ACNE // 8 month update, scarring, skincare (and pictures!)

(My skin: no editing, no makeup, December 2013)

Hey everyone! So it's been just over three months since I last updated you all on the state of my skin and how Roaccutane is going (and here's the link to that first post if you haven't already seen it). Oh my goodness, it's just wonderful. I can't even find words to describe how relieved and happy I am feeling about my skin. It's been officially eight months since I started this medication with a pretty hopeless attitude and terrible, terrible skin that I thought would never have a chance at getting better. But! Here I am, more than two thirds of the way through my treatment (finishing next April, woohoo!), with skin that has never been healthier and a much more confident, positive outlook on life. There's still a few more pimples that have to come through (mainly around the sides of my forehead, my chin and near my nose), but otherwise, I have zero active acne. 

What I am most pleased about is the minimal scarring and the healing process. I went and saw my dermatologist yesterday and he was extremely happy with how things were going in that regard. I'm quite lucky because I am still quite young and since my skin is at it's best (biologically), the scarring will be minimal and unnoticeable, especially with time. He also told me that redness accentuates the appearance of scars, but once I am off roaccutane for about two weeks, the redness will disappear due to it being a normal side effect. Yippee! 

I still haven't really gotten any major side effects aside from extremely delicate skin and a bit of eczema and pealing on my legs, but there's not really much I can do about that aside from lots of moisturising, which really isn't a problem. A few people contacted me in regard to the last post I did and mentioned the suicidal thoughts and depression that a people can develop from roaccutane. I haven't had anything like that at all so far and I'm really blessed. 

As for makeup and skincare, I am able to use different products (other than the ultra-sensitive QV formulas) as long as they are organic and don't have any nasties in them. I was on the hunt for something affordable, effective and most importantly, safe for my skin. Sukin is definitely a winner. I've been using the face wash for a few weeks now, and I bought the facial mist and moisturiser yesterday. The products are really excellent and I think I got all three for about $10 each. So if you have sensitive skin or would just like to try something different, I would highly recommend it. 

Makeup is such an easy task now! Gee wiz. I use a light coverage foundation and a primer (which are only sometimes necessary). I actually went shopping the other day WITHOUT MAKE-UP ON. That is kinda a huge deal for me!

(No makeup, no editing. April 2013 vs. November 2013)

Before and after. I can't believe that comparison. The picture on the left is probably not even the worst of it. It makes me really sad seeing this photo, because it brings back pretty horrible memories of unhappiness for me. I was such a different girl back then, and even though it was only months ago, I still remember that Maria. She was sad, terribly insecure and felt hopeless. The photo on the right however, is a snippet of what I've become. I still have a while to go, but what I have achieved this year as an individual is more than I ever thought would be possible. And it's only going to get better from here. 

P.S: Thank you for the support and love, as always. I have the best readers ever and I cherish every single one of you that takes the time to read this blog. In the meantime, if you like to keep up to date regularly with my progress (or perhaps see more pictures), you can check out my acne.org profile and my progress album here.