A PERSONAL trainer cleared “the worst acne ever seen” with a six-month wonder drug treatment – and shared the amazing progress pics on Instagram.
Emily Keel, 25, from Portsmouth, was first diagnosed with cystic acne aged 12 – leaving her depressed and isolated.
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She tried dozens of potential remedies – from light therapy to chemical peels – without seeing any progress.
But her skin miraculously cleared up after she was prescribed isotretinoin in February.
She wrote on Instagram: “I still can’t quite believe that there is only six months between the first and the last photo.
“I rarely look back at photos of my skin at its worst because it’s like looking at a different person.
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How does the wonder drug work?
Emily was prescribed isotretinoin – also known as Roaccutane.
The drug reduces the amount of oil in your skin, cutting down on blocked pores and killing bacteria.
The capsules work after about ten days, with four out of five users seeing clear skin in four months.
Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson said: “Roaccutane is still the most effective medication we have for acne and for some people is the only treatment that their acne will respond to.
“While there is no doubt that some people will experience side effects, in my experience serious side effects are rare.”
“I tried so hard to be strong and brave but it took so much of my energy. I was a shell of who I am now.’
She spent her teenage years living with horrific boils erupting across her face.
She said: “Complete strangers in the street have asked me what’s wrong with my skin.
“Even with my partner Charles, I sometimes lose my confidence when my skin is really bad.”
What is adult acne?
- Although most people experience acne during their teenage years, others develop it in adulthood
- Acne is closely linked to changes in hormone levels in the body
- Spots are caused when tiny holes in the skin (known as hair follices) become blocked
- In acne, sebaceous glands which lubricate the hair and skin produce too much sebum and this excess mixes with dead skin scells to plug the follicle and cause a spot
- If the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it causes a whitehead
- If the plugged follicle is open to the skin then this results in a blackhead
- About three per cent of adults have acne over the age of 35
Source: NHS
One doctor even said she had the worst skin he had ever seen.
She added: “It was really hurtful coming from a medical professional; I was really disappointed.
“Working in the gym when my acne was getting worse, I think I was really conscious I wasn’t being a good role model.
“I was so self-conscious, I didn’t want to teach classes anymore, I didn’t want to be in front of people all the time.
“I felt like people were judging me and thinking that I wasn’t living a healthy lifestyle.
“It was a vicious cycle, especially when you have the pressure of thinking you should look a certain way in the job role as well.
“I am posting photos online and just trying to document my journey, no one’s perfect we all have our struggles – I’m trying to be honest and open about those times online.”
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