Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Dealing with cracked, itchy, or dry skin
• Method 2 of 4: Preventing scars while using Roaccutane
• Method 3 of 4: Dealing with photosensitivity
• Method 4 of 4: Take care of your lips
• Tips

Acne is an embarrassing problem. If you choose to treat acne with Isotretinoin (commonly referred to by the brand name Accutane), you may face a significant challenge. The benefits are great, but the side effects can be daunting. Keep your skin hydrated to combat dryness and consult your dermatologist about skin changes and recommendations for keeping your skin healthy while taking isotretinoin.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Dealing with cracked, itchy, or dry skin

1. Take short, cold showers. Roaccutane is known to dry out the skin. Cold showers will dry out your face less than hot showers and can keep the side effects under control. A short shower ensures that the important fats are not flushed from your skin and that your skin does not dry out. Long showers and baths cause your skin to dry out, so try to limit it to 5-10 minutes.
   • If necessary, you can take one warm (not hot) shower per day. In this case, you are not allowed to take an extra shower that day.
   • Pat your skin dry. Do not use a towel to rub your skin dry.
2. Use a mild or gentle shampoo. Using shampoo regularly will dry out your scalp and cause itchiness. Many people report that they do not need any shampoo at all while using Accutane, so evaluate the condition of your hair before shampooing and use it only when necessary.
3. Use a mild soap. Look for soaps made from natural ingredients such as olive oil, lavender, chamomile, coconut oil, peppermint, and honey. Mild soaps normally do not contain artificial fragrances and chemicals and should not contain antibacterial agents. You can also use a cleanser designed for sensitive skin. Read the labels and make sure the soap is intended for sensitive skin and does not contain fragrances
   • Make sure to use the soap as directed. To use the soap, you have to take the bar of soap in your hands and wet it with water. Rub the soap back and forth until a foam is formed. Then apply this with a washcloth or loofah sponge. You can also choose to apply the soap directly to your washcloth or loofah sponge and scrub until a foam forms. Then use the foaming washcloth or loofah sponge on the body parts you want to clean.
4. Use a detergent without soap. Using a soap-free cleanser sparingly can be an acceptable alternative to a mild soap. Like mild soap, any cleanser you use should be free of chemicals and preservatives, and natural oils and herbs should be part of the main ingredients.
   • Specific guidelines for use depend on the non-soap cleanser you are using. Most are available as lotions. To use a lotion cleanser, spray a little on your fingertips and then gently rub it loose onto the skin on your face, arms, and hands. Make sure it penetrates into the pores for a few seconds. Rinse off what is left with water or wipe it off with a tissue.
   • There are many mild soaps and cleansers available from your local esthetician. Find the products that work for you.
   • There is also shampoo without soap.
5. Use a moisturizer after showering. There are all kinds of moisturisers for sale. Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients and a minimum of chemicals. Natural ingredients in your moisturizer can include brown sugar, macadamia oil, shea butter, and oatmeal.
   • Read the labels and make sure no perfume has been added and that the moisturizer does not contain alcohol.
   • If necessary, a moisturizer can be applied to dry or cracked skin by putting a little on your fingertips and rubbing it into the affected skin with gentle circular motions.
   • Read the guidelines on the back of the moisturizer to use it correctly.
   • If you are flying, make sure to apply a double layer of lotion before boarding the plane. Air in planes is recirculated, putting your skin more at risk of drying out.
6. Leave the bedroom window open. When the weather permits, exposing your skin to fresh air can help keep it from drying out and cracking. Do not open a window unless you have an insect screen, especially if you do not want insects and other pests to enter.
7. Buy a humidifier. A humidifier can significantly improve the quality of your skin, especially in cool or cold weather. If possible, find a humidifier for your home and a smaller one for your workplace.
8. Drink lots of water. It's important to keep yourself hydrated, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Always have a bottle of water on hand and try to refill it several times a day.

Method 2 of 4: Preventing scars while using Roaccutane

1. Don't wax your skin. Because the skin becomes thinner during the treatment, you run a higher risk of scarring. Depilation with resin (resins) should be avoided for at least six months after stopping treatment with isotretinoin.
2. Do not have laser treatment performed. Both ablative and non-ablative laser treatments should be avoided while using Accutane, as should dermabrasion and other techniques for treating acne scar tissue. During the treatment period, your skin will be thinner than usual, which increases the risk of scarring.
3. Shave your hair only when necessary. Do not try to shave while using Roaccutane. If you need to remove the hair on your face or legs, use a safety razor and mild shaving cream. If your skin is particularly dry or badly cracked, use the lather with a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser instead of shaving cream. Wet the part of your skin that you want to shave and then apply the shaving cream or soap cream on it. Move your razor slowly along the skin you want to shave. Wash out your razor and rinse off the shaved skin when you're done.
   • Pay attention when shaving. Do not use a straight-edged razor.
   • A razor will do the least amount of damage when you remove hair on your face and legs.

Method 3 of 4: Dealing with photosensitivity

1. Do not expose your skin to the sun for a long time. Stay indoors if you get the chance. If you go outside on sunny days, cover your arms with long sleeves. Wear pants, not shorts, to limit how much sunlight you are exposed to.
2. Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 to your face, neck and hands before going outside. Also use it on your body if you really can't wear long pants or long-sleeved shirt. Stay on the beach or next to the pool under an umbrella.
3. Treat sunburn with cold water compresses. Wet a rag or cloth with cold tap water and apply to the burnt skin for ten minutes. Repeat three to four times a day or as needed. Aloe vera based lotion can also be used to relieve pain. If the sunburn is severe and the skin starts to flake off, see a dermatologist.
4. Do not expose your skin to the sun for a long time and use a sunscreen. It is important to protect your skin from the sun when you go outside. Always apply sunscreen before exposure to the sun.
   • Also remember that the effect of Accutane can be enhanced if it is used together with other drugs that cause photosensitivity. Please consult your doctor if you are taking any other medicines besides Roaccutane.

Method 4 of 4: Take care of your lips

1. Use lip balm. Cheilitis (chapped lips) is a common side effect of Roaccutane treatment. To both prevent and treat chapped lips, you should use lip balm. Some have a pleasant scent such as lavender or wild cherry, but others are odorless.
   • The most hygienic lip balms come in small rectangular tubes, so you don't have to touch your lips with your hand to apply the balm.
   • The balms that require you to manually apply a little lip balm from the package to your lips have the advantage of being able to get the desired amount out of the package.
2. Use petroleum jelly or an Aquaphor healing ointment. If the lip balm doesn't work, use something stronger to treat your chapped lips. Petroleum jelly and Aquaphor should be applied by tucking your little finger into the package and applying a small coat to your lips and around your mouth.
3. Use prescription ointment based on hydrocortisones. For extremely dry lips you can use an ointment of 1%. Apply the ointment two to three times a day and also use Vaseline, Aquaphor or a lip balm. You can also use a mild corticosteroid ointment if you can get a prescription from your dermatologist.
   • Corticosteroid-based treatments should not be used for longer than a few days in a row, as this can lead to thinning of the skin on your lips or dilation of the blood vessels where you applied the ointment.
   • Always follow the instructions when using ointments and prescription medications.
4. Don't lick your lips. While this may provide some temporary relief, the enzymes in saliva can irritate your skin. The more you lick your lips, the drier and more painful they will become over time. Keep your tongue in your mouth and apply lip balm as needed.
   • Wear a rubber band around your wrist and pull it gently if you catch yourself licking your lips. The slight irritation from the rubber band against your wrist will prevent you from licking your lips.

Tips

• Drink plenty of water, as Roaccutane dries out the skin.
• Stick to a routine. The more regular your skin care regimen is, the more successful you will be with it.
• Pat your skin dry when using a towel. Do not use the towel to rub your skin dry.
• Use clean washcloths. After use, wash it out in warm, soapy water to prevent the bacteria from spreading further.
• The use of contact lenses can become uncomfortable while using Roaccutane. This is because the mucous membranes dry out. A moisturizing solution for your contact lenses is a good idea.