My 1-Month Skin Journey

Hello, Hivers! How are you doing today? I hope all is well.

About a month ago, I posted about my decision to see a dermatologist for my worsening acne condition. Despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, my skin was not improving, and I was growing increasingly anxious about the deep acne scars that had formed.

It's been over a month now since I began using the medication and ointment prescribed by my dermatologist, and I'm happy to report that my skin has made significant progress.

In this blog post, I'll be sharing the details of my dermatologist's prescription, as well as a before-and-after comparison of my skin.

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My Derma's Presciption

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I purchased the products I'm using from the Cavite Skin Clinic, but it was only after consultation with the doctor that the staff would accommodate me. This is important to ensure my own safety, especially since I was prescribed antibiotics.

First on the list is the Doxycycline capsule, which I took twice a day for two weeks. After my second consultation, the prescription was extended for another two weeks. This antibiotic drug fights bacterial infections, and I didn't experience any negative side effects from taking it.

Next is the acne soap, which contains tea tree oil, known for inhibiting bacterial growth and calming skin inflammation.

_{Not the actual image. Photo by Aurélia Dubois}

The Clindamycin Solution is a clear liquid solution used in the morning after washing the face. It's another antibiotic that fights acne, and a prescription from the doctor is necessary.

_{Not the actual product. Photo by Jere Barcebal.}

To protect my skin from the sun's harmful rays, I apply a sunscreen gel after using the Clindamycin Solution. I learned that gel-type sunscreen is best for oily and acne-prone skin since it's lightweight.

_{Not the actual product. Photo by Lina Verovaya}

At night, I use the AcneMed solution, which is yellow and has a strong alcohol smell. It feels stingy and leaves a burning sensation on the skin. The dermatologist advised me to take a break for a day or two if the pain becomes intolerable.

After using the AcneMed solution, I apply the Acne Lotion on my entire face. It's white and contains zinc oxide, which helps minimize irritation, promote wound healing, seal in moisture, and protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

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Almost Day by Day Comparison

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I was hesitant to post this at first but for the sake of being confident and proud of myself, for all of the struggles I've been thru, and to support my continuous medication, I decided to share this.

February 17

This was my first day of using the prescribed products and medicines. It is also the day I decided to take a picture of my face so I can monitor the improvement of my skin.

_{This is the right side of my face, the side where acne is way worse. This is also the side where scarrings are already too deep. The red circled part positioned at my earlobe has cystic and painful acne inside.}

_{This is my forehead where a lot of small bumps can be found.}

_{The left side of my face. Acne on the jawline is the most painful while the acne on the eyebrow part is the most stubborn; keeps bugging me for weeks.}

February 18

_{This is the second day. There are no noticeable changes but I can feel that time that the big bumps calmed a bit.}

February 19

February 20

_{At this point, my entire face began to feel extremely dry and tight, and it even started to peel in some areas.}

February 22

_{After using the AcneMed solution, my skin began to dry and peel, and the inflammation on my cheeks and forehead began to subside. Unfortunately, around this time, the solution became too painful to continue using, so I decided to take a two-day break.}

February 23

_{As my skin continued to exfoliate, a new and healthier layer began to emerge, revealing smoother and brighter skin.}

February 24

_{After a week, I noticed an improvement in my skin's condition. However, I experienced irritation and redness, particularly on my forehead, which I believe was caused by the product I am using.}

February 25

_{As you may have noticed, my skin has become significantly smoother than it was on previous days, thanks to the improvement in my skincare routine}

February 26

_{The struggle is real when it comes to going outside. I need to apply copious amounts of sunscreen and use additional protection like an umbrella to prevent sunburn and further irritation to my skin.}

February 28

_{Despite the initial positive results, the continuous use of the prescribed medicine eventually made my skin drier and more sensitive than before, causing discomfort and further irritation.}

March 3

_{I experienced a stinging and burning sensation on my face, which made it difficult to sleep properly. This made me consider that perhaps the products I am using are not suitable for my skin.}

March 4

_{Unfortunately, progress is not always linear, and the bumps on my skin have multiplied again. I suspect that the irritation caused by the AcneMed solution may be the reason. As a result, I have decided to use the solution every two days instead of daily.}

March 9

March 14

March 22

_{I noticed that my dark marks became more prominent, possibly due to frequent exposure to the sun and a lack of sunscreen application. Since I attend face-to-face classes at my university, it's difficult to avoid the sun's rays altogether.}

March 27

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Before and After

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I am thrilled with the significant improvement in my skin's condition, even though there are still minor flaws and imperfections. It's a vast improvement from my previous state, and I owe it to the products prescribed by my board-certified dermatologist. She advised me to continue using the products until they are finished and to come back for a third consultation.

Initially, I was worried when my derma prescribed another two weeks of Doxycycline during my second consultation, as I thought antibiotics were only good for 7-14 days. But I trusted her and continued using the medication.

Now, I am enjoying my skin's current state, and I no longer feel the need to wear a face mask to conceal my skin imperfections. I feel better and more confident.

To those struggling with acne or other skin diseases, I urge you not to self-medicate. This was one of the lessons I learned. You may end up spending more time and money trying to find the right products for your skin, and some products may even worsen your condition. Consult with a dermatologist to save your skin, time, and money.

If you've made it here, thank you so much for reading. I always spend several hours just to complete this, which might seem like an exaggeration to others but trust me, it's not 😅. So, the thought of someone reading my work already warms my heart (∩˃o˂∩)♡. Until next time, bye!

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