Firsts | My First Dermatologist Appointment

I finally became fed up with my adult acne and itchy/dry scalp, so I decided to make an appointment with a dermatologist covered under my health insurance. I was basically there for 10 minutes (mostly waiting). The doctor came in and a nurse took down notes. He took a little bit of a look at my scalp, and I explained how my pimples are random on my face, back, and chest. After explaining, he basically just prescribed me medicine and then said to follow up in a few months if it's not working. If it's working then come back in a year to renew the prescription. It was so much simpler than I thought it was going to be. It's been about two weeks and I would say it has already helped! So far I have not had any random pimples appear and my scalp has been a lot less itchy. Maybe it's just been all in my head, but I would say these products and tips have worked!

Below is what the dermatologist prescribed me: 

For my scalp, the doctor said it's most likely some sort of scalp eczema. In summary, ever since I've come back from college my scalp has been much itchier. I've noticed when I blow dry my hair it's a little bit better, and when I leave my hair wet (especially when I go to sleep with wet hair) my scalp feels more itchy. My itchiness is more towards the back of my head and dryness is mostly all along my hairline at my forehead.  It's also itchy right where I would put a high pony tail. 

He said it might be easiest to have someone else put the medicine, but it's so hard to see it anyways. I just squeeze and rub the medicine into the areas that I see are dry and itchy. It's suppose to be used day and night, but I have been doing pretty poor at remembering to do this. I feel like I'm still getting results though! So I'm pretty satisfied so far. I was prescribe Triamcinolone Acetone Lotion USP, 0.1%. With my insurance this was $14, but it says it's originally $53. 

For my acne, the doctor prescribed me a day face liquid and night gel. He emphasized the importance of not using over the counter facial products and only using oil free makeup and lotions. I'm excited to see if this finally clears up my acne, especially on my back. 

Side Note: I was taking birth control to regulate my periods, but it then began to upset my stomach when I would take the pills so I stopped after I graduated college. Ever since I stopped taking birth control pills, my adult acne has returned but the plus side was that my cramps actually also lightened from before taking birth control. 

The day solution application container is awesome! The top of the application container is like a pad, and you just tap it all over where you normally get acne. He emphasized to apply it everyday even if there are no pimples currently there. I would also note that the smell is quite strong and the smell will sting your smelling senses. But so far the results have been good! I have used this a lot more than the night gel so far just because of the easy application. I was prescribed Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution. This was also $14 with my insurance, but it says it's originally $151. 

The night gel is nice and soothing. It wasn't at my pharmacy initially so I had to wait a couple days, but then kept forgetting to pick it up until about a week after I got the other two products. And I have not been consistent, I think I've used it twice? The night gel feels almost like a toner though. The smell is slight and not too strong, which is good. I was prescribed this Tretinoin Gel 0.01%. My insurance made this product $25, but it says it's originally $209. Gotta love insurance! 

I feel like these products have definitely made my skin care routine much simpler than following the Korean skincare routine I was attempting to do prior. I did just buy the tea tree oil facial wash and toner, so I was pretty bummed when he said I shouldn't use any over the counter skin care products. But I'm glad that this is working and simplifying my skin care routine! (Because I'm pretty lazy). And this clear bag (from the Dollar Tree lol) that I had fit all three products perfectly for on the go! It was meant to be ❤

For the two and a half weeks I've been using these products, I would say I'm already noticing a change in my skin. Fingers crossed it only gets better from here!