How long will the face and lips be dry while using Accutane? Will I only experience dryness for a month?

Question

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you will be dry for 9-12 months while on the medication so its VERY important you get facials and are on proper skincare and lasers during treatment (see link) or do a virtual consultation with us.
Acne requires a combination approach to get long term improvement.  For all patients on isotretinoin, we require them to be on skin care such as vitamin C, glycolic cream, kojic acid serums in the morning and retinols and salicylic acid at night.   All of our patients get clear+brilliant non ablative laser along with a microsecond YAG laser such as aerolase or laser genesis and microneedling with PRP or microneelding RF like intensif or fractora monthly to help improve breakouts, speed the healing process, and improve scarring and facial redness while on the isotretinoin/accutane.  LED light therapy, cosmelan/enlighten peels, salt facial or dermalinfusion can be done as well to speed up the improvement. I sugges tyou go to an expert who combines skin care, lasers, microneedling, PRP, and facials while on oral medications for acne.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Deanna Brown, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello!
You will continue to experience dry skin and lips throughout the course of isotretinoin (Accutane). For most patients, the course of treatment is about 6 months; however, every patient is different, so ask your dermatologist about specific expectations for you.
Some patients notice a slight improvement in dryness over the course of treatment, but this is likely related to consistent use of moisturizers and lip treatment. I like Cerave and Cetaphil creams, and aquaphor lip therapy or Dr. Dans Cortibalm for my patients. Always use gentle cleansers to limit extra irritation, as well.The good news is that the dryness goes away within a month of stopping isotretinoin, and you will emerge with clear, acne-free skin!
Best of luck!

How long will the face and lips be dry while using Accutane? Will I only experience dryness for a month?

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How long will the face and lips be dry while using Accutane? Will I only experience dryness for a month?

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.