Chapped/bleeding lips because of Roaccutane

This is the first day that They have bled; I woke up and my lips felt very dry and when I opened my mouth to brush my teeth they cracked and started bleeding.

This is a really common side effect and is also really annoying when you love to wear lipstick... 

As I said previously, I've been using Flint + Flint lip hero to stop the dryness during the day which has really worked for me. I've also been applying coconut oil which doesn't sting and seems to calm the dryness as well.

If anyone knows of any intense night time lip treatments that can prevent morning bleeding please let me know!

- Natalie

Month 1 on Roaccutane (pictures)

I have recently completed month 1 of my third course of Roaccutane!

I find it's working a lot quicker than the previous times and in the first 2 weeks I noticed that my skin was a lot less oily; when my skin was at its oiliest I could feel my skin becoming greasy and is constantly be checking my mirror and I can't believe what a difference R has made already!

At the moment it doesn't look like I have a lot of acne but this is a good day. 

My skin is starting to become dryer; I'm applying Lip balm constantly (I've been using Flint + Flint Lip Hero which seems to be working), my face is starting to peel- especially around my nose and on my chin, and my hands have started to get Tony cuts on them where they're drying out.

Sometimes I get mild headaches but other than that it's mainly just the dryness which is going to get worse but BRING IT ON 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

I went for my second consultation yesterday and even the consultant said how unusual it is to have to take R for a third time: he said people usually take it during their late teens and can relapse after a few years but to have to take it a third time is unfortunate.

As I was walking to the hospital there was a girl who was lost, also going to the dermatology department, so I walked in with her because acne is embarrassing and horrible and we should support each other because we're all going through the same thing. If you're reading this, random girl, hi!

- Natalie

Itchy scalp

I've only been on Roaccutane for 2 weeks and 1 day but already the itchy scalp is driving me crazy!

R works by drying out the skin and my scalp seems to be the most affected right now, I assume because it wasn't very oily to begin with its drying up quicker?

I'm suffering with itching and skin flakes so I'm going to stock up on Head and Shoulders to try and combat

It's a really annoying and common side effect, I'm just hoping the itching stops soon! If anyone has any tips for me I'd love to hear them!!!!

- Natalie

2 weeks on Roaccutane

Well, 13 days to be exact...

 Already my skin has started to become flaky! I have a friend who knows I'm taking it and when I said to her my skin was starting to become dry she said she had noticed it a few days earlier; but if she hadn't have known I was taking R and that this was a side effect of it then she wouldn't have paid it any attention.

I have also, in the last day or two, started experiencing a pain in the centre of my chest (middle of the ribs in line with my nipples). I can only describe it as a heavy, dull ache that comes and goes.

- Natalie

Day 1 of Roaccutane (round 3)

Today is my first day back on Roaccutane! Hopefully this time it will work.

I'm starting on 40mg; last time I took it for 6 months but this time my dermatologist said he'll keep me on it for as long as it takes.

This is my skin today:

I'll keep you updated with my progress and any side effects I might have

- Natalie

Dermaroller

Last year I decided, instead of my usual Micropeels, to try Dermarolling.

The Derma Roller is a small hand held device covered in hundreds of surgical micro-needles; when rolled across the skin they can prick through the dermis, without damaging the skin, to help generate collagen production. It can be used for acne scars as the collagen helps new skin form until the scars are healed.

Before Dermarolling takes place they will numb the skin with a cream so make the pricking less painful.

I personally didn't find it painful but I have quite a high pain threshold when it comes to my face... A bunch of tiny needles are going to be rolled across your skin so it's always safe to assume before you have it done that it won't feel like a soothing facial. Apparently people feel it more on the bony parts of the face (the forehead).

The numbing cream was left for about 25 minutes, it was the same sensation you get if your mouth is numbed by the dentist before an injection. 

The derma rolling itself didn't last very long, 15 minutes at most? I could could feel my face getting hotter and when it was over I was warned that, due to the needles creating tiny tears in my skin, it was very red.

This redness lasted about 30 minutes and then died down to a small amount of redness, when the numbing cream wore off my skin did feel quite tender also. I was advised not to apply any makeup and to avoid hot water (showers/baths/steam rooms).

- Natalie

3rd time on Roaccutane

Next week I am back at my Doctors to be prescribed Roaccutane for the third time in my 25 year old life.

I went to see my Dr in December because once again my face was continuously breaking out and I thought "I'm a grown woman, I shouldn't be having to put up with this". I absolutely hate waking up in the morning and making that walk to the mirror to see how bad it will be. 

There are no good days with my skin- there are average days but that is not good enough. I don't want to feel ugly every day. 

I hate it when people say "you can't even notice it". Yes, you can. And if I can notice it and my dermatologist can notice it then it is there.

I've already been to have my blood tests so I just need to pick those ready to take with me. 

I'm relieved because although it's not cleared my skin up perfectly like I would have hoped it would have the last two times I am optimistic that this time will be third time lucky.

Has any one else had to take R multiple times? What's the most amount of times you've been prescribed it?

- Natalie