accutane: pros, cons, tips, and product recs

💊my story: after having acne since fourth grade, i finally decided to start accutane my senior year of highschool. I always thought my skin “wasn’t bad enough to go on accutane,” but I always struggled immensely. I tried everything, but nothing worked, at least not long term. My skin was my biggest insecurity. The decision to start was definitely really scary. I was very afraid of the side effects (especially how it would affect my mental health). Ultimately acne caused so much stress in my life so the purging period was really tough, but it was so worth it. My greatest regret is not going on it sooner because I am so happy with my results.

💊pros: honestly, there aren’t many. obviously I ended up with clear skin (not to brag, but I used to say I’d kill for skin like this). the only other benefit i can think of is that I could go longer without washing my hair. I was always an every other day girly, but while I was on it I could push to around 5 days. Sadly my hair returned to its old ways, but it was great for the time being.

💊cons: it was hell.

The obvious- dry lips. They cracked and hurt like a mf some days. You have to apply aquaphor constantly. With that, dry skin in general, including dry scalp/dandruff.

It’s a major hit to the self esteem. Some days I could hardly look in the mirror. Plus, wearing makeup didn’t help since my skin was so textured and dry. Your skin will likely look worse than it ever has during the purging period. I know that sounds scary, but remember it will pass.

I did 8 months instead of the usual 6. My dermatologist told me the purging would last 2-3 months, and then I’d be clear. It was so frustrating to go back month after month and that wasn’t happening. However, I’m really glad I pushed for the extra 2 months as you can see at the end.

The sun is not your friend. I started accutane at the end of august and finished in june, so thankfully it wasn’t a time when I was spending a lot of time in the sun. Still, I tried to apply SPF on my face every day. My derm gave me tons of sunscreen samples.

💊tips: you need a buttload of aquaphor. ask your derm if they have samples- mine was able to give me a bunch of mini tubes so I kept them everywhere. I also had a huge tub of CeraVe vaseline which I debatably liked more.

Every step of your routine should be hydrating. I personally love Neutrogena’s “Hydro Boost” line. Stay away from anything drying. I highly recommend a hyaluronic acid serum, just make sure there is still some moisture/water on your face when you apply it. Otherwise, it won’t do its job.

When my skin got really dry, my derm told me to really prioritize hydration. Breakouts were bound to happen. So at night, I lathered my face in vaseline.

💊picking: I really struggled with popping and picking. My derm always told me not to, but stopping wasn’t really in the cards for me no matter how hard I tried. To avoid scarring, I got Vitamin E oil. You can buy ingestible capsules which you can pop open, or get a bottle off Amazon. Fair warning- it smells like shit. But, it’ll really speed up the healing process. I liked mixing the oil with another moisturizer or vaseline and applied every night.

💊products: I’m no professional and everyone’s skin is different. But this is what I used, and I think it worked out pretty well.

Face wash: Rodan+Fields Soothe #1 is non-foaming so it is better for hydration. Neutrogena Hydro Boost wash is foaming, but still hydrating and gives a deep clean.

Hyaluronic Serum: I love the La Roche Posay one, but Neutrogena has a cheaper alternative.

Moisturizer: Surprise! another item from Neutrogena ‘s Hydro Boost line. Get the moisturizer but specifically the one for extra dry skin

Vaselines: of course, Aquaphor and CeraVe. but also- Egyptian Magic. It’s a thinner, natural alternative to vaseline made with olive oil, beeswax, and honey. This was my favorite to mix with the vitamin E.

💊pep talk: you are beautiful inside and out. all pain it temporary. you got this. I hope this helped!!

#accutane