Accutane

Facial skin care:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser such as Dove soap, or any of the Cetaphil or Cerave gentle cleansers.  We do not recommend using any cleanser formulated for acne.  These can be irritating and may increase dryness.

In the evening use a gentle, non comedogenic moisturizer such as Cetaphil night cream or Neutrogena deep moisture night cream.

In the morning, use a good sunscreen such as Elta MD or Vanicream.

If your lips are very dry, we recommend using Vaseline or Aquaphor throughout the day.  Some patients also like lip balms that have hydrocortisone in them, such as Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm.  

It is important to stop using all of your previously prescribed acne medications.  Again, these can be irritating and may increase dryness.

Body skin care:

Use a gentle soap in the shower such a Dove soap or Vanicream cleansing bar.  Take short, luke warm showers.  Hot showers can increase dryness.

When you get out of the shower, pat dry, and apply a thick moisturizing cream all over.  Examples of creams we recommend are Cetaphil moisturizing cream and Cerave moisturizing cream.  

When going outside, apply a good sunscreen of at least SPF 30+.  We like Elta MD, Vanicream, or any of the Neutrogena sunscreens.  

Tips for dry nose/eyes:

Apply a thin layer of aquaphor, vaseline, or organic oil (ie olive oil) to skin just inside the nose

Sleep with a humidifier close to your bed

Use a nasal saline spray throughout the day

Use lubricating eye drops throughout the day

Muscle aches/joint pains/mild headaches

If you need an over the counter pain medication, we recommend ibuprofen.  Avoid taking Tylenol while on Accutane.

Stop taking the medication and call our office immediately or seek urgent care in the ER if you have a severe headache or a headache associated with visual changes