Best Skincare Tips While on Accutane
Choose the Gentlest Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
On Accutane, even your usual face wash can suddenly feel harsh. Many experience heightened sensitivity—skin that feels tight, prickly, or irritated after cleansing. Switching to ultra-gentle formulas is essential. Look for cream-based, hydrating options over foaming or gel cleansers; these are less likely to strip away precious moisture or disrupt your skin’s delicate barrier.
Scan ingredient lists for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic labels, as added perfumes and alcohols are notorious for causing inflammation. Cleansers with ceramides, glycerin, or soothing botanicals like aloe can offer extra comfort and protection, making face washing a soothing ritual instead of a dreaded task.
A good cleanser should lift away dirt and sunscreen without leaving you feeling squeaky clean—a subtle sign of damage. Prioritize mildness always.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Pick creamy, fragrance-free cleansers | Use exfoliating or foaming washes |
| Rinse with lukewarm water | Wash with hot water |
Moisturize Religiously to Combat Dryness and Flakiness
When you begin your journey with accutane, one of the first changes you might notice is your skin’s sudden thirst for moisture. This powerful medication works by dramatically reducing oil production, making dryness and flakiness almost inevitable. Investing in a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer can help restore your skin’s protective barrier, leaving it feeling soothed and more resilient against daily irritants.
Apply moisturizer both morning and night, and don’t hesitate to reapply as needed throughout the day, especially to areas prone to extreme dryness like your cheeks and around the nose. Choosing creams with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin can lock in hydration for much-needed comfort.
Don’t Skip Broad-spectrum Sunscreen Every Day
On accutane, your skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage—even a short walk outside can lead to intense redness or peeling. Protecting your face each day becomes non-negotiable. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and ensure it’s labeled as non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re active or sweating. This daily habit helps prevent hyperpigmentation and premature aging, maximizing your skin’s healing process while you’re on accutane.
Treat Lips and Eyes with Extra Care
It’s easy to overlook how vulnerable your lips and the skin around your eyes become while on Accutane, but these areas are often the first to show discomfort. Dryness and cracking can set in quickly, making hydration essential.
Opt for a rich, fragrance-free lip balm and a gentle, nourishing eye cream. Reapply balm throughout the day and before bed to keep lips supple, and choose eye creams free of harsh ingredients to soothe delicate under-eye skin.
Remember that even the movement of smiling or blinking can feel different during your Accutane journey, so pay attention to signs of tightness or irritation. Prioritize gentle products and create habits to support these sensitive areas, preventing painful dryness and promoting lasting comfort.
Avoid Harsh Exfoliants and Active Ingredients
During accutane treatment, your skin becomes especially vulnerable, often losing its natural resilience. Instead of strong scrubs or potent acids, focus on products designed for deep nourishment and comfort. This is not the time to push your skin’s limits, as over-exfoliation can lead to irritation, redness, or even delayed healing.
Look for formulas with calming ingredients like ceramides, allantoin, or panthenol to support your compromised skin barrier. Gentle care ensures that your accutane results are optimized without any setbacks.
| Recommended | Use Sparingly or Avoid |
|---|---|
| Ceramide-rich creams | Physical scrubs |
| Hydrating toners | Retinoids |
| Soothing masks | AHAs/BHAs |
Listen to Your Skin and Adjust Accordingly
Some days your skin will crave more moisture, while other times it may feel balanced enough to ease up. Pay attention to the cues your face gives you, like sudden irritation, unusual redness, or flakiness. Don’t hesitate to tweak your routine by skipping a product or switching to something gentler if needed.
Everyone's journey with Accutane is unique. One week, your lips might need more frequent balms; another, your under-eyes may require a heavier cream. Stay flexible, and accept that what worked before might need adjusting as treatment progresses. Trusting your skin’s feedback helps you nurture and protect your complexion more effectively.