The Dos and Don’ts of Roaccutane

Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) has been hailed as a miracle worker and a light in the dark for acne sufferers. The treatment addresses acne concerns by targeting the 4 main causes of breakouts: excess sebum production (oil), bacteria growth, inflammation and comedones (blocked pores). The powerful oral treatment aims to not only clear the skin of active acne, but also to significantly reduce the chances of severe acne in the future.

As simple as popping pills for clear skin sounds, it doesn’t come without heavy side-effects and health risks. Possible side-effects include severely dry lips, nose-bleeds, stiff joints, skin sensitivity, dry eyes, headaches and an aggravation of mental illness. There is also a direct link to birth-defects.

If you are on treatment or are possibly considering it, here are some dos and don’ts to consider when using Roaccutane:

DO wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. When on treatment, your skin becomes super sensitive and cannot handle direct sunlight, even for short periods of time. While you’re at it, put on a hat and sunglasses: you’ll need it!

DO apply lots of lip balm. Because the treatment reduces the amount of oil that the skin produces, it also reduces the moisture in your lips, leaving your lips dry, flakey and painful. Try to opt for lip balms with beeswax as a base ingredient, as it locks in moisture for longer.

DON’T lick your lips. It’s a bad habit that doesn’t help and only dries your lips more.

DO adjust your skincare routine and incorporate more moisturising products. Because your skin will get so dry, adding a well-suited moisturiser will help reduce the dryness and the redness.

DO take progress pictures. Having been on Roaccutane twice has taught me that I really should have documented my progress more. By taking weekly/daily/monthly pictures, you can monitor your skin’s healing and remind yourself of all your progress, this is especially important when you’re feeling frustrated and hopeless. If you’re confident enough, you could even create an Instagram/social media page to document your healing journey and find support from other members of the acne-positive community.

DO drink more water! Your kidneys are hard at work, especially with Roaccutane. Give them a helping hand and drink up!

DON’T scratch, pick or wax your skin. Because your skin becomes so sensitive, scratching or excessive rubbing could end up further irritating your skin. Ditch the waxing appointments also, or risk losing some skin in the process, a lesson I learned the hard way!

DON’T work your body to death. Roaccutane has the unfortunate ability to make anybody feel as though they’ve aged 50 years. Your joints can become sore and even simple exercises can become challenging. Leave the vigorous gym appointments for after treatment, and try gentle workouts instead.

DON’T wash your hair too often. Your hair, under treatment, might start to thin and get dry causing breakage. Try adding oils and using protective hairstyles to prevent further breakage.

DON’T drink too much alcohol. Your liver; much like your kidneys, is at risk of damage. Treat your body kindly and skip the alcohol for now.

DON’T give up hope. Although Roaccutane works well, it often causes the skin to purge for the first few weeks. Purging is sudden and can often last up to three months. Hang in there, it does get better with time.

Although Roaccutane does aim to permanently treat acne, minor breakouts after treatment are normal and just a part of the human experience. Everybody gets breakouts at some point, even those who have been on treatment. It is also important to keep your dermatologist informed about any severe side-effects you might experience, especially if you have other health concerns. Keep your mental health in check and remember that even though the medication is great at treating acne, it shouldn’t have to cost you your health.

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