DW Community Catch-up Thread
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@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.
@Copa no worries! I had looked into Accutane a few years back, one of my old co worker had/has really bad acnes and was on the treatment for it, and it did work! But then it came back…I have heard as well the medication used for it is quite intense. I am a bit worried because of the side effects and body impacts during.
But what was your experience like? Has your acne pretty well toned down, or stopped completely?
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.
Canada approved the Pfizer vaccine. I feel like slowly the weight is being lifted even though I probably won’t get the vaccine for like 10 months. I just want to eat indoors at a restaurant.
@Cleo, I used Accutane. My skin has never been flawless but then my acne got pretty bad a couple years ago. I went on some antibiotics which didn’t really help so then I went on Accutane. I was nervous about the side effects and that it was a strong medication too. My biggest side effect was dryness. It’s also a little annoying because you have to get monthly bloodwork. Also, you really can’t get pregnant on it. I was really happy with my results. It’s only been a year. So far it’s been ok. Hopefully I don’t have to do it again, but it was worth doing for 6 months.
Also re mental health issues, my dr was clear that Accutane doesn’t cause depression but every time I had a check up, he asked me about my mood. I don’t think Accutane changed my mood.
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.I use the granactive retinol 2% in squalane. Like someone else said, it has kind of a thin, oily texture, but it doesn’t seem to cause any issues on my skin (which has oily parts). I think the 2% is the higher level, so you might want to start lower. I always really liked the neutrogena rapid wrinkle repair retinol serum in the silver tube too.
I will say, since this sun damage emerged about 8 years ago, I don’t feel like it’s gotten any worse, and that has to be due to sunscreen and anti-aging products. I have pale skin and there’s light hyperpigmentation on the right side of my forehead and a couple other spots. But they’re light and manageable. My brother has a ton of brown spots. He definitely doesn’t care, so fine, but I can look at that and see what I might be dealing with. The point is, start with sunscreen no matter your age!
@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 really like Asian brand sunscreens as they’re generally very light and don’t mess with my oily skin. YMMV but shisheido is life lol.
LadyE a sleeping pack is a thicker product that has molecules too big to get into your pores so it sits on top and stops the good stuff you’ve already put on from getting out. Some people even use Vaseline though I don’t like it personally. I think especially in winter it’s so nice to use and you wake up feeling so nice and soft.
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.
In the winter my body-lotion routine is 2/3 body lotion and 1/3 Vaseline. I’ll up the Vaseline level if I’m going to spend the day outside or walking around.
I’m looking for a good retinol – but I’m thinking of going for laser treatments to repair sun damage and aging. I figure in the time of masks and now with winter, you can pretty much walk around with your entire face covered if you need to go out, which I rarely do.
@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.
For those of you that use Vaseline for dryness, how do you not get it everywhere? I use it on my lips when they are extra dry, but I can’t imagine putting it on some spots on my face and not getting either my pillow case greasy or on my shirt or whatever.
