Last Post-Absorica Update, Probably
So I began making these posts in like 2013ish when I was 22 and I went on absorica (a brand of isotretinoin, AKA accutane). I am 27 now and my skin has since fallen into what I feel like will be its pattern for a while. For that reason, I think this series of posts is officially done until further notice. However, I know personally that isotretinoin can be a difficult treatment. The whole purpose of this series was to keep track of the changes in my skin and body and, hopefully, provide insight of how it affected me to people thinking about trying it or currently on it. For that reason, my asks are always open to answer questions about my own experience if it helps you in any way. ❤️
That being said, the short version is that my skin has done just fine since I finished my course of treatment. I was on it for less than a year and only had to do one round to clear up my breakouts. After some initial issues that I attribute to my body adjusting after going off such a strong medicine, things mellowed and I really don't have breakouts anymore on the level I did before isotretinoin. I no longer suffer painful, cystic acne whatsoever.
In the summer, combination to dry. I can use lighter moisturizer gels and such and get by. In the winter, my skin becomes very dry - not as dry as accutane, but I tend to have to reach for thicker more hydrating cleansers and creams to keep my skin from becoming scaly. With dry winter months also comes itchy, dry scalp/hair and keratosis pilaris (tiny bumps all over my upper arms), so I have to combat that as well. I do get blackheads off and on, mainly on my nose, which I combat with scrubs or pore strips periodically.
Although my skin is generally clear by default, it's still easily irritated and broken out by products, so I have had to figure out over the years what bothers my skin and adjust my regimen accordingly. For example, I can't use hairspray; without fail, I will develop a painful breakout wherever even the tiniest particle of hairspray settles on my body. A lot of hair products do that to me, actually - especially sprays and serums. Cutting these out of my routine has helped keep my skin clear.
I have tried several products over the years since finishing absorica, some of my favorites of which have been unfortunately discontinued. These are the products, for one reason or another, I continue to use today.*
- For face: Recently repurchased Philosophy's Purity cleanser and I like it.
- For body: Usually dial gold bar or Cetaphil bar soaps. I also really like charcoal bar soaps you can find at retailers like TJMaxx and Marshall's
- For face: I variate between different brands depending on the time of year. In the summer, I prefer lighter formulas like Nivea Soft or Dior Hydralife Intense Sorbet. In the winter, I like classic Nivea and Cetaphil moisturizing lotion. I also like to supplement an oil; my current favorite is a sample I got of Tarte's Maracuja oil.
- For lips: I still use a ton of lip balms (I hate them feeling even slightly dry), preferably less waxy/tacky and more slick in texture. My favorites are Aquaphor healing ointment (yes, after all this time), Nivea lip balm, Babylips, and Blistex in a pinch. I've also bought Rosebud Salve and I like it (even if I'm pretty sure it's just glorified Vaseline with rose scent), but I do have to reapply it more frequently when I use it.
- For body: Jergens firming natural glow is my favorite, it doesn't break me out, gives me some color, and helps control my keratosis pilaris. Sometimes I still use philosophy firming body emulsion but I haven't bought any new in a while.
- Masks: Glamglow Thirstymud feels really good on my skin when it's dry and doesn't clog my pores.
- Acne treatment: I no longer require prescription strength acne medicine. Mario badescue drying lotion helps topically shrink up my breakouts when they occur. I sometimes use pore strips and scrubs on my nose where I develop blackheads periodically.
- Shampoo/Conditioner: Neutrogena TGEL is stinky but it relieves my itchy, dry scalp in winter. Otherwise I like CHI argan oil shampoo and conditioner. Theorie also makes a sulfate-free shampoo for dry hair that I like OK.
- Leave in: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In spray treatment is a staple after every hair washing and doesn't seem to break me out. I also like Drybar's Southern Belle mousse.
- Primer: I have both Smashbox's classic clear primer and Benefit porefessional, both help with pores and fine lines and neither break me out.
- Foundation: Bareminerals has been my tried and true, I use their original powder during the summer and like to use their Bareskin liquid during the winter.
- Blush/bronzer: I have some of TheBalm's Instain blushes and their darkest Take Home the Bronze bronzer and use them regularly. (I also have Bahama Mama but I like the newer bronzes better.)
- Eyes: I don't know if it's related to having been on isotretinoin but my eyes have become sensitive to eye makeup and easily develop stys with some formulas of liner and mascara. I can comfortably use Sephora's waterproof liquid eyeliner (not actually waterproof) and Maybelline's full & soft waterproof mascara (actually waterproof).
As I said above, I like the Jergens lotion that has some gradual tanner in it, but my favorite instant tanner is still St. Moriz tanning mousse, which I believe I've posted about before. It has great color, doesn't streak when applied correctly, and doesn't clog my pores.
I think that's all! If you somehow managed to stumble onto my blog, thank you so much for reading and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or product recommendations. I wish you lots of love and great skin days ❤️
