My Accutane Success Story

Happy Friday!  I have recently read a lot of information on Twitter about the powerful acne drug Accutane.  While I know that there is a lot of negative side effects, I am an Accutane success story.  As an Esthetician and a blogger, I feel that it is important to write about my story because I believe that under the right circumstances, and to the right patient, Accutane can be a miracle drug, as it was for me!

I took Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, when I was a junior in college.  It was back in the late 1990's, before some of the very harsh side-effects were brought to light.  I had struggled with acne since I was in the 4th grade and my dermatologist went through so many treatments with me in that period of time.  I was on mild topical creams, medicated soaps, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Retin-A and a host of others.  He had suggested Accutane while I was in high school, to which my parents strongly objected.  My acne started with black and whiteheads on my face, but over time, traveled to my neck, back, and chest.  It got to the point where my face was so red and inflamed that it would sting and bleed while I patted my face after washing it.

By the time I was in college, my acne was horrible and I had major self-confidence issues.  I would wake up two hours early just to cover my skin in makeup before my roommates were up.  My cover-up process would continue all day, and I would even wash my face and put fresh makeup on before I went to Cross Country practices.  No matter what I did, my acne would not go away.  In the summer, I fried my light Irish skin because I believed that the sun would clear it up.  This has come back to haunt me though because I had my first skin cancer removed from my face at the age of 28.

Finally, at 20 years old, I was so miserable and had to do something.  When my dermatologist suggested again that I take Accutane, I eagerly let him write me the script.  As I remember, I had to start an oral contraceptive as a precaution. ( Accutane is a strong derivative of Vitamin A that it is linked to serious birth defects and miscarriages).  I also had to have my liver enzymes tested before I could be cleared for the drug.  Once I started taking the Accutane, I had to get blood work done monthly, including a liver workup and a pregnancy test in order to get the next month's supply. 

I did have some minor side effects.  My skin and lips became quite dry.  In fact, my lips have never really come back from taking Accutane, and that was over 13 years ago.  Sun sensitivity was another side effect and I had to take extra precautions being outside, making sure to slather on a high SPF.

In the end however, after a six-month course of Accutane, my acne was cured!  Other than an occasional monthly breakout, my skin is clear!  I am so thankful to have been able to take this drug.  With clear skin, my confidence improved and I felt so much better.  I always thought that with acne, I was ugly and that other people thought I was dirty because I couldn't take care of my face.  Once it cleared, it was amazing how much more outgoing I became and I took more pride in my appearance.

Accutane has become quite controversial however since I took it back in the 90's.  It takes a drastic toll on a person's body and in my opinion, not every person is right for taking this drug.  Accutane works by essentially shutting down your oil glands, so that they don't produce any more oil.  This is the main reason why patients taking the drug experience very dry skin.  According on one website, the real controversy lies in that 90 percent of women, and nearly half of the teens who are receiving accutane suffer only from mild cases of acne (www.accutanesideeffects.net ).

My case of acne was not mild.  Accutane is suggested for people who have severe cases of grade 3 and grade 4 acne.  Grade 3 acne constitutes as moderately severe acne with blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and cysts.  It is very frequently red and inflamed.  Scarring starts if a person picks at their skin.

Grade 4 acne constitutes as having numerous black and whiteheads and pustules with a large number is cysts on the face, chest,and back.  In this stage, acne can occur in over 50% or more of the face.

In looking at the grades of acne, it is clear that Accutane isn't right for everyone.  It is not intended for a person with a few black and/or whiteheads.  However, for me, it was a great success.  I feel badly for those who have been on this drug and experience some of the very harsh reactions such as depression, strokes, or worse.  My point in writing this post was just to get a success story out there.  Thanks so much for reading!   

A Flip Flop Fantasy on Pink Wednesday

Happy Pink Wednesday!  This week, I am wearing China Glaze's Flip Flop Fantasy.  This incredibly bright pink polish transports me to an island far away.  It is a tropical shade of pink that almost borders on a pinkish-coral color.  It is so bright in fact, that it looks like it might glow in the dark.  I picked it up yesterday at Sally's on a promotion sale while it was 60 degrees out.  I was feeling spring in the air and this color, along with its name, immediately appealed to me!  

Flip Flop Fantasy, in my opinion, is an exceptionally fun summer color that is fabulous on the nails, but also on the toes.  If I were a few years younger and going on spring break, this would be the polish I would choose.  While my pale and dry winter skin does this polish no justice, I think that with a spray tan, it would look so much better.  I hope that you enjoy it and enjoy your day.  Thanks so much for reading!  

Nail Terminology Tuesday

My Hyponychium (the skin under my nail tips)

More Hyponychium

Welcome to another week of Nail Terminology Tuesday!  This week's term that I want to review is Hyponychium.  This is the thickened skin between your fingertip and the free edge of your nail plate.  If you are looking at your nails, it is the thick skin underneath the tips.  This skin serves a big function.  It forms the protective barrier that keeps pathogens from getting in and infecting your nails.

Since the hyponychium is so important, it is crucial to stop biting your nails if you are a biter.  You are placing yourself at risk of infections, viruses, and fungus.  It is also important to pay close attention when clipping your finger nails and toe nails.  If you have ever cut them too short, and your skin hurt and was red, then you cut your hyponychium.  Please watch out for this area of skin when you get a manicure or pedicure in a salon.  The nail tech should NEVER cut or nip this area!

I hope that this information is helpful to you.  E-mail me if you have any questions about the nail anatomy or a disease or disorder of the nail.  Come back tomorrow for another Pink Wednesday manicure and I will post more technical nail info. next Tuesday.  Enjoy your day!

A Fabulous Bracelet that Supports Animals

Happy Monday!  Hope that you had a great weekend. While I usually post a manicure on Mondays, this week, I wanted to show you my new, fabulous Alex and Ani Bracelets!  I just can't get enough of them!  As a jewelry lover, I think that these bangles are so pretty and unique.  I own seven of them at this time and just keep wanting more.  They are so stylish and reflect parts of my personality, as well as how I may be feeling on a particular day.

My newest bangle from Alex and Ani is my favorite...the Paw Print!  It is from their Charity by Design line that donates a portion of its proceeds to a worthy cause.  The Paw Print obviously supports an animal charity.  I like to layer this bangle with my Love and Happy bracelets, because my own cats bring so much love and happiness to my family and my home.  I rescued them from the street, and am very passionate about helping homeless pets.  We have to be their advocate, because they can't advocate for themselves.  (Also on my arm is my Alex and Ani Sapphire Luxe Bead bracelet.  I chose this beauty because of the deep blue color.  I wear it with all my Alex and Ani bangles.) 

The Paw Prints Expandable Wire Bangle in Russian Silver, cost me $28.00 and I purchased it directly from Alex and Ani's website http://www.alexandani.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=paw+prints.  20% of each bracelet sold goes directly to the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/.  This organization focuses on supporting, healing, and finding caring homes for dogs and cats.  The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, according to their website and twitter account is "a coalition of more than 150 animal rescue groups and shelters working with the city of New York to find homes for every cat and dog in the city who needs one."  Its goal is to make New York City No-Kill.  As a person who has three amazing cats that I found on the street, I am so happy to sport this bangle.  I feel that by wearing it, I am supporting such a worthy cause.  I believe that this Paw Print is a must for any animal supporter/animal lover!  Thanks so much for reading.  Have a fabulous evening!

NFL Championship Sunday-Inspired Mani

 Happy Sunday!  It is cold out, there is a snow on the ground here in New England, and the Patriots are playing at home in the AFC Championship Game!  With it being such an exciting day, I couldn't help but be inspired to polish my nails with a New England Patriots theme!  The team colors are red, white, and blue.  However, silver is often incorporated into the logo and gear.  Therefore, I used China Glaze's Blue Year's Eve for my blue.  I LOVE this blue because it is a rich, royal blue that looks amazing in the middle of winter.  I polished two coats of Blue Year's Eve on my thumb, middle finger, and pinkie.  To incorporate the silver into this mani, I used OPI's Silver Shatter over the blue.  I really like this combination.  It creates an icy-blue look that reminds me so much of a cold winter day...much like today!

Finally, I used OPI's Big Apple Red on my index and ring finger to finish this Patriots-inspired manicure.  This red is one of my favorites because I think it is a classic American red!  I could have used some White Crackle or Shatter over the red, but decided that less is more in this case. 

I hope that you enjoy this look!  If you are a football fan, enjoy the games.  GO PATRIOTS!

Pink Wednesday in Florentine Fuchsia

Happy Pink Wednesday!  This week, I am wearing one of my favorite OPI polishes...Florentine Fuchsia!  This pink beauty came in my nail school kit and have loved it ever since.  It is such a beautiful color that looks so rich and creamy on the nail.  I adore the color pink and always feel good wearing it on my tips.  For the last few weeks, I have worn lighter shades of this hue, but today I wanted something deeper.  Therefore, sporting Florentine Fuchsia was an obvious choice for me.  It really is my go-to polish when I don't really know what else to wear.  Florentine Fuchsia is a great shade of pink that looks great year round and is a classic for me.

Thanks so much for reading!  Enjoy your day!

Nail Terminology Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!  Hope that you are having a great day.  As I mentioned last week, on my blog, I tend to post more about polishes because pretty nails are so much fun!  I really enjoy painting my nails as it is my downtime when my son is sleeping.  However, as a Licensed Nail Tech, I am also very passionate about both the anatomy and the disorders of the nails.  I strongly believe that this information, as well as proper sanitation, is the most important content for Nail Techs to know.  A well-informed Nail Tech translates to a well cared for, and well informed client.  Therefore, I want to dedicate Tuesdays on The Spa Mom to this crucial information.

The first piece of information that I want to start with is defining the Natural Nail.  The natural nail's technical term is ONYX.  It is mostly made up of keratin, which you may already know is the protein found in your hair and skin.  The nail plate protects the tips of your fingers and toes.  Their appearance can reflect the general health of the body.  When your natural nails are healthy, they should have a white or see-through appearance, with a nice pink color showing through.  The pink color is a healthy nail bed, which is the skin that the nail sits on top of. 

While your natural nail may look like it is dry and hard, it has a surprisingly higher water content.  Believe it or not, the natural nail is made up of 15 to 25% water.  This water is what gives the nail its flexibility.  When the water content is low, the nail becomes dry and brittle.  The best way to keep the nail moist, and improve its flexibility, is to use either an oil-based conditioner, or use nail polish! 

As a nail tech, I have heard people say that the nail needs to breathe and keeping polish on them all the time is detrimental.  In my opinion, keeping your nails polished with either a clear coat or colored lacquer is what keeps the natural nail strong!  What I recommend, especially this time of year, is to keep the nail polish onand use a cuticle and nail oil for moisture.  I use OPI's AVOPLEX Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil nightly, and I try to apply it at least once during the day.  I have found that since I have been using this product, my cuticles are in better shape and my natural nails feel better.  There are other products out there that will accomplish the same thing, but this product is what I know and like to use.  http://opi.com/

I hope that this post has inspired you to paint your tips and toes and moisturize daily with an oil or conditioning nail treatment.  I feel that it is important to know this information and I want to bring you more every week.  If you have a question about the anatomy or disorder of the nail, please feel free to contact me at thespamom@gmail.com or leave a comment on my blog.  Come back tomorrow for another Pink Wednesday post, and I will be working on another Nail Terminology post for next week.  Thanks so much for reading and have a great day!

(This information was written by me, however I used Milady's Standard Nail Technology as an informational resource).