You can make it feel like you’re NOT even ON Accutane.
Take it from me, a girl that has been through the Accutane cycle not once, but TWICE in my life. So, when it comes to the best skincare routine, I’m basically a pro…
Let me tell you, the second round was completely different from the first!
In my first round, I didn’t do anything for my skin. I washed it, moisturized it, and didn’t look into the products I was using. I probably barely drank water.
My skin was dry ALL THE TIME…and the worst part? THE CHAPPED LIPS. If you’re on Accutane, you know the feeling.
But you can completely change this! Just follow the recommendations below, cause I’m going to talk to you about the BEST Accutane Skincare Routine!
Also, before we start, I want to preface this post by saying
LISTEN TO YOUR DERMATOLOGIST
They know what they’re doing! Always take their advice first, they want to help you:)
Now let’s get into it…
1. Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This is an absolute necessity. Lots of facial cleansers can tend to dry out your skin and strip it of all its oils.
This is NOT what you want when your skin is being dried from the inside out!
With a hydrating facial cleanser, it will thoroughly wash your face, while not only not stripping it, but also adding to the moisture barrier. I used one the entire time I was on Accutane (the second time), and I still use it today because I love it SO much. It’s worth it! I used mine every morning and night!
Here’s the one I use (& LOVE):
2. Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C honestly changed the game for me!
It’s the only serum I thought was worth using during Accutane, as you’re supposed to keep your skincare simple and sweet!
There are lots of different serums that include Vitamin C. The one that I used was the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% from The Ordinary. I love it because it works to promote healthy skin and get rid of dullness.
Through my Accutane journey, I could tell that my skin did not have as much life to it…
This serum totally fixed that! It brought my skin back to life. So, if you want to make your skin look and feel like you’re not even on Accutane, I recommend Vitamin C. I used this serum every morning and night. But find a serum that works for you!
Here’s the one I used 🙂
3. Facial Oil
Some people can become skeptical when they hear the word “oil” used in skincare. “Doesn’t oil cause acne?”
However, dermatology-tested facial oils and sebum that blocks pores are completely different! It won’t be causing ANY acne (at least while on Accutane…if you aren’t on this pill and have oily skin, I wouldn’t recommend oils), and I think made the biggest difference to my skin when it came to hydration.
In my routine, I would apply it every night before my moisturizer and after my serum! I never put it on in the daytime just for the fact I didn’t want to have oily skin throughout the day, but it’s all about personal preference.
Yeah, I used ANOTHER Ordinary product, but are we surprised? No, it’s THE BEST. The oil I swear by is the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. I love it. But again…
DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Find an oil that you feel would best fit your skin. Cause it’s all about you, love!
Here’s the one I used:
4. A Great Moisturizing Routine
What’s the biggest issue when it comes to Accutane? Dryness? Yeah. You’re gonna be as dry as the Sahara Desert. The moisturizer you use really sets the tone for the 5 months that you’re doing to be on this pill.
I actually had TWO different moisturizers. One for AM and one for PM.
AM:
The moisturizer that I used in the AM was lightweight but definitely strengthened the moisture barrier. It got me through the day without needing to reapply (usually…every day is different).
I enjoyed using a lightweight cream so I didn’t feel any heaviness on my skin throughout the day. If this is something that doesn’t bother you, then you may not need two!
PM:
In the PM, I used a heavier cream. If I were to recommend any moisturizer while on Accutane, I would recommend using the heavier ones. It really locks in any and all moisture and lasts for a long time. Waking up in the morning, I definitely wouldn’t feel as dry.
So, if you don’t like your products to feel heavy, I would definitely recommend having two different moisturizers! But again, that’s all up to personal preference.
Here are the ones I used (they really are the best):
AM: https://amzn.to/36tVvqa PM: https://amzn.to/2Vqy8vf
5. Aquaphor ALWAYS
If you’ve been doing your research on Accutane skincare, I’m sure you’ve heard of the beloved Aquaphor. I promise that nobody is exaggerating when they say YOU NEED THIS! It is life-changing.
I’m going to be completely honest with you…I had a tub of Aquaphor in my bathroom, a stick of it in my desk drawer, and a big tube of it in my school backpack.
ALWAYS HAVE AQUAPHOR ON HAND.
You never know when your skin is going to start drying up and flaking…Aquaphor is the answer!
I would put it on just my lips in the morning, but in the night I would put it on my lips, on the whole area surrounding my lips, and at the tips of my nose to prevent any nosebleeds.
I went through my second round of Accutane with absolutely 0 nosebleeds (can I get a round of applause?!), so I would definitely recommend implementing that.
There are lots of different forms of Aquaphor, and get what works best for you! I personally loved the tub version.
Here’s the link:
6. Don’t neglect your body!
Your Accutane skincare shouldn’t just be about your face, but about the whole package. Learn to love taking care of your whole body!
First of all, I would recommend looking into body lotions that contain shea butter. They will moisturize your skin for longer than any other product.
Your skin is gonna get super dry around your arms and calves, so definitely make sure you’re taking care of it!
You HAVE to be drinking water. There are just no excuses for this. I drank around 90-120 ounces of water each day. It’s a hard habit to build, but it will change the game for you.
Try to have a glass of water RIGHT WHEN YOU WAKE UP and RIGHT WHEN YOU GO TO BED. It will help you to feel refreshed when you wake up and hopefully implement a new water-drinking habit quicker.
I would also recommend trying to bring a water bottle with you wherever you go. And listen to this saying that I always told myself while on Accutane…
“Water is the best chapstick.”
Sounds dumb, yeah? But it’s true. If you’re drinking enough water (which is A LOT on Accutane), then you won’t have to worry as much about the products that you’re using to try and moisturize. I guarantee it.
Here’s a link to a great body lotion:
To all my gals and guys starting their Accutane journey, it’s hard! Deciding to go on it a second time was hard for me, but became so worth it as I ended those 5 months.
Something that kept me going while I was on this pill was that I definitely wasn’t alone. There are probably so many kids or adults that YOU KNOW who are taking Accutane. It’s normal, you’re not weird.
You will face days where you don’t feel confident, your makeup gets messed up because of your dry skin, and your lips are SO chapped that you feel like leaving a function. I’ve been there. But I understand, and I’ve GOT YOU!
Reach out to me if you need ANY tips or ANY encouragement. Hit me with a message on Instagram, and I’m sure to get back to you.
So with that being said, best of luck to you! You’ve got this. So much love being sent your way!
xo,
jaci lynn
P.S check out my faves page to see more!
