Help! I have tried EVERYTHING to get rid of my acne, but nothing ever worked for me! Am I going to stay like this forever?
If you have ever had acne in your life, chances are that you’ve considered or at least heard of the infamous Accutane, a drug that seems to have some magical powers when it comes to clearing acne.
But as soon as you convince yourself that this may do the trick for you, you start reading about something even stranger. Side effects, and oh dear, these can be scary alright.
However, there are many misconceptions when it comes to taking Accutane and I want to address all of these as well as give you an insight into all the things you need to know about the drug.
Therefore, I created this article to help you gather all the necessary information you need to know before you start taking the drug as well as provide you with the best skincare routine when on Accutane.
This article is going to teach you all you need to know about:
- what is Accutane and what is it made of?
- what does Accutane do for your skin and how does it help acne?
- what are the side effects of taking Accutane?
- is Accutane really worth it?
- the best skincare routine to have while on Accutane.
- & some of the things you absolutely shouldn’t do while on Accutane.
What is Accutane?
Accutane is the drug name.
It can also be found by different brand names such as Roaccutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret, etc.
The active ingredient that makes the drug work is isotretinoin which is the most powerful form of vitamin A.
Accutane is the weapon of last resort.
The one you use when nothing else works for your acne.
That is why Accutane is usually given after other acne medicines, antibiotics, or topical treatments have failed to give you results.
Basically, you resort to Accutane when all else fails.
This is why you can’t buy Accutane in the pharmacy or in the shops. It is a prescription-only drug, and if you are considering it, you need to see a dermatologist to get a prescription.
A dermatologist will be asking some relevant questions regarding any history of medical conditions as well as require a blood test to check for hormonal imbalances and liver function.
Some things you may need to answer before safely starting Accutane are:
- history of heart disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;
- osteoporosis or other bone disorders;
- an intestinal disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or Crohn’s disease;
- diabetes;
- eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa; or
- liver disease
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment, but a dermatologist will typically prescribe you a low dose (usually from 0.5mg to 2mg) for 15-20 weeks. However, this may be prolonged and can last up to 10 months.
Yep, even “nuclear weapons” like Accutane take their time to work and give results.
What is Accutane Made of?
Isotretinoin was first developed in the 1950s but it only started being used in the mid-1970s.
The original brand names were Accutane® and Roaccutane® but there are now many generic versions on the market, depending on the drug’s potency.
Isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid) is a vitamin A derivative which describes it as a retinoid.
The liver naturally makes small quantities of isotretinoin from vitamin A, but the drug that is prescribed to tackle certain skin conditions such as severe acne is made synthetically.
What Does Accutane Do?
Accutane is used to treat severe cystic or nodular acne that has not responded to previous topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin or other orally taken treatments such as tetracycline or minocycline.
It works by targeting the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands and reducing it by up to 80%.
Your sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum which serves as a natural lubricant and moisturizer for your skin.
That is why normal skin is naturally soft and smooth.
But if you suffer from severe acne, this means that your sebaceous glands are thrown into overdrive and produce massive amounts of sebum that can’t flow out of your pores normally anymore and remains trapped inside.
Here, the sebum mixes with dead skin cells and clogs your pores while creating an airless environment for the acne-causing bacteria to thrive.
P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, feeds on the excess sebum.
But here’s when Accutane comes in to save the day by significantly reducing sebum production and quite literally starving the acne bacteria to death after some time.
What Are The Side Effects of Accutane?
There is a reason Accutane is the nuclear weapon of last resort.
Yes, it will effectively eliminate your acne and most probably for good, but not without wrecking some damage on your skin first.
I understand that by now you are probably freaking out because you have read all the scary side effects and someone may even tell you that Accutane may cause severe bowel inflammation and this and that.
Look, I am not going to discard these claims as total bulls*it because we are all different and Accutane is a tailored treatment to each individual rather than one size fits all.
This means you may experience different side effects while your body is getting used to the drug or none at all whatsoever.
As long as you make sure you go to a good dermatologist that will have the common sense of giving you the dose you need, chances are that you will get away with minor side effects that usually take time getting used to and you are good after the initial discomfort.
So here are some side effects you can expect in the short term:
- Dryness (dry skin, dry or chapped lips, dry mouth, dry scalp)
- Photosensitivity (your skin will become increasingly sensitive to the sun which means skipping sunscreen is a total no-no)
- Purging (yes, your skin can potentially become worse before it gets better and this is because the active ingredient isotretinoin promotes cellular turnover, which means that the gunk you already have inside your pores will come out sooner and this will result in acne breakouts that will subside after some time)
While this can understandably take a huge toll on your confidence and self-esteem, it is important to remember that it is only temporary and once you’re past it, your skin will look better than ever.
However, there are some long term side-effects that, in my opinion, shouldn’t be overlooked, but due to the extremely small percentage of people that have experienced some of these, they shouldn’t really scare you at all.
Here are some of them:
- Abnormal bone growth
- Birth defects (which is why women must take birth control alongside Accutane while having the treatment)
- Depression and mood swings (due to the moderate to severe headaches the drug may give you while your body is in its early stage of getting used to it)
- Dry eyes (due to the drying effect it has, which makes it unsuitable for contact lens wearers and it is advisable to switch to wearing glasses while receiving Accutane treatment to avoid discomfort)
- Joint pain (again due to the drying effect it has)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (which has been documented while the drug was in its earliest stage of production but it has been thoroughly researched since then and precautions to prevent such condition have been taken)
While this may sound scary as hell, it has been documented to appear in less than 10% of patients in millions of people receiving the treatment.
Chances are you won’t ever experience them, however, if you feel like you cannot take the drug because it gives you unbearable side effects, you can always stop the treatment and opt for something milder instead.
Can Accutane Damage Your Liver?
While Accutane can’t damage your liver long term if you have never had issues with liver functions before, it may still cause liver enzymes and lipids to become slightly elevated.
However, while isotretinoin appeared to have a greater effect on lipids than liver enzymes according to a study conducted in 2014, this was not statistically significant and it does not indicate that dermatologists should avoid prescribing isotretinoin use for appropriate indications.
While regular follow-ups with your derm are extremely important and the drug should be used cautiously, Accutane can’t permanently damage your liver.
Is Accutane Worth It?
While Accutane shouldn’t be the first treatment of choice, it is an option worth trying if nothing you’ve tried before has successfully treated your acne.
It is definitely worth the temporary pain as statistics show that it has been successful in treating cystic or nodular acne in 95% of patients and the results are often permanent.
Accutane doesn’t just clear up your skin. It gives you the confidence and self-esteem boost you’ve most desperately needed while dealing with painful and obnoxious acne.
Once it’s all done, you will not have to deal with it anymore and this will contribute to making you feel comfortable in your own skin.
So, Accutane is hardly the devil drug we should all fear after all, don’t you think?
The Best Skincare To Use While On Accutane.
Expect your skin to become super sensitive on Accutane.
This is not something that should make you worried, but you do need to become responsible for the products you apply while your skin is in this delicate state.
To minimize the risk of irritation and unwanted effects, it is best to keep your skincare routine as simple as possible. Stick to the basics and use the mildest products you can get your hands on.
In the morning it is important to cleanse, moisturize, and slather on that sunscreen to protect your skin from burning.
In the evening, cleanse and moisturize and you are good to go.
Here are some recommendations from my side to help you maintain your skin in perfect condition while going through this rather intense treatment.
SN: Avoid any sort of dermaplaning while on Accutane.
My Top Cleansers to Use While on Accutane.
Cleansing your face is the most important part of your skincare routine as this allows you to remove the buildup of dirt and pollution that’s been accumulating on your skin throughout the day.
However, choosing the right cleanser for you while you’re receiving Accutane treatment can be challenging as you always need to remember to opt for one that is mild, non-medicated, and does not contain any alcohol, fragrances or exfoliating agents.
Avoid using face cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these can also dry out your skin and make it extremely sensitive and prone to irritations.
To make life easier, I have combined a list of my most trusted cleansers to aid you on your healing journey. Here are my favorites:
#1 Avène – Extremely Gentle Cleanser
The Extremely Gentle Cleanser from Avène has been specifically developed for fair, thin, and sensitive skin that has become irritated due to climatic conditions, dermatological treatments, and extreme dryness.
It effectively removes dirt, makeup, pollution, and impurities; this refreshing cleanser will soothe your skin and leave it with long-lasting comfort and hydration.
It is free from fragrance, parabens, artificial colors, and alcohol.
#2 CeraVe – Hydrating Cleanser
The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is the classic when it comes to effective cleansing and deeply hydrating your dried-out skin.
It gently sweeps away dirt, pollution, and impurities without stripping away moisture and it is enriched with hyaluronic acid to strengthen and restore the natural barrier function for long-lasting hydration.
It is specifically formulated for dry skin types and is free from soaps and fragrances. It is also hypoallergenic which means it is suitable for most sensitive skin types and it is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores and cause a buildup of dirt and bacteria.
#3 Elemis – Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser
Elemis is a brand that is in my pricey, guilty pleasures bucket so whenever I feel like spending a little extra on a high-quality formulated product, this is the brand I inevitably go back to.
This gentle cleanser contains healing rose petal extracts, lethicin, and it is rich in vitamin E and it aims to replenish the moisture in your skin and gently purify it.
It preserves a protective and nourishing film on dry skin and it has a light texture that is gentle enough to be used as an eye cleanser.
#4 The Ordinary – Squalane Cleanser
Another trusted product from The Ordinary I absolutely recommend for skin that has been dried out due to dermatological treatments.
The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser is carefully formulated to cleanse and soothe dry skins while simultaneously moisturizing with a combination of hydrating squalane and other lipophilic esters.
Simone’s Top Moisturizers to Use While on Accutane.
Moisturizing while on Accutane treatment is of utmost importance as your skin is probably going to become super dry and sensitive so you need to keep it hydrated.
It is also important to choose the right one while your skin is in a delicate state.
Opt for one that contains a minimum of chemicals as well as no alcohol and fragrance.
Here are my favorites:
#1 Avène – Extremely Rich Compensating Cream
The Extremely Rich Compensating Cream as the name says is a specialist when it comes to nourishing gentle and sensitive skin.
It boasts a rich and creamy texture that will maintain the moisture in your skin and keep it soft, smooth, and supple.
It is hypoallergenic and specially formulated for sensitive skin with paraben-free and non-comedogenic formula.
#2 CeraVe – Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Another classic for extremely dry skin is the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion that offers a lightweight and silky texture that provides all-day hydration.
It is efficient in helping to strengthen and restore the natural skin barrier to prevent moisture evaporation and provide the ultimate comfort for your skin.
#3 Elemis – Hydra Boost Day Cream
Another great product from Elemis is the Hydra Boost Day Cream for Dry Skin that will banish areas of dryness and leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.
Enriched with a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid, marsh samphire extract, and starflower oil to strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier and addition of vitamin E to protect your skin against free radical damage.
It produces an instant moisturizing effect that will treat your skin when in need of a boost of hydration.
My Top Sunscreens to Use While on Accutane.
Consider this to be the most important part of your morning skincare routine while on Accutane.
Isotretinoin is a powerful ingredient that will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and besides the very uncomfortable burning sensation you may experience, there is also the added risk of acquiring some dreadful pigmentation.
You should, therefore, avoid direct sun exposure whilst taking Accutane and consider slathering on that sunscreen for added protection, just in case.
Here are my top recommended sunscreens while on Accutane:
#1 REN – Clean Skin Mineral SPF30 Mattifying Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
This daily gentle physical sunscreen is specifically formulated for even the most sensitive skin types and it is my personal favorite and something I recommend to everyone when it comes to sunscreens.
Infused by naturally sourced zinc oxide, the cream forms a protective shield as soon as you apply it to your skin and forms a non-comedogenic barrier that intercepts the sun’s harmful rays and environmental pollutants.
#2 Ultrasun Face Anti-Aging Lotion SPF 30
This gentle and protective formula is something that remains to sit in my handbag ever since I moved to my sunny little island a few years ago.
This was about the time I discovered Ultrasun and I have been loving their products ever since as they offer full-day protection that works super compatible with my sensitive skin.
It absorbs quickly into the skin and the high protection formula contains a blend of anti-aging and safeguarding ingredients to prevent premature photo-aging as well as a powerful antioxidant complex that helps protect your skin against oxidative stress and free-radical formation.
#3 Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50
Paula’s Choice is a brand everyone should consider taking a look at as they use no artificial fragrances and colors, are cruelty-free, and most importantly clinically proven to be non-irritating.
Their Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 is fortified with a potent blend of antioxidants and it is fast-absorbing with the perfect broad-spectrum sun protection.
Trust me, you are going to love it as much as I do.
My Top Lip Balms to Use While on Accutane.
This is the softest and most delicate part of your face right after the eyes is and unfortunately the most affected area by the intense drug.
So many people are suffering dry, peeling lips as a result of their prescription medication and having a lip balm in each pocket of your jeans is something you should seriously consider if you are planning on starting Accutane.
Okay, maybe not to that extent. But, still.
Lip balms are a must when Accutane steps its foot on the dancefloor and here are some of my most trusted suggestions:
#1 NUXE – Baume Levres Reve De Miel Honey Lip Balm
The NUXE Lip Balm is a repairing and ultra-nourishing treatment for your lips that just glides onto your lips like a dream and makes them feel instantly soothed and moisturized.
Perfect for before-bed lip care while you’re on Accutane.
#2 Ultrasun – Ultralip SPF 30
Ultrasun Ultralip SPF 30 is a high-quality lip balm designed specifically to protect your delicate pout from the sun and its aggressive UV rays.
Think of it like this – if you are ready to protect your entire face, neck, and body from burning, why shouldn’t you do that with the most sensitive area on your face?
We often neglect our lip care and this is not something you should overlook especially while on Accutane.
The only downside I used to have with this balm is the kind of sunscreen-ish smell it has, but I soon got used to it as the most important thing for me is protection before everything else.
If it does the job – it is worth it.
What You Shouldn’t Do While on Accutane…
There are a few things people constantly seem to get confused about, and I will happily point out a few things that you should stay away from doing while on Accutane.
Exfoliating Your Skin.
First and most important.
Do not exfoliate your skin while you are on Accutane.
Why?
Because isotretinoin promoted cellular turnover, which means that extra exfoliation is not needed. Besides this, it can be harmful to your sensitive skin because it can irritate it and make it sore.
Stay Away From Waxing.
Waxing or laser hair removal is an absolute no-no during Accutane.
This is because your skin is going to become thinner and more sensitive while you’re taking the medication and waxing will pull on your skin and may potentially cause a wound.
Lasers, on the other hand, can burn your skin and may leave some unwanted spots or even areas of pigmentation.
Do Not Pick Your Nose.
While not picking your nose is generally to be avoided unless you want to raise some eyebrows around you, it is exceptionally important not to do this while you are on Accutane.
Your skin will be super dry and sensitive and picking your nose may cause irritation and nosebleeds. Apply a gentle ointment like Vaseline instead or something without a fragrance or any scent so it doesn’t bug you.
PS: We all do it, but no one ever talks about it.
So there’s that.
Don’t forget all this is temporary & it will all go away once you stop treatment.
While Accutane should always be considered as a last-resort treatment, many people have found it to be extremely helpful in clearing acne.
If you are considering starting this medication to treat your acne, please remember that it can sometimes be tough and your skin will be extra needy during this temporary process.
It is important to take care of your skin and have the best skincare routine when on Accutane to help it heal and become flawless.
Accutane isn’t pleasant, but the results are well worth the temporary side effects.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts.❤️ I have only been on Accutane for 2 weeks now but already I see such a difference! So happy ? I googled ‘ BEN247AC ‘ and got the treatment. Everyone is complementing how smooth my skin looks ?! I had severe acne all over my face, moderate on my shoulders and back. My skin acne made me miserable, it was all over my entire face and it was red and agreessive and bumpy. Now it is pale pink and has gone down drastically and I have only been on it for 2 weeks! The side effects I have experienced are dry skin and cracked lips. I put coconut oil on my lips and moisturise constantly and that is helping to manage it a lot.
Hi Crystal and thank you for reaching out!
I am happy your treatment works for you! Remember to take good care of your skin and stay positive <3
Hi Simone,
I going on Accutane soon and I wanted to know what products by the brand The Ordinary would be good. I also wanted to know if it’s okay to use Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser and Hydro Boost by Neutrogena
Hi Chloe and thanks for reaching out!
Your skin will become drier than usual during your course of Accutane, therefore, make sure to give it all the nourishment you can. I would recommend The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser and Moisturizer as these are quite gentle and hydrating. Cerave’s SA Smoothing Cleanser might be a bit too stripping for your skin during this time and the Hydro Boost by Neutrogena might not offer enough hydration. Always listen to your skin and make sure to give it what it needs, so a better idea would be to keep an eye on Cerave’s Hydrating Cleanser and Moisturizer, instead.
I hope this helps 🙂
Hi! Can someone do face masks while on Accutane? Or is that too drying? I’m thinking of clay masks, specifically.
Hi Van!
I would highly recommend that you stay away from clay masks while on Accutane because this may be a little too drying for you and can result in potential irritation over time.
On the other hand, you may very well use a more hydrating mask, just make sure that it doesn’t contain any strong fragrance or drying alcohols. 🙂
Hi Simone! Thank you for creating this post. I searched for the Extremely Rich Compensating Cream on Avène’s website and couldn’t find anything. Do you know if they’re calling it something different now? Or if not, is there another Avène moisturizer you would recommend?
Hi Jenna!
I did a little bit of research and I found out that it is now being called Revitalizing Nourishing Cream RICH instead 🙂 They apparently changed the name. Hope this helps!
Are there any products that can be used to help scarring while on Accutane? I know many are too harsh.
That’s a great question, Emily!
First of all, it depends on what kind of scarring are you referring to. If you have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, niacinamide is one of the safest ingredients to use during a course of Accutane. If you have post-inflammatory redness, then azelaic acid is a powerful yet gentle ingredient that works to improve red spots and texture.
However, if you are referring to deeper scars such as tissue-damage, microneedling can do an amazing job, but although effective, you need to give your skin a short break after your Accutane course to be able to do this treatment.
Hi, Ive just bought the Pixi retinol tonic after seeing how great my friends’ skin looks from using it. Am I able to use this whilst on Accutane?
Hi!
The Pixi retinol tonic also contains vitamin A, which is what isotretinoin essentially is but much stronger. Isotretinoin already promotes cellular turnover, extra exfoliation, or adding retinol treatments are not needed. Besides this, it can be harmful to your sensitive skin because it can irritate it and cause peeling and discomfort.
I would suggest you to start using it after stopping Accutane. I hope this helps 🙂
Hi!
This post has been extremely helpful, thank you.
Do you know if it’s safe to use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and The Ordinary Niacinamide?
Also is it okay to do “double cleansing method” to remove makeup? (First oil cleanser and then water based cleanser)
Hi Sara and thanks for reaching out!
I absolutely love both the Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide by The Ordinary and they are safe to be used together. However, you definitely don’t need to use them every day.
On the other hand, double cleansing doesn’t offer any real benefits to the skin and it only serves a purpose in making the removal of waterproof makeup easier.
Surfactants in standard cleansers are also super useful in removing everything that’s on your skin so double cleansing is only a matter of personal preference.
Hii Simone, thank you for all this information! But I have a question, how can I use the Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide?
Hi Bruna, and thanks for reaching out!
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the easiest actives to combine together and you can use them in a combination from thinnest to thickest or any other way you like, really. Just make sure to use them on damp skin!
Best,
Hi Simone,
Thank you for the very informative post.
I have just started isotretinoin and am currently on day 17. My skin is currently going through the purge stage and I’ve broken out in cysts and nodules around the cheek and jaw area. I also have redness from where I have broken out.
My make up covers the redness quite well but it over emphasises the large bumps on my face along with the dry shedding skin. Is there anything I can apply to the skin to help cysts and nodules bumps?
Hi there and thanks for reaching out!
First of all good job on taking action and starting isotretinoin. This will certainly help a lot! As for the purge, I understand that it can be a discouraging yet needed process in order for your skin to finally heal.
My first advice would be to avoid wearing makeup whenever you can, use very few products on your skin, and moisturize to help counteract the dryness and shedding.
Additionally, try applying benzoyl peroxide on the most problematic areas and keep it on the skin for 10-15 minutes a day. Bear in mind that this can cause some irritation because your skin is probably very sensitive at this point due to the medication. If this doesn’t work for you, my best suggestion would be to wait it out while making sure you have a skincare routine that supports your healing.
A purge stage can last anywhere from 4-8 weeks but isotretinoin is quite powerful so it is very possible this stage to be shorter than usually expected.
Hi Simone!
I just started accutane today and I have been researching for awhile as well as utilizing different products as of late and my skin has really been looking fairly decent for the last 2 weeks. My normal routine consists of cleansing with a Kojic acid bar soap which now that I have started accutane will be swapped with the cerave hydrating cleanser, followed by a redness reducing essence from dermalogica (AM) , the calming concentrate by dermalogica (AM), asorbic acid and HA serum by the ordinary (AM), azaleic acid by the ordinary (AM), moisturizer from cerave and sunscreen. In the evening I still cleanse the same way but I then go in with tranexamic acid by the inkey list and moisturizer. So far this has been helping clear up my skin but I do know it is probably too harsh to continue daily while in accutane. I want to know what you recommend to cut out and still utilize while I am taking accutane to get the best results possible. If there are any other products as well that maybe I should substitute in I am also open for that as well. Thank you! This page has really helped a lot especially the comments and answers.
Hi Nikki and thanks for reaching out! I am hoping your Accutane journey is going well!
What you are using may be a little too much because Accutane is enough to do the job for you, without the need to introduce so many actives at once. The most important thing to do is to address the active breakouts first (which is what Accutane does) then once you come off the medication you can start looking into actives that address any residual hyperpigmentation or redness.
I like the cleanser and the moisturizer that you’re using and it’s also great you are diligent with your sunscreen. To complement the routine you can stick to azelaic acid as this active ingredient is very mild and works well.
I hope this helps 🙂
Hi Simone,
Grateful for your post. I have very light to mild acneand a lot of hyperpigmentation on my face. I will be starting my isotretinoin treatment this week.
What products would you recommend for my skin.
Products I’m thinking of purchasing :
1. CeraVe hydrating cleanser
2. CeraVe daily moisturizer
3. Sunscreen – maybe aveeno?
4. Light exfoliation- aveeno gentle skin brightening scrub?
5. Hyperpigmentation / blemish spots- serums? Or Ordinary product ?
6. Best vitamins to use while on isotretinoin ?
7. Daily body moisturizer – aquaphor healing ointment or good ole Vaseline?
Thank you,
Hi Jimmie and thanks for reaching out!
Since you are already going to start isotretinoin, I would suggest that you focus on being gentle towards your skin as you will most likely be experiencing periods of moderate to excess dryness.
Therefore, for now, you should just focus on having a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen in your skincare routine. Other than that, the medication will take care of acne so you don’t need to worry about exfoliating and you can also start thinking about addressing hyperpigmentation once your skin has completely healed from active acne.
I would suggest you look into La Roche Posay or Bioderma sunscreens as both brands have an extensive range for many skin types and skin concerns.
Hey simone,
Am about to start my accutane dose, is it oukay if i do that along with ordinary products niacinamide + zinc, and Alpha arbutin for hyperpigment?
Rayah
Hi Rayah!
Try to keep a simple routine while on Accutane and focus on brightening actives such as alpha arbutin after you’ve finished your course of medication. It’s important to treat one skin condition at a time and give your skin time to heal and recover. Niacinamide + Zinc should be fine, however, some skins may find it to be a little too drying, so if this is the case with you – pause it for the time being and use only a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Hi Simone! Thank you so much for writing this post, I will be starting 6 months of Accutane next month and had no idea what products I should be using and why everyone was telling me to stay away from it when my dermatologist thinks it would be perfect for me. I also have Rosacea on top of it, and so I’m not sure if that affects which products I should use. My dermatologist gave me Cetaphil gentle cleanser and Soolantra as well as redness relieving night moisturizer also from Cetaphil. Are there any special precautions you would recommend considering both conditions?
Hi Jamie, and thank you for getting in touch! While many people are concerned about Accutane, the truth is that it works, even though it can be a challenging treatment with some frequently observed side effects, such as excessive dryness, peeling, and irritation.
With that said, I think Cetaphil cleanser will be great for you, however, if you need something even gentler, consider trying out the La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, as well as their Cicaplast Baume B5 as a moisturizer.
Also, I’m not sure if your dermatologist already suggested this, but it would be great to look into sunscreen with high SPF of 30+ as your skin will likely become more sensitive to the sun due to dryness.
All the best!
Hi Simone,
This post and comments/answers from you have been so helpful as I begin my Accutane journey. I do however have a question that has not been asked yet. I have been seeing an esthetician regularly for a year and the retinol peels have been life saving and was treating my acne better than anything a dermatologist has ever given me (including many prescription retinols). I will not be having these done while on Accutane because I am assuming they are too harsh, but I was curious what procedures/peels/facials from an esthetician you do recommend getting done on Accutane that might either help with the acne or the side effects from the medication – thank you!
I’m on my way new month of Accutane and I’m noticing small dark spots can u recommend a product I can use while on Accutane?
A hydrating niacinamide serum is a great and gentle option to use while on Accutane!
Hi Simone,
Thanks for such a simply detailed article! I started low dose (10mg) accutane 2 weeks ago for mild to moderate hormonal acne. I’m using gentle products (The Ordinary Squalene cleanser, CeraVe hydrating cream to foam cleanser, CeraVe eye cream and facial moisturising lotion as well as their Moisturising Cream, UltraViolette Supreme screen SPF 50+ and Dr Lipp’s balm for my lips.
I’m definitely experiencing dryness – I do my routine AM and PM 5 minutes after applying moisturiser my skin seems to have sucked it all in and I feel dry again.
I end up applying 2 – 3 rounds of moisturiser before it feels moist for a while. Is this the right thing to do?
Also I’m having a mild purge mainly around my chin and mouth. I would normally use a pimple cream like Medik8 Blemish SOS or differin cream but I’m guessing I shouldn’t now? Should I use anything on the spots? Or just leave them?
Thanks again!