Acne is no fun. And while it’s common to believe this condition clears up after puberty, many people continue to experience it throughout their adult lives. As such, Accutane® is a prescription treatment that can help people with severe acne. But you should be aware of how it can affect your skin and how best to care for your skin while on the medication.
Colorado Skin Care offers a number of dermatological treatments for serious acne, including prescriptions for Accutane, chemical peels, and laser therapy. Kimberly Stone, MD, understands not only how best to treat this condition for different patients, but also how to minimize the side effects caused by its management.
Using Accutane, or the generic form, isotretinoin, is a big step. It’s not an over-the-counter medication for acne, so you’ll need a prescription from a doctor. At Colorado Skin Care, Dr. Stone can prescribe you Accutane if you need it. Usually, it’s an option we like to explore when other, gentler methods don’t work.
The medication works by minimizing oil production in the skin. It also helps to get rid of the bacteria that cause acne. But some of the side effects of this medication can be concerning for patients. One of the most noticeable is how it affects the skin.
Accutane can cause your skin to become redder and more flushed, as well as drier. This can be uncomfortable for patients who haven’t experienced red or dry skin before. Still, there are ways you can care for your skin to manage these side effects and still get the benefits of the medication.
Most of the side effects associated with Accutane will vanish shortly after you stop taking the medication. But in the meantime, here’s how to deal with them.
Dry skin is one of the most common complaints of patients on isotretinoin. This is because the medication reduces oil production, which can cause your skin to dry out. It helps with curbing acne but your skin can become unsightly and uncomfortable, depending on its severity.
One of the first things you’ll want to do is invest in a non-oil-based moisturizer. Look for products that use hyaluronic acid and that offer at least 30 SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. In addition, you’ll want to buy a natural lip balm because the medication can make your lips dry. Keeping everything hydrated will make you feel a lot better.
Don’t go out into direct sunlight without sunscreen or a head covering. Your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight while on this medication, and you’ll be more likely to get a sunburn. Protecting your skin during this time — and, let’s face it, all times — is highly important.
Accutane is already managing your skin’s oil production, so if you were using a harsh cleanser before, stop! You won’t need it. Instead, purchase a gentle cleanser that has safe, mild ingredients and won’t dry you out. Your skin will thank you.
If you experience severe redness, this could be a sign that you’re developing eczema, a common side effect of taking this medication. If this occurs, try using even gentler cleansers and moisturizers. You may also need a prescription for steroids, but it depends on how severe the eczema has become, as every patient is different.
Some people avoid taking this medication because they’re afraid of how it will affect their skin. But with the right skin care routine — and the right treatment team — you can get rid of acne and still have clear, healthy, and moisturized skin.
To make an appointment at our Englewood, Colorado, office, call us at 303-740-4883. You can also book an appointment online whenever it’s convenient for you. Let us help you live acne-free today!