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I'm 16 and started taking accutane today. I've heard that it takes about six months for akin to clear up, but I'm really impatient and kind of want it to clear up faster. Before starting accutane, I used clean and clear's continuous control wash, which worked good for getting rid of pimples but wouldn't stop new ones from showing up. I also used a moisturizer afterwards. While on accutane, would it be bad for my skin to use topical acne products/face washes? If it is, is there anything I can do to make my skin clear up in less than six months?
I would not use any other acne medications without checking with your dermatologist first.
Here's why:
Your doctor will need to get an accurate gauge of how Accutane is working for you in order to know when dosage adjustments may be needed. If you are using other medications that he doesn't know about, he may not get an accurate picture of what Accutane is doing.
Also, using other acne medications while on Accutane will increase your chance of dry skin and irritation. Ideally you don't want to create more irritation as Accutane can be extremely drying and may be irritating at too.
Bottom line, don't use anything that your doctor isn't aware of.
Don't use any topicals. Your skin is too sensitive, and it will just leas to further problems, such as dermititis which you really don't want.
Just wait accutane out, use a gentle facewash and that's it. Unfortunately it doesn't work over night, but you'll notice improvements as you go along. It's not like you have 6 months of awful skin and then on the very last day it goes away - it's a gradual improvement over time.
You'll have to be patient
my dermatologist prescribed me with duac gel (clindamycin + benzoyl peroxide) that should be applied to pimple area in the morning and at night alongside with isotretinoin. at night time i also applied glycolic acid cream 10% to lighten acne scars. i'm currently on my 4th week of isotretinoin 20mg/day.
You can use mild topical products that will not destroy your skin or interfere with accutane. I would suggest 2.5% benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning followed by a moisturizing sunscreen. In the evening wash your face with water or mild soap then apply cerave moisturizer. Brandy is correct about your doctor changing your dosage based on the the side effects you have. But how dry your lips get is a much better gauge than skin irritation. Btw start carrying lip balm everywhere you go. I strongly suggest that you don't use topical retinoids with accutane.
Just keep your dermatologist informed and be patient. Most people stop breaking out after the first month, and completely clear by the third or fourth month.
Good luck