@BGM – I’ve never been much of a dater – but man, I remember places. Remember just going places? I remember going places where you only had to have your keys and wallet. Then it was keys, wallet & phone. Now it’s keys, wallet, phone, latex gloves, hand sanitizer, hand sanitizing wipes, mask, sometimes extra mask.

I remember going to a place, ordering a burger and a drink and sitting there, in the place.

Good times.

So I did have to take it twice. The first time, I was 18. I spent most of my teenage years until then really frustrated about acne. Mine wasn’t terrible or severe, but it was never a few small pimples. It was cystic, it was persistent. I was PUMPED to finally be allowed to take it because I’d tried so many treatments with limited results. My skin was flawless within a couple months, well before I’d finished my treatment.

I seldom had break-outs after that, and if I did it was a pimple (singular). I did start experiencing acne issues again around 26. I’m pretty convinced I have PCOS, which is why I think mine came back. Went back on it at 27.

Anyway, neither of my experiences were bad. My skin was dry, but it was nothing a good moisturizing routine couldn’t fix. On rare occasions that dryness would make my contact lenses uncomfortable. My hair never got greasy (like, EVER), which was amazing. I never had any of the mental health issues some people report. I was careful with birth control because you cannot get pregnant while on it.

The second time I took it, the FDA had rolled out the iPledge program to better warn users of potential risks and side effects. There were a few more hoops to jump through with iPledge but it was still very similar. I saw my dermatologist monthly and they’d take my blood. They’d make sure I wasn’t pregnant and I’d fill out a survey about my wellbeing/moods. I remember at 18, my lipid levels were getting a bit high so they lowered my daily dosage and slightly extended the treatment — according to that dermatologist, daily dosage was unimportant compared to cumulative dosage.

My skin is still clear seven years out from treatment. I do have the occasional blemish, but it’s not like it was before. In HS, my skin was a HUGE insecurity for me and that first treatment was life-changing. I think at 27, I could’ve taken or left the treatment — I was no longer deeply insecure — but since I knew what to expect, I went for it pretty cavalierly. I think with a doctor you trust who is careful/mindful, it’s safe. (Like, I wouldn’t trust a dermatologist who suggested it as the first line of defense.) I’m not as vain as I may sound, but if I was ever felt I needed it again, I’d do it.

I will also add, my sister also took it. She has PCOS. Her skin was always in much better shape than mine as a teenager until all the PCOS symptoms hit her hard and fast in college. She took Accutane and it cleared up. Her acne eventually came back, too, and I know it bothers her, so I asked if she’d consider Accutane again. She said no. She said she felt kinda off while she was on it, so I think it did affect her moods/mental wellbeing.

Sounds like @hfantods also was on it and may also be able to weigh in since experience seem to vary by individual.

ETA: Wow, that was long. Sorry for the wall of text.

For sunscreen, I’ve always used Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch and been very happy with it. It’s lightweight and my moisturizer/makeup goes on over it well. It has all different spf levels too from like 35 to 100 depending on what level of protection your looking for.

@Kate which retinol from The Ordinary are you using? I’ve seen that they have retinols of different levels as well as granactive retinoids which I’ve never heard of. I had a baby recently so had to stop using a lot of my stronger products during pregnancy and my skin is definitely missing it. My old retinol from before pregnancy expired, and I’m interested in trying something new.

@Copa and @hfantods I really appreciate your insights!! I am really hoping that if I do seriously consider this that at my age the likelyhood of it resurging will be lower since I will have gone through my primary hormonal changes.

It has just surged again this past month and I have no idea why, which is the big thing I can’t seem to find a trigger, especially when it is so inconsistent. It does impact my self confidence, I am absolutely different when I have clear skin, and get more reserved, self conscious and feel less attractive when these long breakouts happen. Masks have been a saving grace ironically.

I am now suspicious it is partly triggered by hormones during my period, but I JUST got a new 5 year IUD this summer and would hate to switch out since I just had it inserted.

I am not too worried about pregnancy since I most likely won’t have a serious partner for the next while, and I am actively being ‘childfree’ so efforts are being made to avoid that.

You have both given me something to think about 🙂

I had a sample of that watermelon sleeping mask from Sephora, I’m blanking on the brand, but it was lovely! Something to treat yourself to.

Vaseline, I’d never slather it on my whole face BUT it’s magical for any weird dry spots you get, and nice for cuticles.

@Kate thanks so much! I’ll have to check the Neutrogena one out too. Before pregnancy I was using the First Aid Beauty retinol and really liked it, but I’m looking for something a little stronger now since I feel like my skin has gotten kind of weird post-pregnancy. I’m so excited to get back on top of my skincare game. I’m hoping if I get back into my routine of an AHA for daytime, retinol at night, and a weekly mask I’ll be able to get it back to normal.