ACCUTANE DRY SKIN
Accutane (Isotretinoin) is an effective medication that can help control sebum and reduce cystic acne. The benefits of Accutane are enormous in those patients who have resistant acne that forms in cystic clusters on the face or body. As a result of reduced sebum, patients on Accutane experience dry skin and chapped lips.
Almost every patient who undergoes treatment with Accutane will experience some element of dryness on the skin. Its almost inevitable. The severity of dryness varies between individuals and some patients are so affected by the problem that they may wish to discontinue therapy with Accutane.
If you are experiencing dry, chapped skin, you may want to discuss options for therapy with your dermatologist or skin specialist. In colder climates, it becomes more difficult to tolerate Accutane given windchill factors and dryer, colder weather. Snow and rain can sometimes dessicate the skin, despite the increased humidity in the air.
Follow some of these basic steps to avoid dryness with Accutane:
CHOOSE A NON-DRYING CLEANSER
All cleansers are not the same and some are much more drying than others. Benzoyl peroxide washes and those that contain salicylic acid may help with acne, but may further irritate your skin if you are taking Accutane. Decrease the dosage of these facial washes if your skin is sensitive. You may want to alternate with a gentle cleanser a few times a week.
FIND A CERAMIDE MOISTURIZER
Ceramides can restore the skin's natural barrier function and are thus excellent for use with Accutane. We recommend Elevase Moisture Booster to our patients on Accutane. Its ceramide formulation is excellent for all types of skin sensitivity associated with Accutane or acne therapy.
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AVOID HARSH SALICYLIC ACID TOPICALS
Salicylic acid creams may work as monotherapy without Accutane, but may be extremely harsh on your skin while on Accutane. Give your skin a chance to heal without using keratolytic chemicals that can further irritate and sensitize.
MONITOR RETINOID APPLICATION CLOSELY
Retinoid therapy is essential while on Accutane. Topical retinoids can reduce pore size and sebum content. Accutane is a form of Vitamin A, much like a retinoid cream, and the combination use should be monitored closely to avoid excessive dryness and skin sensitization.