Skincare Tips While on Accutane

If you're taking Accutane (isotretinoin) for stubborn acne, you're likely already experiencing one of its most challenging side effects: severely dry skin.

While Accutane can be effective for clearing acne, the intense dryness it causes can leave your skin feeling tight, flaky, irritated, and uncomfortable. But, with a hydrating skincare routine for Accutane, you can support your skin's moisture barrier and minimize discomfort while you're on this medication.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your skin during Accutane treatment, and share some tips from our Acne Experts. 

Why Accutane Makes Your Skin So Dry

Accutane works by dramatically reducing your skin's oil (sebum) production — which is exactly why it's so effective for severe acne. But sebum also plays an important role in keeping your skin hydrated and protected. When oil production drops, your skin's moisture barrier is left vulnerable, which is why dryness, peeling, sensitivity, and even cracking are so common on this medication.

This is where most people go wrong: they reach for the same products they've always used, or worse, they grab a harsh acne product to "keep up" with breakouts while on the medication. Traditional acne products — many of which are designed to strip oil — are the last thing your skin needs right now.

The Most Important Rule: Heal and Hydrate First

If there's one thing our Acne Experts want you to know, it's this: while you're on Accutane, your skin's only job is to heal. That means your skincare routine should be focused entirely on restoring and protecting your skin's moisture barrier — not fighting acne.

The active ingredients in most acne products (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids) can be deeply irritating on skin that's already compromised by Accutane. Layering aggressive products on top of medicated skin can lead to painful flare-ups, peeling, and prolonged sensitivity. Your dermatologist is handling the acne. Your job is to keep your skin as healthy and hydrated as possible.

What to Look for in a Skincare Routine on Accutane

Here's what your daily routine should prioritize:

A gentle, creamy cleanser. Foaming cleansers strip your skin of the little moisture it has left. Look for a creamy, hydrating cleanser that cleans without disrupting your skin's natural balance. Our Cleanser 101 is formulated specifically for this — it gently washes away surface cells and makeup while calming overstimulated skin and prepping it to absorb everything that comes next.

A hydrating toner. Toner often gets skipped, but when your skin is on Accutane, it's essential. A good hydrating toner finishes the cleansing process while adding a layer of moisture back into the skin. Toner 101 is soothing for sensitive, reddened skin and especially helpful in dry climates like Colorado.

A concentrated hydrating serum. This is the step that makes the biggest difference for Accutane users. A hyaluronic acid serum pulls moisture into the deeper layers of the skin. Hydrator 101 uses multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to maximize hydration.

A rich, acne-safe moisturizer. The key word here is acne-safe. Many thick, heavy moisturizers contain pore-clogging ingredients that can cause breakouts even while you're on Accutane. Moisturizer 101 is formulated without pore-clogging ingredients so you get the deep, corrective moisture your skin needs without creating new problems.

SPF — every single morning. Accutane increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun, which means sunburn happens faster and hits harder. A physical SPF is your non-negotiable last step. Sunscreen 101 is an acne-safe, ceramide-rich SPF 40 that won't clog pores or aggravate sensitive skin.

What to Avoid While on Accutane

Just as important as what you use is what you skip. While you're on Accutane:

• Avoid exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid) — your skin barrier is already compromised and these will only make things worse.
• Avoid retinoids — you're already on a retinoid-based medication; adding more topically can cause serious irritation.
• Check your makeup for pore-clogging ingredients — many foundations, primers, and concealers contain ingredients that can block hair follicles. If you're using makeup, opt for a pure loose mineral formula.
• Check your other products — laundry detergent, shampoo, and conditioner can all contain ingredients that come into contact with your skin and cause irritation or breakouts. Our team can walk you through what to look for.

Get Help from An Acne Expert

Our Acne Experts specialize in working with prescription medication users and can help you put together a routine that supports your skin — and sets you up for success when you finish your course.

Book a consultation with The Acne Lab to get personalized guidance for your skin, wherever you are or shop our Skincare 101 line that's the perfect skincare routine for Accutane.