What word comes to your mind when you think of acne? For me, I used to feel annoyed when acne, pimples, and zits would mysteriously pop up on my face — especially in high school. Acne seems to pop up eventually, whether in puberty or adulthood, and it’s frustrating every time.
I thought during my sophomore year of high school that my acne was dying down, but nope — I started getting cystic acne. Cystic acne is usually deep, stubborn pimples that won’t pop alone. In my experience, I’ve had to see dermatologists for that type of acne.
So, during my sophomore year of high school, my dermatologist prescribed me Accutane, known as Isotretinoin. After six months, my treatment was done, and I had no acne for years. But this past semester, my cystic acne was on the rise, so my dermatologist put me back on the medication.
If you’ve been on Accutane, you already know what I’m about to say. Yes, it’s been a great way to help my skin get back to normal and help my face feel free of pimples, but it’s a harsh medication. Unfortunately, my acne on Accutane got 100 percent worse before it got better. I mean, my face was entirely red, I had pimples all over my face, and my lips were chapped (no matter what I did).
This is my guide to all the skincare products I’ve used for Accutane in the past and present. Just a reminder: Everyone’s skin is different. While these are all my recommendations, these products may not work for you.
Aquaphor and Carmex
Aquaphor is my holy grail for my lips. Aquaphor works wonders and helps keep my lips somewhat from being chapped 24/7. I use their lip balms, and at this point, I’m buying them in bulk.
Carmex is another great lip balm that I use. I feel that it helps just as much as Aquaphor, and I usually have both of them in my purse. In my experience, these lip balms will be my best friend.
Nue co barrier culture cleanser
I can’t rave about this face wash enough! I found this while off Accutane, but now that I’m back on it again, I’ve been using this face wash. Personally, it makes a huge difference. My face typically feels dry all the time, especially once I wash my face, but my skin feels great when I use this face wash. It’s got a bunch of good probiotics for my skin, too!
cerave daily moisturizing lotion
I don’t know about you, but I’ve used this lotion for my face since high school, and I don’t think I’ll ever stray away. Personally, I don’t like thick and heavy lotions, but this one is light and water-based (which I believe is better for my skin).
tips that I find helpful
I tend only to buy non-comedogenic skincare products. Non-comedogenic products have less of a chance of clogging my pores. I also try not to over-wash my face so that my skin can build a bit of its natural oils and doesn’t dry out since the medication is already making my skin dry.
Please speak with your dermatologist to talk about your treatment if you’re going through acne. Again, this is my personal experience, and Accutane may not be right for you.
Also, having acne is never an ugly thing. If you’re dealing with any type of acne, know that you’re beautiful. It’s just acne! I’m wishing you well on your skincare journey!
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