Managing Dryness

VANICREAM

Without this, my face would be unbearably dry. I truly couldn't survive Accutane without it. Since isotretinoin reduces the size and activity of sebaceous glands in the skin, it drastically decreases oil production, which leads to dry skin. I love Vanicream because it’s so thick and keeps my skin well-hydrated. It’s fragrance-free and doesn’t irritate my skin at all. Personally, I prefer it over CeraVe cream because it’s much thicker and richer. I keep a small vial in my bag and reapply it throughout the day, especially focusing on my cheeks and eyelids, which tend to be the driest areas. The only downside is that when I apply it in the morning, it can get into my eyebrows, and I have to wipe off the excess.

AQUAPHOR

This is an absolute must-have for dry lips and nose. Since starting Accutane, I’ve had to reapply Aquaphor to my lips constantly. I’ve transferred some of my big Aquaphor tub into smaller containers that I keep in my school bag, work bag, and on me at all times. I can’t go without it. I prefer it to Vaseline because of its thicker consistency. I also love that it’s fragrance-free and that you can get a lot of it for a reasonable price.

SKIN 1004 SUNSCREEN

While this is not a product that prevents dryness, it is something that I use daily. Being on accutane makes the skin thin and more susceptible to getting sunburned. I like this particular sunscreen for a variety of reasons... 

1.  affordable 

2. lightweight

3. does not leave a white cast nor oily film

4. no sunscreen smell

After I apply my moisturizer in the morning, I wait 5 minutes before applying this sunscreen that way my moisturizer has time to sink into my skin. I use 2 pumps and apply it over my face, neck, and back of my hands. 

BASEBALL CAP

Similar to applying sunscreen everyday, I also wear hats when I am outside of extended periods of time. During the summer when I started Accutane my skin was extremely inflamed and sensitive to everything. This paired with walking 30 minutes to research in the heat made the perfect recipe for heat exhaustion. Wearing a cap creates a physical barrier that blocked the harmful UV rays from reaching the skin.