13th Jan 2003 to 09th February 2003
Diagnosed my acne as severe 'quite nasty' cystic type. After being weighed, I was prescribed 75mg a day. The pharmacist said to split this dose if I noticed any adverse effects, otherwise take it once a day with food.
Next appointment is in 2 months.
Woke up on the 2nd day with dry lips! so I went on a little shopping trip and bought some Vaseline Lipcare (in those cool little retro tins), E45 cream and Vaseline DermaCare Moisturiser. Some Refresh Contact Lens Re-wetting Drops and a new razor - a Wilkinson Sword 3D Protector Diamond, which I've found to be much better than the Gillette's that I've used for quite a while.
Over the course of the month I found E45 to be horribly greasy and not really moisturise effecively, the Vaseline DermaCare is really good though, it soaks straight in a makes my skin look good without being too shiny.
I later bought some Chapstick so I can re-apply throughout the day.
After just 3 days my face was noticeably drier, i.e. not greasy. By the end of week 1 I have to moisturise my face once a day.
By week 2 and for the rest of the month I had to thoroughly moisturise my face at least twice a day. My lips needed constant vaseline application until I discovered Blistex Relief Cream, which only needs 2 applications a day to keep my lips looking ok and not being sore.
My upper arms and back began to dry out by the 3rd week but I haven't bothered moisturising them yet even though they're a bit itchy.
My nose started to peel in week 3 and like an idiot I helped it along, pulling big shreds off to reveal bright red skin underneath! However the big open pores on my nose are gradually disappearing and there are no back heads by the end of the month.
The backs of my hands are getting an itchy rash on them if I don't moisturise them well enough every day.
My face completely cleared up in the 1st week to the best it's been for years. Then the following week I had a massive outbreak making my face look the worst it's ever been!! Covered in small whiteheads, about 12 moderate nodules and 3 big cysts and covered in grease!! This carried on till day 12 when almost overnight it cleared up!
By the 3rd week all I'm getting is 2 or 3 very small bumps on my face and no grease. The 1st time in ages that acne hasn't affected my daily routine. i.e. not having to rush home to wash.
My back and shoulders haven't really changed, still getting some big spots there.
I had some severe muscle pain in my chest and side during the 1st two weeks which nearly prompted me to stop taking the stuff. Luckily it went away.
A few minor nosebleeds in the morning too. But I was expecting those.
No mood changes.
I was amazed at how soon this stuff started to work. The initial breakout arrived right on time, and was hard to cope with, especially as I had to give a presentation that week, but I can't complain as it only lasted a week. My face is now looking better than it has done for about 6 years. I get quite a shock every time I look in the mirror, I can't believe I look this good!
