your skin improve and you get happier as a result.
Awesome! 🙌🏻 Thanks for watching Madelyn! x
I’m so glad you made a video on this.
I was on Accutane myself when I was about 18-19 for 9 months. I’ve always had bad acne since I started puberty and was always very conscious of how it looked. People around me couldn’t understand the impact it did to my self esteem. I went to a first dermatologist at 15 and got a yellow medication that did absolutely nothing but cause nausea and vomiting thrice a day everyday. I was actually very scared to start Accutane when I met my second dermatologist but she told me we could start slow, and it worked wonders for me.
I’m years out of when I first started Accutane and I’ve had to top up a booster of Accutane for a month or so every couple of years.
I’ve been getting cystic acne since I was 11 or 12 and I’m in my 30s now and I can say that without a doubt there is NO PAIN alike neck acne. It’s just another level pain.
I would argue cystic acne on the scalp, especially on the back of the head, might be worse.
I agree neck acne is THE WORST
I have watched you for years now and it’s so good to see you upload regularly again! You’ve been missed!! 💓
♥️
THANK YOU for this video! I'm a 27 year old RUclipsr with moderate hormonal acne and I totally felt bad about wanting to take accutane given that my skin is "not that bad". I was also terrified of the purge given that my (non personal-RUclips) job includes being on camera. Even though it may be considered mild, the psychological weight of always worrying about breakouts and the time it takes to conceal has a major effect on my mental health. I relate so much to your experience and you've given me hope! You and your skin look amazing of course :) So well documented!
Never underestimate the impact of acne scarring. Even being gentle with acne can result in scarring for LIFE. I know as I bear the legacy of never squeezing yet still scarred. A good reason to avoid acne whenever possible.
Great insight 👏🏻
Feel u ........
Perfectly said ✨
Literally! I never pop any of my pimples (I barley even touch my face) the only time I touch it is when I’m washing my face & applying moisturisers etc. But I have acne scars around my entire face. I have more acne scars then actual active acne. It sucks
True. The ones that pop themselves by flexing the muscles in the face. I didnt try touching it and it still scars.
Your content is always SO thorough. You answer every question I didn’t even know to ask! Thank you for for all of the hard work.
Oh yay! Haha every video is a thesis 😂
"Everything is on a travel ban except for my neck acne". LOL. Only you could pull off gentle, self depreciating humor alongside wickedly informative and brainy content. I adore you. I imagine this will be incredibly helpful for people exploring Accutane for themselves. Also; how freakin brave and awesome of you to be bare-faced, with ouchey acne and smile about it.
❤️❤️❤️
My dermatologist prescribed accutane for my severe cystic acne a few years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done. Being able to access a specialist can be literally life saving.
This video made we feel oddly nostalgic for my accutane days!! I had a very similar experience (20 mg/day, eczema on hands, new breakouts going away super fast) and I would do it a hundred times over. My acne also really affected my confidence and my mental health so it was incredibly exciting to see it go away month by month, and I'm glad I documented it all. Sometimes I still look back on the pictures to see myself looking happier and happier as the acne disappeared. It's just so freeing to not have to constantly think about your skin!
In short, I'm very happy you've had a good experience with accutane as well!! I hope you continue to document this journey.
Great to hear you had a positive experience Brenda! ♥️ How long was your course? x
@@karimamckimmie It ended up being about 6 months! but most of the change happened within the first 8 weeks. Even the side effects had mostly gone away, except the super chapped lips lol those persisted until the very end
I was on 20mg Oratane for 8 months when I was 34. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Just waking up without pain every day was amazing! It’s 4 years later and it never returned. By the way, I cleansed with Lipikar Syndet throughout, you introduced me to that lifesaver ❤️
Hi I hope you don’t mind me messaging, but I’m about to go on it and am 33 and ideally want to start trying for babies 3 months after my treatment (as per my docs recommendation). I don’t suppose you tried for babies after your treatment? And was everything ok?
hey hon maybe wait till 5 months@@zulaica1
Ugh, it is so refreshing how well spoken and professional you are in your videos! I have only recently found your channel and I love it! I really enjoyed this video, and it's nice to see a well documented journey. I have a dermatology appointment in March to discuss accutane! a little terrified.
Please do continue! My daughter finished her second round of isotretinoin 3 months ago. I think we have to wait another three months to be sure the results are lasting. Your videos are always so high quality and I really appreciate that you are willing to document your journey. It's super interesting!
Update if you don't mind
@@ernestomarquez4972 It’s now 14 months since my daughter finished her second round. The acne has returned, but it is not nearly as bad as it was before. She didn’t want to do a third round with all the side effects, but has chosen to do Curology instead
So glad you did what's right for you and started Accutane. I did an 8 month round of it a couple years ago and have not regretted it for a second. Also glad to hear your symptoms have been minor! I experienced all the horror story ones - constant bloody noses, repeatedly catching pink eye, terrible joint pain and stiffness, sensitive gums, post traumatic IBS after a stomach bug, and insane dryness that lasted at least a year after I finished my course. Still, worth it.
I just started accutane yesterday and this comment has me horrified 🥲
@@mirtharangel2523hey how’s it going ?
@@MissMichixo it hasn't gone terrible for me my main complaint is the joint aches. My joints just hurt super bad, it makes it hard to be active.
@@mirtharangel2523 how bad does it hurt ?
@@MissMichixo I have had a few nose bleeds sometimes multiple in a day but saline gel helps this. I also had pretty bad constipation the first few months but I just made a diet change that included more fiber and fruits/veggies.
Hey Karima, another video with a 3 month update would be very beneficial. I love how thorough and detailed your videos are, I end up learning so much so very grateful for them. Could you also please do a accutane skincare video with the products you used on your face and body to keep they dryness at bay. Thank you : )
You are by far the most interesting, informative and in a way less stressful accutane review I have ever watched. Some just talks toooo much and like repeats all what they have watched and seen from others. Yours is rather genuine for me. Thanks for sharing x
Please more acne content! One of my goals for this year is to finally see a doctor about my skin and I’d love to see more about the process!
I remember watching your Accutane series back in the day and I knew I have to come back to it now. My story seems so similar, just with a few years of delay. 🤡 I went off of my birth control and it has been almost 3 years since, I‘m struggling with acne for over 2 years now and I finally came to the point where my dermatologist suggested Accutane. I‘m scared, but less so now that I watched your video again. I don‘t know what I will decide yet, I have to do much more research for me, but I really appreciate that you created this content and that it‘s still there. Thank you! ✨
I'm surprised they haven't put you back on BC during accutane? The two things I miss about being on it are not having to wash my hair as often 😂 and perfect skin (after being on it for a little while). I had really mild but persistent acne so I hate when people say it's not serious enough to go on it. It's serious if it really impacts on your self esteem and mental health, and if you've exhausted other avenues of treatment. Side effects for me were quite rough - the muscle and joint aches were the worst! But I have no regrets and would recommend it to anyone! I'm glad you're getting the help you wanted and thanks for documenting an important topic!
This was sooooo helpful! I'm about to start a low dose and I was so nervous about side effects. But this made me feel 100 times better and that it's all gonna be okay 🥰❤️
Did you get new acne i start from last week and still get new acne 🥺😔
Thank you for sharing your journey on Accutane! As a dermatologist, it makes me happy to see patients discussing the pros and cons of this medication and what it's like to be on it!
I've dealt with acne since my 30s and I'm 49. Luckily, Retin-A has mostly cleared it up. But yes, never let anyone make you feel like caring for this issue is vain. It's a medical condition. ❤️ I'm glad you're response is good, Karima!
I had high hopes for retin-a! 😅 I tried it every few years. I know it works wonders for many, maybe I'll return to it in another few years 😂
@@karimamckimmie well, it's good for anti-aging, so you could get on a low dose topical later for maintenance, maybe!
I can tell my acne is bad when I would do literally anything for my skin to look like yours when it was at week 0 😭
I've been on 10mg accutane for almost 20 weeks. I have mild acne just like yours when I started. My skin used to be super oily, now I don't have to use blotting papers anymore and I can rock day4 hair pretty well. Keep update on your journey Karima, We love it :)
Hi have you had any side effects so far? What are the changes for you? My Dermatologist also advice me on 10mg accutane but I am wondering if it's worth it as I don't have major acne but it seems that no topical acne can improve my acne more...
@@HereDiianas I think i noticed some mild side effects, here and there. Like my stomach was hurt, I had back pain, i felt weak. But everything was fine after 1-2 months. In my opinion, i'm very happy with the result, i don't have to use heavy make up anymore😊
@@jet2506 Thanks for the feedback!
I am so thankful for your videos on this topic. I have the same pattern of breakouts as you, so it was very relatable. Especially the neck acne! I’m beginning my low dose isotretinoin treatment next month. I have a lot of hope in it. Thanks again!
As soon as I came off birth control my skin went haywire :( I’m so glad I can relate to someone else!
I had the opposite problem- birth control totally ruined my skin, and getting off hasn’t made it better! I’m considering accutane and doing some research, and this is very helpful! ❤️
That was such good advice that you gave at the start of the video. The course of treatment a person takes is between them and their doctor- a stranger can’t possibly judge the right treatment for your body (acne or otherwise) 💕
When you said „I hear you, I know why you are struggling“ I cried. I feel so bad and no one understands me really. Thank you for the video, I talk to my dermatologist next week :)
How was your consoltation?
Good for you! I did it at 28-29 and it changed my mental state! Wish I had done it even younger. However my purge stage was absolutely horrible I went through months of terrible worsening acne along with peeling and dryness and painful corners of lips nostrils and eyes. But outcome after 5 months was worth it ! My skin was flawless for 5 years afterwards and decent ever since ... I’m now 52 and don’t really break out . I have more of a mild rosacea sensitive skin . But no wrinkles ☺️
I'm so glad it worked for you! Fingers crossed it all works out for me too 😘
Hey I broke out with chest acne 3 months and ago and I’ve literally tried everything except Accutane. You think Accutane would help my acne?
Mild rosacea due to accutane ? 🤔
@@kate.rpillar no I had rosacea even as a child … my skin flushed easily . Gym class . More genetic plus gut
I started mine today. I spent so much money on skin care treatment that don't work.
I absolutely love love your personality so cheerful, polite, classy!
I stopped being able to take BC due to cluster migraines in my early twenties and have about 10 years of acne scars that I am now, in my 40s, microneedling and lasering away. My skin eventually went from oily and acne prone to dry and with very minor hormonal acne easily managed with topicals, including trentinoin, but I feel like that happened a few years before I turned 40. It was wretched in graduate school. I understand the distress and I'm glad you have a good dermatologist! I very much enjoy this kind of content.
I'm about to start accutane and this video was super helpful. I also shared the exact experience where I had acne in my T zone as a teen and now its on my cheeks and the sides of my face. Thank you for the awesome vid!
how are you now? did u face any long terms side effects or hairfall?
Hi Karima! I really appreciate your video. I am starting my isotretinoin treatment soon for mild acne as well and I was very doubtful of taking it because of all the negative experiences I read about on reddit lol (please don't scare yourself like this like I did as everyone's experience is different). I've also had a lot of people tell me not to use accutane because my skin is not "as bad as other people's", but I find this comment to be quite ignorant, and hearing you say that this is just a way to take care of yourself and your skin, it really gave me confidence to start my treatment being hopeful for a solid change in my skin while also being aware of the potential side effects. Even three years later, thank you for a very helpful video!
as someone who got off of accutane 2-3 months ago. I shared the exact same side effects as karima, which is a veryyy small price to pay for beautiful skin afterward. great video xx,
how are you now? did u face any long terms side effects or hairfall?
This is my second round! First when I was 23, now I'm 30, this is my day 5, hopefully this time all the acne goes away for good.
What brand of accutane did you use ?
Are u purging? Im in my 3rd day taking it but no purging nothing not even a new pimple
@@Masomahbereyhie I did, after about 1-2 months, it got worse, when I was on month 3-4 my face started to clear. I am on month 6 and I have no acne!
@@Pandita0730 hi what Mg are you in?
@@tigerjee3810 20 mg per day!
This video was so helpful, Karima! As someone who has struggled with cystic acne for 10+ years and have seen it worsen from my daily mask wearing (still 1000% pro-mask of course), I think it's time to stop putting off trying Accutane over fear of potential side effects. Thanks for sharing your journey and I would love to see more videos on this topic along with all of your regularly scheduled sparkly eye top coats videos too! Best of luck to you with the rest of your treatment!
Pleased you found it helpful 😊 Definitely read some of the journal articles and studies around low dose isotretinoin, the approach has changed in recent years. x
I’ve been on low dose accutane for over a year now, since october of 2019. I had pretty severe, cystic acne, it hurt so much and it affected me mentally a lot. I have never had any side effects besides dry lips and dry, sensitive skin. All of my acne is gone, except for the occasional pimple. Hopefully I’ll be able to get off it before the summer. For me it was definitely worth it though! Good luck on your journey❤️
I’m planning to start on mine soon for cystic acne and lumps on my scalp as well as acne on my face. The worst part is dealing with pain everyday even worst when try to sleep. I just wanna ask besides clean and clear skin, did it eliminate the pain and inflammation as well?
pleaseee do another video! This is one of the best videos I've seen in terms of documenting the skin. Would love to know how you got on.
next video is now live! ruclips.net/video/bSraZFoZlHs/видео.html x
I almost feel as though being heavily invested in the science of skin can make acne worse (you try everything, and the skin HATES IT).
Nina is so fantastic; a great derm can make all the difference (from a fellow sufferer of post-pill hormonal acne misery).
Karima, I've been following you for a decade, and I'm sorry you went through this breakout period. I remember how flawless your skin always was and could tell you were distressed in earlier weeks. So happy your treatment went well. 😘
I quite enjoyed watching your journey battling those darn acne, but what I liked the most was the fact that you were smiling throughout the whole time. I mean I would've been a nervous mess as I myself suffer from acne but I never bit the bullet and tried a targeted treatment. I am on antidepressants and I have to be very careful with other medications and treatments lest there might be a reaction which could cause some troubles. I really hope that you will finally succeed and get rid of acne for good. I would love to see more of your journey with accutane.
When you came off birth control did you notice that your skin was much more reactive to your diet? I noticed that when I drank alcohol/ ate a lot of sugar I’d really start to break out. Also the neck pimples!! Why are they there?? Why do they keep coming back?? What is going on?? I relate to the struggle
This is the most helpful video I've seen on the subject as someone who is also considering Roaccutane but doesn't have severe or cystic acne
girl, you had the BEST skin! I am on isotretinoin aswell! on my 2nd month, best thing for my acne. you are always beautiful anyway ;)
I think in another month or two her skin will be flawless again, including her neck.
Thank you so much for documenting your journey! I just started my second month of accutane for mild-moderate persistent acne, and your video really helped prepare me for the process. My dermatologist unfortunately has been no help providing information or care, beyond the prescription itself, which is quite shocking considering the intensity of this drug!
I’ve been watching Karima since years and I think it’s the first time I’ve heard her swear 😂
Isotretinoin has been one of the best things to have ever happened to me. As a teen I never got a single zit but when I started getting my eyebrows done around age 19/20 I started getting some pesky forehead bumps which didn’t have any puss so felt like subclinical acne. I just didn’t give much thought to it and over time having textured forehead became a normal thing for me. However, around a year later, upon exiting teenage, this forehead acne got much worse and I’d have clusters of tiny bumps all over. Soon, I started experiencing similar bumps on my cheeks and I freaked out because that was an uncharted area. I went to one dermat who gave me a clindamycin+adapalene gel and while it worked decently in the beginning, my skin stopped responding to it later. After trying a lot of other things, I finally found another dermat who put me on isotretinoin for 4 months and my skin cleared up completely. There was not one zit in sight. It’s been almost two years since I stopped isotretinoin and I am glad to report that apart from a few stray zits here and there (during that time of the month or if there is a delay in changing my pillow covers or some other lifestyle issue), I have had the smoothest clearest skin. Having textured skin feels like an alien concept to me now. The only issues I have now are hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. But texture wise it’s a dream come true. As far as side effects, I did notice hair loss and dryness but it wasn’t drastic. A very small price to pay for something so life changing. For anyone who has been considering getting on isotretinoin, I highly recommend it. Please see a professional asap. I hope that your isotretinoin journey brings you as much joy and contentment as mine brought to me. Good luck. 🤍✨
I have an appointment to get it. I am just terrified about the hair loss. Did your hair come out in strands or lumps?
@@missds125. it came out in strands but i already had a history of hair fall prior to starting on tretinoin. trust me it won’t be that bad. Dr Dray says that if at all you experience hair loss, it’s only going to last for the period you are gonna be taking the meds. And the lost hair will come back once you stop
The bumps that your saying are closed comedones? While your taking isotretinoin did you purge? Or does your bumps get worse until its get better?
@@janemendeguarin6712 yes they were closed comedones. I didn’t go through purging tbh. it just gradually got better. however now after 3 years i am dealing with acne again. I think it’s in reaction to a new product + over exfoliation 😭
Hi Sanya, are you/did you experience any post long term side effects like tiredness, weakness, bladder or kidney problems, joint pains etc.
Very happy for you and your skin progress! I love your channel and your honest, authentic style
My skin looked very similar to yours (before accutane) before I had children. Thankfully my hormones seem to have sorted themselves out after 2 children! It was a long adult acne journey.
LOL on no travel ban for your acne! 🤣 I never have been on Accutane but Karima, you are the most meticulous beauty creator. So helpful and thorough!
I used accutane to help my literal painful acne and my biggest bit of advice would to get Aqauphor for your lips especially at night and SPF! A neat trick to is to stick some on a qtip and lightly coat the inside your nose if you experience dry nasal passage
Also I meant SPF in general not for your lips 😂
Super interesting Karima - I'd definitely be keen on a continuation. I watched Arden Rose's experience, too. It's great info, so thank you for sharing it first-hand.
Please keep the isotretinoin update regularly. Not many RUclipsrs that I subscribe have their isotretinoin journey. Btw, currently I'm almost finish my second months oral isotretinoin. My dermatologist also prescribing me topical retin A. Please do video skincare regime while on oral isotretinoin
Thank you for this video!! I'm about to start my own journey on accutane and this gave me a peace of mind to just start it now 💞
Just going to share my accutane story as well here. Overall glad I did it. But definitely glad it’s over.
Some side effects: extremely dry lips. I moisturized with Vaseline, oils, lip masks, etc but it got so bad my lips cracked in the corners and I couldn’t open my mouth to eat without pain. Mornings were the worst.
Flaky skin
I actually got an anal fissure because my digestive tract was so dry I got a cut when I took a shit too big once. This lasted 4-5 months. Had to see a colorectal specialist.
Irritability
Extreme loss of appetite that turned into 15-20 lbs of weight loss, I was 90lbs at my lowest weight
So as someone who did accutane 30 yrs ago...here's the fantastic news...acne never returned, my skin is flawless and I really don't wrinkle...my scalp and skin remained dry..I wash my hair every 7- 10 days and oil my ends...I'm so thankful for accutane..and my 20 yr old daughter started her accutane journey this week....I was hoping she would not get my genetic acne😢
I took accutane for a full year between 2014-2015 and my dermatologist wanted me to continue because he was worried that if I stopped then, that it would come back in the future. And my dumb 21 year old ass wanted to stop since my acne had completely gone away, and I couldn't handle the side effects anymore (extremely sore and tired and dehydrated) so I convinced him to let me stop.
And my skin stayed 100% clear for 5 YEARS. Then at the very end of 2019, my acne started to come back a little bit around the mouth, but nothing severe so I wasn't worried.
Then the pandemic happened...Once I had to wear a mask for 30-40hrs a week, my face BLEW UP. It was worse than it was before I went on Accutane...I killed all my self-confidence. I ended up needing to quit and try freelancing at home when my skin got so bad to the point of being extremely painful, the cystic acne was insane. And I was really hoping it would go back to normal now that I didn't have to wear a mask as much.
Nope. It only healed and slowed down a little bit. Now it's been back to how it was just before I started Accutane and I *really* didn't want to have to go on a 2nd round but I cracked 2 days ago. I'm going back to my old clinic, and finished getting a new referral so I have to wait for the dermatologist clinic to call me and make an appointment.
Even though I didn't want to have to go back on it, I know deep down that it will be the only thing that will fix it, since it was the only solution that worked last time.
However, I'm nervous they won't put me back on it because I'm still on blood thinners from the beginning of 2019 when I got a blood clot between my chest and my left arm. *fingers crossed*
I wish I kept my photos I took when I first went on it, but I got embarrassed about them and deleted them all...so if I get to go back on it, I'm going to document my progress properly like you did!
Wow, what happened? all good now?
Just got put on acute! I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on skin care, tried antibiotics, other acne medications, topicals everything I have hope I will finally be acne free since 7th grade
Wishing you the best on your accutane journey! I’ve been on twice, and it did wonders for my skin..Yours already looks like it’s on the mend! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! 💕
Thank you for watching! Pleased to hear it worked for you 😊 x
Wow! what an informative video, thank you so much! I’m on week 3 of a 40mg/day dose for my post pill acne. I’m 45 years old and after trying so many other options this was what my derm recommended. Watching your video was literally me! Although I’ve been experiencing sabaceous filaments and excessive texture and bumps recently. The dryness is crazy and I’m moisturising now more than ever. But hey, the not having to wash your hair everyday is the best!
how are you now? did u face any long terms side effects or hairfall?
I just want to second the gal who said she's happy to see you more regularly again! I've been with you for few years and it's been awesome to see you more recently. And neck pimples are *lé WORST* and I hope that they stop troubling you soon.
♥️ Thank you for watching! x
Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm getting ready to start in a few days and your video provides a lot of comfort. Thank you again!
I have the exact same acne!! Persistent and more near the jawline as I got older. Just started isotretinoin and you have inspired me to do video updates
I have had accutane twice in my life at different times. Once in high school & again in my mid twenties.
I remember having a terrible time with side effects but looking back it was worth it.
Twenty plus years later I like my skin.
Thoroughly recommend Dermaveen Bath & Shower Oil as a facial & body cleanser.
I took Accutane in high school and my only negative symptom was severe dry lips. It got so bad, my bottom lip split in two places! I now have scars that align perfectly with my canine teeth when I smile. Fortunately, it's been 21 years since I took it so the scars have faded significantly. (I got a kick out of making up stories about the scars in college because they were very obvious. My best were a hockey fight or running with the bulls in Pamplona. I've done neither in real life!) 😊
Wow, 21 years and your acne never returned??
@@bossgeneration I still get some hormonal acne on my chin and jaw but nothing like I had in high school. I don't get any acne on my back anymore which is where it was the worst for me. I'm 38 now so I think my skin is finally figuring itself out. 😊
I am starting accutane in a few days and literally cried when my doctor approved me for it. I suffer from painful cystic acne on my face, chest, shoulders, and all over my back. Your video is the best I have found. I know you posed this a while ago but I am hoping that you have/are going to post a three month update. Also can you post your skincare routine while on accutane and after you get off it? I haven't been able to find anyone who discussed their skincare routine after completing treatment!
The second accutane update is now live, you can watch it here: ruclips.net/video/bSraZFoZlHs/видео.html
Skincare routine is in that video too! x
Im in 4 week and i notice acne in my neck, after this video i now im on the track, thank you
Definitely found this useful as I'll be starting Isotretinoin next month! Thank you for making this video, it put some of my concerns to ease.
5:10 made me tear up as someone who has been struggling with their skin for 11 years & can no longer be on the pill 😭 I’m about to start accutane.
You're so well spoken.
Im 41 and have been dealing with PCOS caused acne since 13 years of age. Even the pill never completely cleared it up 100%. I've now come off the pill due to my age (high BC risk and blood clots in my family) and am considering accutane now. I've paid my dues.. Im 41 for heavens sake! Thanks for this video its helpful!
It's amazing how much they know about herpes. I was raped in 2019 and I had symptoms, I couldn't walk at all. The Doctor Was Clueless Alone (Dr.Ani John) On RUclips Has The Full Medication
I started accutane today ... I’m 37 and sick and tired of trying out everything ! Please wish me good luck 🙏🥺
Good luck🥳💗
@@izzyt9728 thank U 🤍
How has it been ??
@@camilasummers I wasn’t allowed to take it 😢
@@tammysupremyan2146 oh no 😥 why?? I'm on it right now
I love your humor and great information. Thank you!
I’ve just restarted on roccutane for the 3rd time on low dose 10mg daily as per my new dermatologist. I’ve tried all topicals, SA peels etc. seems more ristanr was told before that I would need to stay on it long term but didn’t believe my last dermatologist. Had to come off pill and now it won’t go away. Fingers crossed it works now
Hi how's your low dose on accutane update? I'm gonna starting low dose this week and already scared
@@NYS30 I had to stop using it as was getting really sore back and hip pain :( now back on tret and minocycline
@@aliciahurst333 ah im sorry to hear that. You still on 10mg? When you felt the side effect? It's my third day on 20mg and every morning when i woke up i had really bad headache
Best oratane review I’ve watched. It’s really helpful. Thank you!
I've watched your channel for a long time and always enjoyed it. I really admire that you've come on here to share your journey. During all this mask wearing my skin has broken out. I decided to try Differin (which is over the counter in the States). I didn't know what I was getting into with topical vitamin A and it just destroyed my skin. I put moisturizer underneath (as I've heard can help to buffer it a bit) but I think I started too fast (I started every night...crazy me!). It was so embarrassing how bad my skin looked. I broke out far worse with it and my skin was so dry. I felt that my skin barrier was actually damaged. I ended up trying a product called La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume (it's supposed to help with skin barrier damage). Thankfully it really healed the skin barrier and I've just now started back into a routine again. I have never tried accutane but I am cautiously venturing back into Vitamin A (this time something less intense...a regular retinol with a low percentage only twice a week). On the off nights I use either a BHA or an AHA and feel like I am finally, finally getting my skin back. I know the frustration! BTW, what you mentioned on your neck...there's a great Aussie product called Zitsticka. It's a clear patch that's medicated and it really might help (basically a spot treatment). Within a couple of nights it'll be significantly reduced and feel better.
Topical retinoids are no joke, I think just about everyone starts too strong and learns that lesson 😂 Me included. Also, I love Zitsticka! x
Love all of your videos! They're always so genuine, thoughtful and funny.
I’m also currently on accutane, and waited longer than i should have to get on it because I felt it wasn’t ‘bad enough’. I’m dealing with so much scarring, and wish I had done it sooner! I’ll be interested to see what you’re end up doing for scarring.
Fingers crossed 🤞🏻, I think I managed to avoid scarring. I think the Accutane is addressing any red marks actually (because my skin is turning over so quickly). We’ll see at the end of the course 😊
Incredible video! I am 32 (nearly 33) and have been on it for the past 6 months. I wish I had taken the leap and started it ten years ago! It's TOTALLY worth every bad side effect. Laniege lip sleeping mask saved my life!!!
I have never had what you would call "acne" but it has been persistent for years. If anyone really this is contemplating it just do it!
how are you now? did u face any long terms side effects or hairfall?
I just finished doing accutane myself. I was pretty low dosage 20mg twice a day and I cleared up very well but was only on it for a little over 2 months because I was having a lot of back problems and losing more weight than made me comfortable. Overall I was just having a lot of spasms in my back, sensitive eyes and very low appetite but my bloodwork came back fine but stopped to be safe. I dont regret taking it but dont plan on doing it again if needed. Currently going back to adapalene again since my derm is very happy with how my skin looks now.
WOW tysm for his video! I’m starting my accutane journey on Feb 19th and I’m so optimistic
This has been so helpful, thank you. About to start a course for the first time and your video has helped relieve some of the anxiety I had around it :)
wow we're more or less on the same timeline and same dosage and same age! I started 16th of December, first it looked like it got better, than I broke out, but it heals quicker, then I healed, then broke out again. I also get them on weird spots, in week 7 I thought wow great it's clearing all uphill and then week 8 some older ones got bigger again or looked more 'sore'. It stresses me because i also work as a model :( i was hoping i'd be one of them where it's all cleared up by end of month two. anyway started week 9 today! Your video calmed me down. I was thinking maybe I need to up the dosage or is this not working but yeah maybe patience is key here. Which obviously is hard, as it is such an emotional rollercoaster. I never really had issues up until September last year (i mean in the last two years here and there but nothing major), I went through everything under the sun, including birth control nothing helped. i was off for birth control prior to the break outs for 3 years so it can't be that. anyway, i am so glad to find someone who is on a similar timeline as me! I also have some dark spots all over my right cheek, hope they clear up! We can do this :) I love your enthusiasm. I recently talked to another girl our age who also did 20mg and her journey was similar to mine described and she stopped breaking out in month 4. Did your dermatologist say you might need to up the dosage at any point? I have mixed feelings on the one hand i wanna up it so i am done quicker and see results quicker on the other hand i don't wanna deal with more side effects. Mine said we'll have to see.. but usually they do try to stay with 20mg. My ex had severe acne and cleared up so quickly with 10mg and I am here going up and down, confusing.
Yeah definitely it's very helpful... Hey karima this is me from India... And first thing I want to tell you is that I love you ❤ you're such a sweet person.
I have also started accutane this week.... Was so depressed because of acne since so many years. Hopefully it will help me as it helped you.
I also want to tell you that I love your content... Absolute pleasure to watch you.
Good luck, lovely! x
Woah why am I only watching this now??? Tbh I know that my acne is bad and persistent enough for isotretinoin but until now I've never felt bad enough about my skin to actually try it!
Wow an aussie on YT! Great to see and hear :) From an aussie
It's amazing how much they know about herpes. I was raped in 2019 and I had symptoms, I couldn't walk at all. The Doctor Was Clueless Alone (Dr.Ani John) On RUclips Has The Full Medication
I JUST LOVED YOUR WAY OF SPEAKING ❤️
I’ve not had problems with acne beyond monthly hormonal breakout. Our oldest suffered with acne and since neither my husband or I had ever really dealt with it, I took him to a dermatologist who said it was cystic. She prescribed an oral antibiotic along with topical ointment that changed all the color on our bath towels and some shirts. I wish accutane had been available then. Or it may have been and I just didn’t know about it. Your skin is looking amazing and I know acne is painful. That’s something that’s not widely talked about but I wish it was. Maybe then people wouldn’t judge when someone does or doesn’t choose accutane. Furthermore who cares? It’s your face and how you choose to treat your acne is best left to you and your dermatologist, no one else. Well maybe a significant other! 💜💜💜
Never, ever thought of putting lip balm in my nose! Good tip! Now your skin is better, can you please please please come back to us on RUclips??? 😭😭😭 we miss you. I loved your work make up, eyeliner and IG baddie videos - I remember them clearly!!
I had horrible acne for a good 10 years and really really wish I had gone on isotretinoin as a teenager and saved myself years of pain! I was always too scared to go on it because there was a lot of talk about it increasing depression, which I already suffer from. But it seems now that's there's not really much scientific evidence to support that the depression is actually caused or worsened by it, now they are thinking that it's possible people with acne have can often have low self esteem and depression from having the acne itself, and the affect it can have on our self esteem has been ignored or trivialised, and so yes, there were a lot of people with depression on isotretinoin, but probably it wasn't caused or worsened by it.
At its peak, it felt like my acne figured my whole face, and it was painful to put my head on my pillow at night the infection was so bad. Thank God it eventually cleared up on its own in my late twenties. But I've of course for scars. I feel I could have avoided a lot of suffering if I had just gone on it as a teenager, but I suppose I made the best decision for myself with the information I had at the time. 😞
I'm glad you are having success in it and are feeling much better and more confident Karima!
Your skin is looking 😙🤌 (good) lol!
I started accutane in late October. I should be on it for a couple more months. But oh gosh it has helped tremendously with my acne. The minor side effects is worth it for me! I also watched video after video before I went on accutane too! So I appreciate you adding to the list of accutane videos!
how is your skin doing now?? is it cleared up yet? :)
That was such a helpful and informative video ❤️ one of my close family members was on accutane for a few months, and it helped with severe acne problems that nothing else worked on. I’m myself soooo scared to go off the pill, which I plan to do soon, as my skin was quite shitty before 🥲
I'm 17yr old (high school student), I've been suffering from acne for almost 4 years now, it really affected my lifestyle and appearance. Acne changed my personality, Acne destroyed me, I've been fighting against it for such a long time using various of products and none of them worked.
I visited a dermatologist 2 months ago (first time in 4 years) and he prescribed me some medications including Isotretinoin (Roaccutane). I had no clue whatsoever about this capsule nor about its side effects. I'm currently on my second month with this capsule, although I stopped using Isotretinoin for a week after my first *box* was finished, it didn't take long (2days) before my skin completely changed its path in an unimagineable way, I started getting the worse acne I could think of but thankfully I visited another dermatologist and she treated and currently does as her son, I did some blood tests and was given the green flag to continue with Accutane. I'm currently on low doses 10mg during Moday-Friday and 20mg during weekends, the side effects are slight and hopefully there will be more improvement upon my skin.
Note: Pretty sure you've heard of it already but I'm just reminding you to drink lots of water, I mean alot!!
16:47 THE WAY YOU SAID IT WITH A STRAIGHT FACE HAD ME WHEEZ LAUGHIBG😭😭
I’m on month to tackle severe back acne. I’m already seeing results and am so happy
Congratulations! Great news! x
Best video I found about Tretinoin . Thanks!!
Hey I loveeeeee this!! So informative and useful! I’ve had spots for 12 years and have been considering accurate now. Please keep us updated! You also mentioned antibiotics - which ones did you take and did you notice any difference at all when you were on those? Xxx thank you so much for this! Also you are an absolute delight :)