6 weeks Roaccutane (Accutane/Isotretinoin) free

Thought I would do a little update for you now it has been about 6 weeks since finishing my Roaccutane. This seems to be the agreed amount of time that the drug takes to clear from the body (although some of the side effects can last much longer, all of it has been metabolised and cleared now).

Skin dryness
Dryness has almost completely gone. My lips were back to normal by week 2 and any dry patches of skin from using products that were too strong have now completely gone. My skin is still combination.

Skin reactivity
The ferocity to which my skin reacts to products seems much reduced. My tolerance to retinols and acids has definitely increased.
I have not noticed and increase chance of burning from the sun, however I am being VERY careful - hat, sunglasses and SPF 50.

Joints
Knee pain has almost completely gone. I was lucky to never suffer from back pain but did have a significant amount of neck and shoulder pain and this reduced a lot, especially between weeks 4 and 6. My foot and ankle pain/ache is the only thing that is remaining but that has also reduced significantly.

Spots
I got my first spot around 4 weeks after being off Roaccutane. Turns out I was also due on my period! This came and went within a few days. Panic over. The issue with Roaccutane now is that people are put on it for much less severe acne than they were 10 years ago. If you have full face, severe, cystic acne, then an improvement for you will be much different to someone who gets 5 or 6 spots a month.
Because the 5-6 spots a month group are now being put on Roaccutane, the expectations for an "acne cure" are much higher, but this is not the reality. You will still get spots however they should be less frequent and less severe. 


The pictures below are me now. No make up. No filter (as always).

As those who work in hospital or in a dental surgery will know, there is no more honest, or less flattering light, than what they use in a dental surgery or hospital. I thought this would be a good light to show you my skin because you will see it, warts (/scars) and all. 

My skin care routine

AM

1.       Non foaming cleanser (I used antibacterial, anti acne, anti anything good for the skin    cleansers for years until a dermatologist told me this is the worst thing you can do!) I use Cereve hydrating cleanser, or cetaphil. Both super cheap from Boots
2.       Hyaluronic acid serum – I use the one from - The Ordinary hyaluronic acid and B5 serum  
3.       La roche posay effaclar duo plus – this has salicylic acid, niacinamide and benzoyl        peroxide which are the 3 best acne and pigment fighting ingredients
4.       Skinoren 20% azelaic acid cream - just around my chin and lips where I have comedones and pigmentation
5.       Oil free moisturiser – this is key. I have a post on my blog about my faves and I tend to rotate between them. I mix this with the ordinary 100% L ascorbic acid powder (which is pure vitamin c). This will work on the marks left behind by the spots, it also acts as a bit of a skin protector from UV
6.       SPF in summer (if you spend any amount of time outdoors or in the car in daylight you will need this year round, I spend most my time in a basement of a hospital with no natural daylight). I’m trying a few new ones out at the moment and will be doing a blog post soon

PM:

1    

1.        Cereve cleanser with my Foreo Luna mini
2.        AHA/BHA toner (unless I am about to follow with a stronger retinol) 
3.        Niacinamide serum (I love The Ordinary 10% niacinamide and zinc serum )
4.        Oil free moisturiser if I am using a higher strength retinol to buffer
5.        Retinol. I have a post on my blog (the “wait that line wasn’t there yesterday) with my       favourites. I had to drop down the The Ordinary Granactive retinoid 2% due to my skin    reactivity but am now up to 0.5% retinol in Neostrata Retinol NAG

Are your hair care products causing your acne?

As a little follow on from my hair care post, I thought it was worth mentioning that acne, particularly around the edges of the face, the jawline, and body acne (bacne) can be caused by hair products.

I found myself last year with a constant crop of little bumpy spots on the left side of my neck and a few more on my back. It made no sense as my face was clear. It was only as I stood in the showering pondering this issue, that I realised, whenever I apply hair conditioner, I do it by pulling my hair to one side (the left). Similarly, I plait my hair when in work (far less breakage than tying in a pony tail, and far more comfortable than in a clip or a bun), and the tail of the bun lies on the left side of my neck.

I also found that when I was allowing my conditioner to sink in, and then wash it out, my hair was always sat along my back.

So…easy tips for eliminating yet ANOTHER potential cause of your acne:

1. When applying conditioner, flip your head forwards, or lean so it is well out of the way of having any contact with your skin
2. If you are allowing your conditioner to soak into your hair, put a shower cap on, or at least tie or clip your hair out of the way. This applies to men too if your hair is long enough to require conditioner.
3.  Try not to lean forwards while conditioner is sitting in the hair as this can allow it to drip down the face
4.  Always cleanse your face and body  once all the hair faffing is finished. This will ensure that no product which may have come into contact with your skin is left on there
5. Also consider your shampoo and styling products. I have taught you to avoid SLS, foaming agents, fragrance etc in your skin care, however if shampoo or styling products are used with these products, and you are reactive to them, then an acne flare up is inevitable.
6.  If you have a fringe, apply your skincare before you dry it. I say this because once your fringe is dry and styled, you will be very hesitant to mess it up by applying skincare under it. This means that a large portion of your face will be missing out on the skin care ingredients it needs. I also use copious amounts of dry shampoo so that oil from my hair is not transferred to my forehead and vice versa    
7. Once you are out the shower, give your body a spritz with an anti-bacterial zinc spray – my favourite is La Roche PosaySerozinc
8. When applying heat protection/anti frizz spray to wet hair, ensure your body is covered, either use a towel or do when clothed. This will mean none of the product gets on your body causing irritation
9. If using styling and finishing products - especially those which give shine or have oil, try just to apply to the outside of the hair, rather than the bits that come into contact with your neck/back. Smooth over the top layer and leave the underneath - which no one can see anyway!
10. Finally, if you finish with a hair spray, or anti humidity spray, cover your face. It may seem silly, but especially if you have a fringe which you desperately want to stay in place, or stay straight, a lot of the product will end up on your skin. I literally hold a towel close to my face, flip my fringe over, and then spray. Your skin will thank you for the extra 30 seconds of work. You can also scare your boyfriend/family members in the process