Any suggestions for body and face moisturizer while on isotretionoin?

Question

I start my prescription in a few days. In general it looks like people agree on Dr. Dan's chap stick, but moisturizers seem to be all over the place and the more I try to research the more confusing it becomes.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Doctors often refer to the dryness that occurs with isotretinoin and retinoids like Retin-A as the retinoid reaction. Although normal, the dryness can lead to a feeling of discomfort that can ultimately compromise your compliance. Retinoid reaction includes:
DrynessRednessItchingBurningDiscomfortIn my office in Beverly Hills, I prescribe Accutane quite a bit for cystic acne and inflammatory scarring. Patients are advised to moisturize frequently with a non-oily moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster, which we use in our office. Applied liberally on the face, the ceramides are soothing and relieve discomfort when possible. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Cheryl M. Burgess, MD, FAAD · Answer

Through trial and error when having to take Accutane (isotretinoin) myself for cystic acne, I tried out and sampled many facial moisturizers. Having an oily complexion, I hardly ever used any lotions or creams on my face other than sunscreen. In retrospect, I understand your confusion. I find that when taking Accutane, the skin is dry but also can be very sensitive; therefore, I recommend AveneTrixera Emollient Cleanser Gel and Lotion to all of my patients while on Accutane.

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD · Answer

Agree - love the Dr. Dan's lip balm.  Good regular moisturization is key to minimizing accutane dryness.  Here are some of my favorites - CeraVe AM with SPF 30 for the morning, Avene Tolerance Extreme for the night time.  For the body, I love CeraVe, Vanicream, or Cetaphil.  It is still possible to get a few dry patches while diligently moisturizing on accutane - also known as retinoid dermatitis.  If this is the case, visit with your dermatologist and they can prescribe an anti-inflammatory cream to help treat this.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a question that we get
asked often by our patients. As our clinic uses accutane on a regular basis,
these are the products that we recommend:

-SkinCeuticals® Gentle Cleanser - Replenishes the skin’s
moisture barrier with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

-VivierSkin® LEXXEL Moisturizer - Contains hexamide which
has strong anti-microbial and powerful anti-redness properties.

-EltaMD® SPF 30+ - Daily facial moisturizing cream with SPF
30 sunblock. Contains transparent zinc oxide to block UVA and UVB rays.

-Lip Fix Lip Balm- Healing ointment for lips to combat
dryness containing beeswax, shea butter and almond oil.

These are available in many dermatologist offices. For the
best results please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience
with your condition.

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

To a degree this is a matter of personal preference.  Some things are true across the board thought: no salicylic or glycolic acids, non exfoliating, non comedogenic.  One with a sunscreen combo would be helpful for the summer.  You may try these:Avene XeraCalmAvene Tolerance ExtremeEpiCeram, Bionect (Rx)

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

There is no magic winner for moisturizers while on Accutane and it is more of a personal preference. I would advise you to avoid ones with significant perfumes as they will be irritating overall. Also, ones that comes in tubes or jars will be thicker than ones that come in pump bottles. I have my patients try a bunch including Lubriderm, DML Forte or DML Lotion, varying CeraVe, and Cetaphil. Really, just pick one that you like and will use regularly. And use sunscreen too! And yes, I'm definitely on board with the Dr. Dan's. It is awesome!"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot 
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Any suggestions for body and face moisturizer while on isotretionoin?

Answers (6)

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