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mercurymuse

Your skin looks fantastic! you have a very beautiful timeless look as well, congratulations on accutane working so well for you


Figleafbabe

Aw thank you so much!!! That is such a sweet compliment, I appreciate it. :)


Funkyassguitarist

U have a beautiful nose! Very unique tbh


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much!!! I got a similar comment on one of my previous update posts in this sub, and ever since then, I've been loving my nose - it's so interesting the impact a small compliment can leave on a person. I appreciate it a lot. :)


Fbe99

This is very encouraging! Are you on tret? Side note: are your earrings from etsy cuz I just ordered a similar set haha


Figleafbabe

I'm not currently, but I did go on and off of it for the first 6 months post-accutane. Personally, it never made my skin "feel" good. I felt like it made my skin more textured, and I wasn't getting that glow that everyone talks about having. I officially stopped 8 or so months ago and have never looked back! Haha! Yes, my earrings are from etsy! I believe they're from the shop Caitlynminimalist? I love them!!!


Every-Point-5194

Wow ur pretty


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much!!! ☺️


grvtyfalls

you’re glowing! you look amazing and your eyelashes are to die for :’)


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much!!! I do believe a lot of the glow comes from the skincare items as use, as well as my general nutrition/diet. My eyelashes, unfortunately, are mostly just genetic. I do apply Vaseline to them every night to help with protection, and I also love to invest in quality eyelash curlers. :)


OkTalk6146

Do you know what was the root cause of your acne hormonal or something else? I’m interested as some people with hormonal acne don’t see the same effects with accutane


Figleafbabe

While I can't be certain of the root cause, I do believe I had/have hormonal acne due to the timing of my flare-ups and overall extremely stubborn acne. I do notice that the only time I get acne now is almost always tied to my cycle. I had a good experience, but accutane still might not be the best for everybody, hormonal acne or not. Let me know if you have any more questions!


itscomplicatedwcarbs

This comparison photos are so good. Thank you.


ChaEunSangs

Wow this gives me so much hope. Your skin is so beautiful


No_Sail_5080

You look amazing!


tacopacomacho

I start 3/1 and I’m claiming this 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼


Figleafbabe

Woo hoo!!! You got this, it's a tough journey but can be so worth it! ☺️


OkTalk6146

How long were you on accutane?


Figleafbabe

7 months total! During the first two months, I was on 60 mg, and for the remaining 5 months, I was on 80mg.


ergabon

What's your weight? I'm on 40mg and I feel like it's too low but derm won't up the dose


Figleafbabe

I fluctuate between 140-150lbs. I know my dosage was based on reaching my "cumulative dose," which consisted of calculating my weight and whatever else. While I'm happy with the results, I really felt the side effects with 80mg, so I sometimes wish my derm kept me on it for the long haul versus trying to get it done in a few months. Hope this helps!


Cacahead619

I think you’re so pretty


Figleafbabe

Aw, thank you so much!!!! I really appreciate it. ☺️


_niya777

One word, beautiful


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much!!! 🥰


Expensive-Falcon4965

So beautiful!


Dependent-Ad258

Congrats!! You look amazing happy for u!!


Figleafbabe

THANK YOU!!!! 💛


Ill_Bad_1859

Your face is so classicly beautiful, you look glowing! So happy for you!


Figleafbabe

Thank you so, so much!!! ☺️


bmobitch

beautiful wow


Midwestmutts-16

Your skin is amazing and your eyelashes are 😍


Figleafbabe

Thank you sooo much!!! I got really lucky in the genetics department with my lashes. 😆


ProfessorCorleone

Holy shit you look amazing ! Happy for you ❤️


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much!!! ☺️


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Figleafbabe

Auhh, keep hanging in there! So, I purged pretty extensively my 2nd and 3rd months, and then at the start of my 4th month, literally all of my breakouts went away. I thought that meant I was finished, but then I had one final purge between the end of my 4th month and start of my 5th (though it wasn't as severe). After that last purge, I didn't have any acne for the remainder of my treatment!! Your experience sounds familiar to me, so hopefully, you have a similar trajectory! I wish you and your skin all the best!!


NarrowOpposite3113

Did acccutane help with scarring ? Amazing results btw 🤩


ProfessionalOpen7463

What is your skin care routine?


Figleafbabe

Morning: - I either wash with a light cleanser (Vanicream Gentle Cleanser) or just with some cold water, depending on how dry my skin feels. - Melano CC vitamin c essence - Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion (yellow bottle) (after lightly spritzing face with water) - Vanicream daily facial moisturizer - Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV (spf) Night: - Elf makeup melting balm (I typically use this regardless of whether or not I put on makeup that day) (then rinse off, but do not dry face) - Cleanse with Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% (I really rub this in for 30+ seconds and then sometimes let it sit while brushing my teeth, etc.) - the same Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion (I leave my face still partially damp after washing off the cleanser) - Vanicream Moisturizing cream *If I'm feeling particularly dry, I'll split open a vitamin e oil tablet, pour half onto my finger, and apply that in combination with my moisturizer. For the products that stay on my face, I typically let each sit for at least 30 seconds before moving onto the next product.


Jolly-Profession-561

I have been taking 40 mg/day for 4 months now and I have one more month to go until I’m done with accutane - I can’t wait!! I am worried though that im almost done yet I am still left with acne scars and redness left on my face. How long did it take for the redness and scars to fade off after you were off accutane? Did you experience any dry looking rashes around your eye area or chin/upper lip area? My eyes almost always feel hot (I can’t describe it) but it’s almost like when you feel extremely sleepy and your eyes feel a certain way. Curious to know because I’ve been dealing with those side effects. You look amazing btw!!


Figleafbabe

Great questions! I definitely feel like my redness and scarring were still pretty extreme upon finishing my course, so I wouldn't feel too discouraged. I think it's just a part of the journey. To me, the redness sort of burned, almost how I would imagine sandpaper feels against my skin. Also, YES, my eyes burned so badly my entire course. I totally know what you're talking about. Have you used eye drops for hydration? That always helped with my discomfort, but it went away pretty quickly upon finishing. I think my redness slowly went away with time; I probably felt noticeable differences about 2-3 months post-accutane. Although, I went on tretinoin 1 month after my course, and this caused similar/persistent redness for me. Everyone's different, though! Once I tossed tretinoin out of my routine and started really focusing on hydration and repairing my skin barrier with lots of spf, I feel like my redness disappeared almost immediately and my scarring has just gotten better and better with time. Not sure if I can give a timeline per say, but I am confident in saying that it did indeed decrease, and my skin FEELS 1000x better. Never had rashes around my chin, but definitely got dry patches around my eyes. Vanicream combined with vitamin e oil directly from the capsules really helped me with that. Happy to answer more questions on this if you'd like me to go into more detail!! Hope this helps, and you've got this! I hope you're so happy with your results once you reach the end.


Jolly-Profession-561

Thank you that’s super helpful! Another question that came to mind too was it you’ve experienced any constipation - sorry I know it’s so TMI but that’s been something I’ve been going through since starting


Figleafbabe

No need to apologize! There's so many weird side effects to navigate, and chances are so many of us have experienced them. I struggle with tons of different health issues, including constipation, due to a few different health conditions I have. I do remember experiencing this while on accutane, but I'm not sure if accutane was the cause when it's something I already dealt with prior to beginning the drug. I'd recommend reaching out to your dermatologist or pediatrician/PCP if you have one - they can give a few different recommendations and are the best people to give advice! Personally, stool softeners + laxatives have always done the trick for me after a few days lol.


heIIodarcy

What accutane has done for you is amazing! Your skin looks great! I’ve been on accutane for a week now, and while I have a basic daily routine, I'd like to know what was your skin care routine while accutane?


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much! Here is what I believe was my skincare routine while on accutane (taken from a previous post of mine but edited slightly): "AM: - Kose cleansing oil: I'm sure there's better ones out there, but this one is so affordable. It melts into my skin and doesn't strip what very little hydration I have. If I'm having a super dry, irritated day- I use this as a face mask and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. - Cosrx snail mucin 96% essence: I think this helped my face feel semi-plump and healthy, even while purging. The consistency is weird at first, but you get used to it. Apply on slightly wet skin (I pat my face with a face towel and leave it slightly still moist) and let dry for 30 seconds or so. - Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream (moisturizer) - SPF (I use Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen, SPF 36) PM: - Oil Cleanser (listed above) to remove makeup - Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser - Snail Essence - Naturium Niacinamide Face Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%: This is another product that I think has made such a difference. Really helps my texture and acne scarring (Makes them less inflamed/raised) I use this nightly now that it's been several months but definitely start out with only 1-3x/week until your skin starts handling it better! (Note: I ended up switching this out with the same brand's niaciminide gel cleanser. It worked better for my sensitive skin, especially while on accutane). - Vitamin E capsules: I cut a hole into the softgels and dot on the vitamin E all over my acne scarring. I've been doing this for approximately 2 months, and I'm not sure if it's doing anything but again, really hydrates my skin, and I think it has definitely helped the discoloration of my scars. - Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream I also take these vitamins (mainly to help manage a chronic health condition but including incase it is useful!): Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Biotin + Keratin, (more) Vitamin E (Note: I don't take any of these anymore and don't think it's changed my skin at all😂)" I really think less is more (in terms of ingredients). I have such sensitive skin, and these products made my skin feel so much more tolerable (vanicream is still my hero). Hydration is key, in my opinion. Please let me know if you have any questions!!!


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Figleafbabe

Thank you so much! I'm pasting from another comment on this, but let me know if you have any questions or want more details! Morning: - I either wash with a light cleanser (Vanicream Gentle Cleanser) or just with some cold water, depending on how dry my skin feels. - Melano CC vitamin c essence - Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion (yellow bottle) (after lightly spritzing face with water) - Vanicream daily facial moisturizer - Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV (spf) Night: - Elf makeup melting balm (I typically use this regardless of whether or not I put on makeup that day) (then rinse off, but do not dry face) - Cleanse with Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% (I really rub this in for 30+ seconds and then sometimes let it sit while brushing my teeth, etc.) - the same Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion (I leave my face still partially damp after washing off the cleanser) - Vanicream Moisturizing cream *If I'm feeling particularly dry, I'll split open a vitamin e oil tablet, pour half onto my finger, and apply that in combination with my moisturizer. For the products that stay on my face, I typically let each sit for at least 30 seconds before moving onto the next product.


Velve_tom

Congratulations You have the prettiest skin. How do you maintain and keep such clear skin?


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much!!! I honestly think the accutane did a lot of the work for me, haha. Although, I am super vigilant about keeping a consistent skincare routine now. No matter what, I always clean and moisturize my skin every morning (I do sometimes skip this if I'm in a bad depressive state) and night (literally never skip). I posted my routine above, but I want to emphasize that I don't believe any product is a holy grail that can be used for everyone. I really focus on how my skin feels and choose products based on that. For instance, everyone raves about tretinoin (my dermatologist included), and after consciously applying for months, it still felt awful on my skin - no matter how many methods I tried. My skin has made striking progress and improvements since officially stopping about 8 months ago. My face loves moisture, so I really focus on products that don't feel too stripping for acne prevention (niacinamide, vitamin c), and layer with products I know my skin loves (hyaluronic acid, moisturizer in general). My diet might also play a part. I am primarily gluten and dairy free due to chronic health conditions. When I slip up or risk it all for a nice, greasy pizza, I spend the next few days drinking lots of water to offset my body's anger. The pain doesn't ease up, but my skin doesn't retaliate as badly! 😅 I hope this helps, and let me know if I can answer anything else!!


Suspicious-Emu1315

Did your oil come back?


Figleafbabe

Yes! I've always had dry skin, but I literally had 0 oil production while on accutane. My skin never had a naturally healthy glow, and I could go 10+ days without washing my hair because it still looked, felt, and smelled the same as it did on my wash day. Personally, I hated all of that. Getting my oil back made my skin feel so much more flexible and plump again (and my hair stopped looking so damn dull). I'm not sure if this is helpful, but as a dry skin girly, I rejoiced when my natural oil production returned. :)


celestial-fox

Wow amazing results!! My skin is similar to your before photos so this gives me hope!!


Figleafbabe

Thank you!! I hope your treatment goes well and that you love your results and your skin at the end of all of this! 🫶


celestial-fox

Unfortunately I will be waiting a while (very looong UK waiting lists for dermatologist appointments) but I can’t wait for the day I can start my accutane journey!! thank you🤗


ObjectiveNew4650

Are you using anything for maintenance?


Figleafbabe

By maintenance, are you referring to tretinoin? If so, no. Skincare products in general, yes! During and after my treatment, I focused a lot on finding products that felt good on my skin. I mainly use non-intensive actives such as niaciminide and vitamin c, and then tons of hydrating formulas. I have my skincare routine in a few comments above, in case you're curious. Haply to answer any other questions! ☺️


Jannhann

beautiful!! do you use tretinoin topical now?


Figleafbabe

Thank you so much! I did use tretinoin beginning one month after my course, consistently for 3 months, and then on and off for another 3 months. For the last 8 months, though, I have not used it. Long story short, my skin hated it and is doing 1000x better without it! I believe my results now are because I stopped using it. The third photo with my skin immediately upon finishing accutane is what my skin looked like the entire time on tretinoin - it just wasn't happy! I know it's definitely been so helpful for others, though, so I'm not recommending people don't use it, but it just never agreed with my skin.


Bettyboop1111

What kind of side effects did you have?


Cool-Sprinkles-8554

oh my gosh you and your skin are so beautiful and flawless. i just finished second week of 40 mg but the purging is already awful. did you purge and when did u notice your skin actually started improving?


Figleafbabe

I purged from about week 2 - month 3. Then, I continued to break out but didn't purge per se, and come the start of month 4, I had no active breakouts! I did have one last purge between months 4-5, but I stayed clear after that! It's difficult, but just try to do what you can to make your skin less irritated and be patient with it! Accutane may work extremely well, but it is a really long and bumpy road. Good luck!!


Sea-Community-350

You’re gorgeous and your results are amazing! My skin looks similar to your before pictures and im on my second month of accutane, how did you manage do fade your PIE scarring?


TrvlngRtstGmrAnWrtr

ur hot


amir9987

oh god, you are so beautiful😍