DAY 1

So I just took my first dose of Accutane. I met with my doctor today to finally get my prescription and it went well! All of my questions were answered about what I should be using in conjunction with this treatment - I was told that I am allowed to basically use whatever I want to keep my skin moisturized and that I shouldn't worry about those products for the most part.

I am on 80 mg a day and it's expected that I will stay on treatment for 5 months, unless i really clear up fast. I am officially off clindagel and doxycycline and my derm also told me that I should probably stop taking my multivitamin and just to take individual vitamins to supplement, expect for vitamin a, of course. Regarding a possible initial breakout, my derm said that since I have been using stuff to treat acne, I shouldn't really experience anything too bad, so lets hope she was right with that.

Once I start to notice and side effects/results I'll update again

DAY 4

This is going pretty well so far! I'm beginning to experience some of the typical side effects, but it has all been very manageable. My skin is getting a little drier, but it's nothing that's actually bothering me. My lips are actually smoother than they usually are because in anticipation of the dryness, I've been stepping up the chapstick usage. I doubt that the dryness is going to stay at this low level as I continue to take the medicine, but we'll see (a girl can hope lol).

I haven't noticed any significant changes in my skin yet. I had some spots that have turned into white heads, so they're on their way out, and I haven't gotten any new spots since starting the meds, but that isn't completely unusual. My parents have commented on seeing some improvement, but I'm not going to get my hopes up just yet.

DAY 7

Starting to see some more side effects lately. Again, nothing too bad, just more dryness and skin sensitivity. I had to switch from my usual Cetaphil Cleanser (the one for all skin types) to a gentler face wash. I've tried a few since then, and have found a couple that don't make my skin sting at all when I use them:

Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk

Simple Moisturizing Cleanser

Since, I had a sample of the Caudalie Cleanser, I tried that out and loved it, but as it's almost $30 a package, I stopped by the local CVS and picked up the Simple Cleanser, which feels the same at around $5 a tube.

As I've had eczema for years (including on my face), and already had dry/combination skiing before starting Accutane, I have some experience dealing with dry, flaky skin, so when I saw some flaky patches, I was annoyed, but not too upset about it. I just make sure to put on a really thick moisturizer, like the Cetaphil or CeraVe Cream (which I had already been using at night before starting this medicine) in the morning and at night. If I'm at home for the day, though, I just put it on whenever I feel dry.

The corner of my mouth did become a bit dry, so to prevent it from actually cracking I just put some Aquaphor on/around my mouth and it worked like a charm. Since I have been using a bunch of chapsticks lately, my lips are actually very smooth and soft, despite how dry the rest of my skin has become, so hopefully that doesn't change.

As for breakouts, I've had maybe 2 new spots, but they've been relatively small and have gone away/healed very quickly. Since my dermatologist told me I might not have to have an initial breakout (since I'd been using acne treatments for a while), I'm hoping that this is the case.

I'm planning on looking into a moisturizing mask that I can use a couple times a week, so I'll keep you guys posted on how that works out.

DAY 12

I've had a bit of a breakout at least its not too bad (nothing more than what I would've gotten before starting accutane). I have noticed, however, that any spots that I do have heal much more quickly.

Besides the dry skin, which is parched, but pretty manageable, I've experienced a few other minor side effects. By the end of the day, my back will be sore, but it's nothing debilitating. My scalp has also gotten drier, leading to some dandruff, but it isn't noticeable to anyone but me. Hopefully some Head and Shoulders shampoo will clear that up.

I really hope that I'll start to see some improvement soon

Seems like you're doing well! And it seems you know what products to use to help with the side effects!

I'm on day 53! I'm also on 80mg.

Good luck!!!

Seems like you're doing well! And it seems you know what products to use to help with the side effects!

 

I'm on day 53! I'm also on 80mg.

 

Good luck!!!

Thanks! I have a feeling that accutane is going to continue to switch things up on me though lol. Have you experienced any changes in your skin/dryness once you started to get used to it in a certain state? (does that question even make sense) Any tips you have are greatly appreciated!

 

Seems like you're doing well! And it seems you know what products to use to help with the side effects!

I'm on day 53! I'm also on 80mg.

Good luck!!!

Thanks! I have a feeling that accutane is going to continue to switch things up on me though lol. Have you experienced any changes in your skin/dryness once you started to get used to it in a certain state? (does that question even make sense) Any tips you have are greatly appreciated!

Yes, lots of dryness and some peeling. I wash my face with ease as it's a bit tender. Then I lotion a lot. The lips are bad, especially in the corners. Get a good lip balm and always keep some on.

 

Yes, lots of dryness and some peeling. I wash my face with ease as it's a bit tender. Then I lotion a lot. The lips are bad, especially in the corners. Get a good lip balm and always keep some on.

Now I just have to figure out how makeup can work with this whole situation - I've kind of just given up on it at the moment lol

DAY 17

This month has been going by so slowly. While none of my side effects have been too bad, I am just so eager to start seeing results. I've been seeing a lot more blackheads lately, so I'm hoping that means they're being pushed up and out. I can't remember the last time I've seen my nose and chin free of those little black dots. I am still breaking out as I did before accutane, but I think the whole "cycle" is speeding up now, with more rapid healing.

The dryness is kinda annoying me with the flaky/dehydrated skin and the dandruff. There are some days that my skin isn't very dry, but in general it is seriously lacking some moisture. My mom heard about a new Neutrogena moisturizer with hyaluronic acid called the "Hydro Boost gel-cream," that's supposed to be for extra-dry skin. I'm trying it out now, so I'll update how it's working for me after I have more experience with it.

This entire update has sounded very depressing, but the past few weeks really haven't been, I promise lol. I've heard that the first month is the worst, and if that is true, then this treatment will be completely worth it because it honestly hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.

Oh PS - My skin isn't red and sensitive as it was last week. It's all my normal skin color with the only red marks/discoloration being spots and acne scars.

DAY 23

Dealing with Accutane induced dandruff:

About a couple weeks into starting accutane, I began to notice that my scalp was more dry and flaky, just as everything is with this medicine. I went to the local drugstore to pick up a bottle of Head and Shoulders and it really wasn't working for me. I took to google to look for other shampoo recommendations and I started to do some research about how those shampoos typically work. I found that my flakiness was just caused from a dry scalp and that this isn't actually dandruff. The dandruff that my Head and Shoulders was meant to treat was due to an overproduction of sebum on the scalp. No wonder it wasn't working for me! I ditched the anti-dandruff shampoo and pulled my Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo out of the closet and my flakiness is almost completely gone. I don't know if this is going to be the same for everyone, but if the typical dandruff treatments aren't working for you, try moisturizing the scalp more.

That being said, almost everything else has stayed the same. I've switched up the moisturizer I'm using, but I haven't decided if I like it or not yet, so once I make my mind up, I'll update with either a recommendation or a warning.

I have been able to go back to my usual makeup routine without it looking gross from flakiness, so I'm quite happy about that. If anyone's wondering, I typically use a powder foundation (which seems counterintuitive, but I've never been able to use a liquid foundation with dry skin) as a base for anything else I want to do that day.

I really haven't had very dry lips at all. My skin has been very very dry, but my lips have remained the same with just applying a chapstick 2 or 3 times a day. I do tend to drink a lot of water, though, so that might be what's keeping them hydrated.

My blackheads are really coming to the surface on my chin and all over my t-zone so I'm very excited to see them start to come out. Hopefully that will be soon!

I will update when anything changes

Hey! You are just a few days behind me. I tried a few moisturizers and my favorite so far has been Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre. It's really good! I actually purchased it a while ago when I still had oily skin and I didn't understand why it had such a cult following... But now that I'm super dry, I've seen the light. Seriously, It's so good. And I'm not getting paid to talk about it haha. Also -- same situation with the blackheads, mine are slowly rising to the surface around my nose. Patience!

Hey! You are just a few days behind me. I tried a few moisturizers and my favorite so far has been Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre. It's really good! I actually purchased it a while ago when I still had oily skin and I didn't understand why it had such a cult following... But now that I'm super dry, I've seen the light. Seriously, It's so good. And I'm not getting paid to talk about it haha. Also -- same situation with the blackheads, mine are slowly rising to the surface around my nose. Patience!

Thanks for the recommendation - I'll definitely check it out! Last night I decided to take out the old extractor and got some of the blackheads out, gently of course. The difference being that this time around, I don't see new ones in their place by the next day. Hopefully it'll stay that way haha

DAY 31

I'm done with my first month! I had my dermatologist appointment today and have been cleared to continue treatment. My doctor said that I should start to see some serious results within the next few weeks, so I'll let you know.

My dryness has been very manageable lately and I think I finally have a solid skincare routine down. So many of my blackheads around my nose and on my chin are gone now its amazing. My breakouts have also decreased significantly, but I do still have a few spots here and there.

To keep the dryness at bay, I use:

Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash - I love it; it's gentle, does the job, and is very inexpensive

Clinique 7 Day Scrub - I use this very gently once or twice a week just to get rid of some of the flaky skin

Caudalie SOS Vinosource Hydrating Serum - It does moisturize a bit, but I won't repurchase

Neutrogena Water Gel-Cream - This stuff is amazing. It has hyaluronic acid, but my doctor said it was fine. I've already gone through an entire jar and got another

Simple Light Moisturizer SPF 15 - I use this over the Neutrogena moisturizer in the mornings under makeup

Aquaphor - Just before bed, and some will still be there in the morning

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm SPF 15 - This is the chapstick I reapply during the day

I'm thinking that once I finish the Caudalie serum, I'll try to find one that will help with hyper pigmentation that won't interfere/react with Accutane. Any suggestions?

DAY 44

I've been breaking out a bit lately. All of the blackheads on my nose are completely gone which is absolutely amazing, but I'm still getting new spots. I never really felt that bad/insecure about my acne to a huge extent, but it's been getting me down more lately. I guess its just because I'm just waiting for things to happen so its on my mind more than usual. Oh well. I just keep in mind that even though Accutane is currently making me breakout, the only thing I can do is stick with it because nothing else has really helped.

Other than that, taking Accutane has become rather mundane - which is definitely a good thing. The side effects aren't really bothering me anymore which is awesome. My skin is still dry, but not as bad as it was in the beginning. My lips aren't necessarily dry, as they're more irritated. They're completely smooth but sometimes the top layer of skin peels (idk if thats the best way to describe it). I think this is probably because I might be over-moisturizing my lips (if thats even possible while on Accutane lol).

Hopefully this breakout goes away soon!

DAY 31

 

I'm done with my first month! I had my dermatologist appointment today and have been cleared to continue treatment. My doctor said that I should start to see some serious results within the next few weeks, so I'll let you know.

 

My dryness has been very manageable lately and I think I finally have a solid skincare routine down. So many of my blackheads around my nose and on my chin are gone now its amazing. My breakouts have also decreased significantly, but I do still have a few spots here and there.

 

To keep the dryness at bay, I use:

Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash - I love it; it's gentle, does the job, and is very inexpensive

Clinique 7 Day Scrub - I use this very gently once or twice a week just to get rid of some of the flaky skin

Caudalie SOS Vinosource Hydrating Serum - It does moisturize a bit, but I won't repurchase

Neutrogena Water Gel-Cream - This stuff is amazing. It has hyaluronic acid, but my doctor said it was fine. I've already gone through an entire jar and got another

Simple Light Moisturizer SPF 15 - I use this over the Neutrogena moisturizer in the mornings under makeup

Aquaphor - Just before bed, and some will still be there in the morning

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm SPF 15 - This is the chapstick I reapply during the day

 

I'm thinking that once I finish the Caudalie serum, I'll try to find one that will help with hyper pigmentation that won't interfere/react with Accutane. Any suggestions?

Hi Piano36

Really sounds like your body is handling Accutane well, even at such a relatively high dose!

In regards to treating hyper pigmentation I think it is generally recommended to wait with that until after finishing the Accutane, since the products that can improve the discoloration of the skin are often a bit harsh and make the skin even more light sensitive and would therefore probably cause more hyper pigmentation if used while on Accutane. Hope this makes sense?

In my own case, I think I might get laser treatment if I am still bothered by the hyper pigmentation after finishing Accutane: It is a bit expensive and you have to wait a few months after finishing your course, but more effective that any topical treatment.

Keep up the good spirits

Linn

 

DAY 31

 

I'm done with my first month! I had my dermatologist appointment today and have been cleared to continue treatment. My doctor said that I should start to see some serious results within the next few weeks, so I'll let you know.

 

My dryness has been very manageable lately and I think I finally have a solid skincare routine down. So many of my blackheads around my nose and on my chin are gone now its amazing. My breakouts have also decreased significantly, but I do still have a few spots here and there.

 

To keep the dryness at bay, I use:

Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash - I love it; it's gentle, does the job, and is very inexpensive

Clinique 7 Day Scrub - I use this very gently once or twice a week just to get rid of some of the flaky skin

Caudalie SOS Vinosource Hydrating Serum - It does moisturize a bit, but I won't repurchase

Neutrogena Water Gel-Cream - This stuff is amazing. It has hyaluronic acid, but my doctor said it was fine. I've already gone through an entire jar and got another

Simple Light Moisturizer SPF 15 - I use this over the Neutrogena moisturizer in the mornings under makeup

Aquaphor - Just before bed, and some will still be there in the morning

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm SPF 15 - This is the chapstick I reapply during the day

 

I'm thinking that once I finish the Caudalie serum, I'll try to find one that will help with hyper pigmentation that won't interfere/react with Accutane. Any suggestions?

Hi Piano36

 

Really sounds like your body is handling Accutane well, even at such a relatively high dose!

In regards to treating hyper pigmentation I think it is generally recommended to wait with that until after finishing the Accutane, since the products that can improve the discoloration of the skin are often a bit harsh and make the skin even more light sensitive and would therefore probably cause more hyper pigmentation if used while on Accutane. Hope this makes sense?

In my own case, I think I might get laser treatment if I am still bothered by the hyper pigmentation after finishing Accutane: It is a bit expensive and you have to wait a few months after finishing your course, but more effective that any topical treatment.

Keep up the good spirits

 

Linn

Yeah I've definitely been lucky so far with how I'm reacting to Accutane (lets hope this continues!) even though I was originally shocked with how high my starting dose was. It does make sense to wait until after - its just hard to not try and fix everything all at once haha. I'll talk to my derm and see what's recommended the next time I see him. I have a feeling he'll tell me exactly what you just said though lol.

Thanks for the advice!

DAY 59

I had my 2-month appointment with my dermatologist today. I've been clearing up a lot lately with only 3-4 spots on my face at the moment. Since one of my main concerns is my hyper pigmentation, I made sure to talk to him about that. He told me that once I'm off of Accutane, a lot of it will fade, but he did give me a prescription for Aczone to use in addition to Accutane in the mean time. He said it shouldn't dry out my skin and that it should get rid of some of the pink spots that are left over from acne.

My blood work all came back normal and hopefully it stays that way with the high dosage I'm on. My soreness has gotten worse, with my shoulders and lower back/hips being pretty achey, but it doesn't stop me from doing anything.

I'll update again once I start using the Aczone!