Acne is a skin condition affecting various body parts such as the face, chest, upper back, and shoulders. It occurs when sebum, an oil that nourishes your skin, plugs into the hair follicles, causing pimples. This makes your skin bumpy and leaves dark spots commonly known as hyperpigmentation.
To treat acne, individuals try every kind of product on the market, including homemade treatments. However, acne can sometimes be stubborn to the commonly used drugs, affecting your self-esteem.
Luckily, you can get Accutane as a treatment to cure acne since it has had a proven record of successful journeys. In fact, till today, it is the only drug known to heal every type of acne that is unresponsive to other treatments.
What is Accutane?
Accutane, commonly known as isotretinoin, is a potent oral drug used to treat severe forms of acne. It is a form of vitamin A that acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation, and unclogging blocked pores. Accutane work by decreasing the production of sebum by shrinking your skin’s sebaceous glands. Less oil on the face will reduce the overgrowth of an acne bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. You can buy Accutane Canada online or at a dispensary near you.
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Results of Taking Accutane Week By Week
The treatment of acne with Accutane is not an overnight thing, and it’s a process that may take several weeks before you get that glowing skiing that you’ve always desired. And each week, every individual will experience different outcomes depending on the severity of the skin condition. Also, bodies are different, and their reaction to the active ingredients of this potent drug will be distinctive. With that said, here are the results you should expect when you start taking Accutane.
Week 1
When starting your acne treatment journey with Accutane, it is best to take small doses and see how your skin reacts. At this stage, your skin will get worse before it gets better, a process called purging.
Most patients say “it gets worse before it gets better” since they experience acne flare-ups and an exacerbation period that leaves them wondering if they made a good decision. However, this process is normal and should not discourage you from taking Accutane. As a matter of fact, this is when the pilosebaceous units are shedding the damaged cells and replacing them with healthy ones.
Fortunately, your acne specialist can help you reduce the purging, which occurs within weeks 1 to 2. Some of the options are;
- Your dermatologist can recommend lowering the Accutane dosage.
- Antibiotics can be prescribed to lessen the severity of the purging.
- Some steroids are possible treatments to control breakouts and acne exacerbations from skin purging.
- You can sleep near a humidifier since it increases moisture and prevents the throat and nasal passage from drying out.
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Week 2 to 4
Depending on your skin type, you will start noticing some changes during this period. Acne that might have been dormant will begin showing up on the skin surface, which means there is a rejuvenation of skin cells underneath. However, this stage has several side effects such as muscle joints, nose bleeds, dry skin, and lips. But, these reactions can be controlled through various;
- Use a heavy moisturizer as recommended by your dermatologist
- Always wear sunscreen whether it’s sunny or cloudy since Accutane increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight
- Due to the drying effects on your lips, regularly apply to avoid cracking and bleeding
- You can use a lip mask during the night to ensure you wake with moisturized, plumpy lips
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day
- Avoid picking or biting your lips
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Week 5 and Above
At this stage, your skin will significantly improve, and your acne will subsidize. New breakouts will be less, the existing ones will dry out, and your skin will appear more transparent, restoring your self-esteem.
In addition, you might feel other side effects like fatigue, thinning of the hair, and skin peeling because Accutane controls sebum production. These symptoms are typical to most patients, but some may have a smooth Accutane journey without these adverse effects. However, if such signs persist, it is best to contact your dermatologist for management to avoid causing further damage to your health.
Conclusion
The decision to take Accutane as an acne treatment is difficult due to the information available on the internet. Some people purport that it affects their growth, while others say it impacts fertility, which is yet to be proved. However, before going the Accutane way, it is best to consult a certified dermatologist to avoid getting side effects that could risk your health. Females are also advised to start using birth control about 1-2 months before using Accutane since it can lead to congenital disabilities.
Individuals using Accutane have reported some temporary side effects such as dryness, sweating, tiredness, and body soreness. But, these reactions subsidize over time and eventually disappear after you are through Accutane medication. Finally, you will enjoy beautiful glowing skin and regain the radiant face you’ve always admired.
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