• My skin story & my experience with Roaccutane •

This post is going to be an informal kind of chit-chat where I talk to you about my experiences with the acne-fighting medication Roaccutane. 

But let me begin by giving you a little background on my skin. I use to have severe acne from the age of about 12-16. It's as if my acne appeared over night and it covered my face for pretty much the whole of the four years. Now I wont get the violins out, as that part of my life is over, but it was pretty terrible. I tried so many different things to get rid of my acne but to no avail and it really began to get me down. When I was 14, I started the pill to control my hormones - that didn't work. I went for facials where the therapist would massage my skin and put lots of expensive products on it - that didn't work. I finally went to see a specialist dermatologist, referred to by my GP, and was immediately put on a course of Roaccutane for 9 months, and that finally worked. So it's safe to say that I've tried my fair share of harsh chemicals and crazy strategies in the hope of getting clear skin.

I was warned before the medication that my skin, eyes and lips would get dry, and they definitely weren't kidding. I had to seriously moisturise my skin on my face and body, and my lips were constantly dry and sore. In my eyes, this was a victory as it meant that my spots were drying up so I was chuffed to feel this happen! I was also warned that my moods would change and they did; I would be teary one minute and right as rain the next, so it was a bit of a whirlwind. There are also other side effects that should be seriously looked into before going on the medication (as you would with any other prescription) and I read and checked these thoroughly before use - my dermatologist was so lovely and helpful and he talked through any worries that me or my mum had (and there were a few!) so always make sure you're looking into the side effects of any medication, no matter how badly you want it! In terms of how effective the medication was, I remember taking 2 a day and then reducing down to 1 in the later months but I saw a stark improvement in my skin after 4 months. After 9 months, my skin was clear and I only had a few spots left and I was absolutely over the moon. I wasn't yet at the stage where I could leave the house without make up but I certainly wasn't caking it on in a bid to cover millions of angry blemishes.

When I was on the medication I kept my skin care routine very minimal and I was very consistent throughout the whole 9 months. I used the Simple cleansing wipes to remove my make up, another of the Simple cleansing wipes to actually cleanse my skin and then I used Bio-oil straight after that. I checked this all through with the dermatologist and he told me that this was a great combination as a toner would only strip my skin further and cause it to become even more dry. I took my make up off as soon as I got home from school and I tried not to wear any at weekends. My diet didn't change and it didn't need to - I've always been a healthy eater, and I can't remember drinking more water than I do now/did before-hand. Basically, Roaccutane does most of the work for you if you're generally a healthy person and wan't to invest a little time and effort in your skin care.

My skin now - scars on my left cheek but spot-free.

Fortunately, I haven't had acne since then - at the age of 22, I get the occasional break out which is usually around my chin, but I can deal with that. What I'm left with now are scars on my left cheek which aren't pretty but it's miles better than what I looked like 7-8 years ago. I will quickly say here that the decision to go on Roaccutane was not spurred by any kind of bullying, I was never criticised by anyone for having bad skin (perhaps because I used to plaster on Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse...) and it was totally my own decision to go on the medication. It just got to the point where I was repulsed every time I looked in the mirror and that's when I realised I really wanted things to change.

Nothing a little make up can't fix... :)

(Review for the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation here)

Whatever you look like, whatever you do and however hard you try, you will always find something you don't like about yourself. Basically, I'm not saying that since I don't have acne anymore I'm completely happy with the way I look. But then again, are any of us? I've learnt over the years to deal with the little things about my body that niggle me, but then I've also realised that I will always still find something to improve on! You just can't keep up with treatment after treatment and you have to love what you're born with. I'll be honest, I hate my bottom (it is fricken large to the point of being laughable) and I've always been self-conscious of it, but that doesn't mean I would get a bum reduction - it just means that I know how to work with it, by wearing clothes that suit my shape and by trying to tone it. So yes, I would recommend Roaccutane as it really did sort my skin out, but only if you're medically able to - always be honest with your doctor. I would also recommend taking compliments from friends, family and other loved ones, as it's so easy these days to just focus on the negative and not realise the good bits, of which I am sure there are many.

Please share your experiences with acne or Roaccutane in the comments below.

I was a little nervous about putting this post out there so... go easy with me!

Daniela x