Essential Tips for an Accutane Skincare Routine

I’ve recently started several patients on Accutane, and one of the key pieces I emphasize is the importance of adjunctive supportive skincare and self-care to minimize discomfort and help maximize your results. Because Accutane is very effective, but it comes with a set of predictable side effects like dryness of the skin, lips, eyes and mucous membranes. Therefore, it’s smart to plan ahead.

Here’s a breakdown of what I typically recommend for patients starting Accutane and how to use each supportive therapy to make your journey more comfortable and successful.

Why these adjunctive therapies matter

Accutane works by dramatically reducing oil (sebum) production, “shrinking” sebaceous glands, changing cell-differentiation in the skin and reducing inflammation. That’s why it’s so powerful for severe or persistent acne. However, those same mechanisms also mean that the skin, lips, eyes and mucous membranes become much drier, more fragile, more prone to irritation and sun sensitivity. The goal of having a solid Accutane skincare routine is:

• Replace and retain moisture (skin barrier support)

• Calm irritation and prevent secondary effects (like chapped lips, blepharitis)

• Protect from added insults (sun, wind, friction)

• Maintain comfort so you’re able to stay on your regimen and let isotretinoin do its job

  
  

My Recommended Accutane Skincare Products & Tips

Below are the key categories I discuss with patients, plus the specific brands I often suggest with clickable links to Amazon. Note: These are recommendations for adjunctive care only, not replacements for your prescribed treatment or follow-up.

1. Gentle cleanser

• Use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser rather than harsh scrubs or high-exfoliant cleansers.

• I often recommend something like a hydrating cleanser.

• Use twice daily (morning + evening) and after sweating, but avoid over-washing or scrubbing which can worsen dryness and irritation.

  
  

2. Moisturizer (day & night)

• After cleansing, apply a non-comedogenic, oil-free or low-oil moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap moisture.

• I often recommend brands like Vanicream or CeraVe for this purpose because they are gentle, often fragrance-free, and suitable for compromised skin barriers.

• Apply at least once each morning and evening; some patients benefit from a mid-day “booster” if they feel tightness or flaking.

  
  

3. Lip care

• Chapped, cracked lips (cheilitis) are nearly universal while on isotretinoin.

• I recommend using an occlusive balm such as Aquaphor or plain Vaseline (petrolatum) throughout the day and especially at night.

• For intensely dry lips, I recommend a medicated balm such as Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm to help with healing and dryness overnight (contains beeswax, petroleum, and hydrocortisone)

• If you go outdoors, consider a lip balm with SPF too — because the lips are more sun-sensitive during treatment.

  
  

4. Eye & nasal care

• Dry eyes and dry nasal passages are common side effects.

• I suggest saline drops/ artificial tears for eyes when dryness, irritation or contact lens discomfort occurs.

• For nostrils that are dry (or occasional nosebleeds), lightly applying a small amount of petrolatum inside the nostril (carefully) can help (but check for safety/discussion if you have any nasal issues).

• If you wear contact lenses, be extra gentle and consider switching to glasses temporarily if discomfort increases.

  
  

5. Antihistamine for “purging” or flares

• Some patients experience what we call a “purge” when starting isotretinoin — a transient worsening of acne or skin irritation. I sometimes recommend a low-dose antihistamine at night (if medically appropriate) to help with any associated itch or inflammation.

• The goal is to keep comfort high so you stay on the regimen.

  
  

6. Omega-3 / fish oil to mitigate side-effects

• While evidence is less robust compared to skin-barrier interventions, I discuss with patients the potential value of fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplementation (after checking no contraindications) to support general skin and joint health, possibly mitigate dryness or inflammation, and assist in absorption of the medication.

  
  

Things to avoid or be cautious about

• Stop using harsh exfoliants, scrubs, strong AHA/BHA serums, retinols or strong acne products while on isotretinoin — your skin barrier is already compromised.

• Avoid sun tanning beds, excessive sun exposure, waxing or laser procedures while on Accutane (and often for some months after) because your skin is more vulnerable.

• Always follow the dosing instructions for Accutane and the required monitoring (eg. labs, pregnancy testing if applicable).

• Consult your provider if you experience unusual symptoms (eg. mood changes, severe dryness, vision changes, extended bleeding).

  
  

Why this matters for your Accutane journey

By taking these adjunctive skincare steps seriously, you’re doing several things:

• Reducing discomfort so you’re more likely to stay compliant with Accutane and complete your course (which improves your chances of long-term clearance).

• Minimizing downtime, flaring or side-effects that may otherwise lead to treatment interruption.

• Preserving your skin barrier, which means less post-treatment rebound, less risk of scarring, and better overall skin health.

• Enhancing the visible results — when your skin isn’t irritated or flaky, the “good” changes you’re seeing (reduced oiliness, fewer lesions) are more obvious and gratifying.

  
  

Final thoughts

Starting Accutane is a meaningful step in your acne journey. It’s one of the most effective treatments we have, and when done thoughtfully with good adjunctive support, it can really transform your skin. But the “supportive” part is just as important as the prescription itself.

By introducing the gentle cleanser, quality moisturizers (like Vanicream or CeraVe), lip care (Aquaphor, Vaseline, Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm), eye/nasal support (saline drops), antihistamine and fish oil as needed, you’re giving your skin the optimum environment to heal, regenerate, and stay comfortable while the isotretinoin does its work.

If you have any questions about when to escalate care or which product might be best for your skin type (sensitive, rosacea-prone, etc), I’m here to help. Stay consistent, patient and gentle with your skin, and the results will follow.

Important Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. All prescriptions (including isotretinoin) and any added supplements or medications (such as antihistamines or fish oil) must be managed under the supervision of your dermatologist or healthcare provider.