Accutane / Isotretinoin

Drugs are powerful things. You generally do not want to do drugs. But sometimes you have to do drugs.

Accutane as many know it. Or isotretinoin if you're generic-minded like me and fine with using a cheaper option, it's a powerful drug that does wonders for persistent skin issues.

Most folks take this in their younger years, where acne or rosacea or some other skin issue most often flares up and solutions are sought. For me, I've dealt with acne in different forms and to different degrees over a number of years. And I was ashamed because it felt like a weakness.

As I got into my thirties, I realized that some things that I thought were related to diet or exercise or some other controllable imperfection, in fact, were not related to any of that. I suffered from back acne (and the quarterly cystic face acne). And I tried everything -- adjusting my diet and exercise and different types of topical treatments and body washes and so many other things. But as it turns out, I suffered from an oil imbalance seemingly beyond my control.

This miraculous health solution, isotretinoin, finally solved all that for me.

I did 60-80mgs per day. Two forties, a forty and a thirty, or two thirties. I only missed a handful of days (with most of that handful being taking a day off when the body aches became excruciating).

Now, for the ugly details. It's a six-month treatment. And it will dry you out (but in my experience, nothing that some Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum and Hydro Boost Water Cream couldn't solve). The worst part was the body aches. Perhaps it's because I was at the advanced age of 37 when taking this. But it obliterated my back for days at a time. It essentially tore my shoulder and started doing a number on my knees. Working out on the Tonal was nearly impossible for a number of exercises. Avoiding alcohol was more manageable than I'd have initially guessed, but the body aches that kept me from sleeping and exercising and existing in comfort was the hardest part.

In the end, I'd do it again. I pray I don't have to (even if it is allegedly semi-common). And it's allegedly temporary (much like Lasik from my understanding). So if you're considering something extreme for a real solution to dermatological concerns, I'd give it serious consideration.

None of this is medical advice. Just my experience! Isotretinoin is prescription-only for good reason: it means regular liver and lipid bloodwork, it causes severe birth defects, depression, and the risks are real. Talk to a dermatologist, they are worth it!

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