The End of the World...As We Know It

I’ve made it. I’m a success story. My journey with Accutane is over.

It seems like a lifetime ago I started my journey, on August 11, 2015. Two days after my 22nd birthday, I was ready to give up nights of partying for the drug that would change the look of my skin and my outlook on life. While we all know I spent a few nights out over my seven-month treatment, giving up nights of binge drinking for healthy, clear skin was 100 percent worth it.

I made the decision to start Accutane just after graduating college, in early May 2015. It’s strange then, that upon my completion of the drug, it will have been nearly a year since the process began. But to clarify: time does not fly when you’re itching to have a clear face.

I took my last Accutane pill on March 11, 2016, exactly seven months to the day after taking my first. While my face has been clear for the past few months of my journey, completing the process was one of the most fulfilling and exciting things I’ve done in my adult life.

Now, I’m starting to get my normal life back. The main side effect that had been killing me was dry eyes and lips. Call it a combination of Accutane and Wisconsin’s drying winter, but it’s really been difficult to get by. I am so excited to say goodbye to the tub of Vaseline I’ve been carrying around with me for more than half a year.

The first two weeks after Accutane, my lips were still rather dry. Now, they’re finally reaching a normal level. I’ve always been someone who likes to keep her lips moist, but upon finishing Accutane, I’ve forgotten which “normal” lip balm I used to use.

It’s so exciting that I could buy a $2 stick of Chapstick or Burt’s Bees and my lips would feel relief. I don’t even remember the last time I felt such satisfaction. And to carry around a tube of lip balm that fits nicely in my pocket or wallet? Unbelievable. I feel as if I’m flying.

Since finishing my treatment, I’ve seen some blemish-type hives under my eyes. Just two tiny dots under each eye. I’m not really sure what they’re from. They’re not pimples—just dots. I don’t think they’re worth extending my Accutane treatment for. Nor are they intense enough to bother to me. They’re hardly noticeable without makeup, and with makeup are completely undetectable.

If nothing else, I am happy to have just these two tiny dots under each eye. I remember the days, not so long ago, when layers of makeup caked onto my face still didn’t present the appearance of clear skin. How is it possible that that girl back in those photos is actually me?

Just two months ago, my station hired a new editor, and I’ve been working with him for a little over a month. We started talking, and I mentioned my blog to him. He was curious as to why I would have a blog about Accutane—and then I showed him a picture of how my face used to be. His eyes nearly popped out of his head and jaw dropped with a laugh.

“That’s you?! Your skin looks so clear these days!”

It’s true. People who meet me now will never know the struggle I endured. I’ve gotten everything I’ve ever wanted face-wise, with the exception of some stubborn acne scars that will hopefully fade with more time. I am so blessed for my time on Accutane, no matter how many tears I shed in the process.

Cheers to Accutane! Thanks for the clear face, and finally a day without dry lips. My life may not be perfect, or even one I’m proud of. But this small aspect of life is one I will be eternally ecstatic about.