Skin Progress (Accutane, 5 months)

Before (December 10, 2014)

Immediately following my first dermatologist appointment. I received several cortisone injections and was prescribed low-dose (20mg) Accutane (isotretinoin). Some of the bruising is from the cortisone injections, but this is a pretty accurate representation of my skin day-to-day. I was told I had "very severe cystic acne". Everything was painful. I never left the house and was very depressed. It sucked. I had anywhere from 15-30 active, deep cysts at a time and they took months to heal.

After, without makeup (April 2015)

I am still taking 20mg of Accutane daily and will continue for another 4 months or so. I feel so much better. There is a lot of scarring/post inflammatory pigmentation left over, but my dermatologist tells me things will improve after the breakouts stop entirely. I currently have only one active cyst by my mouth, and it doesn't even hurt! It popped up when I ran out of hormonal birth control and didn't refill the prescription right away. I have a dent from one of the cortisone injections, which sucks a lot, but my dermatologist tells me it should fill in over the next several months, and if it doesn't we still have options to correct it (fillers etc). Will revisit that after I've completed my course of Accutane.

After, with makeup (April 2015)

I finally have a problem that can be mostly covered with makeup. I feel confident leaving the house and my quality of life has vastly improved!