Morning routine
Cleanse gently if needed. Use fingertips rather than a scrubber, and avoid abrasive cleansers. Limit cleansing to twice daily and after sweating.
Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer while the skin is still damp. Follow with broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on exposed skin. Clothing and shade add protection because isotretinoin can increase sun sensitivity.
Use a lip balm; outdoors, choose one with SPF 30 or higher. Dry lips, dry skin, dry eyes, and dry nose are common during treatment.
Evening routine
Wash with the same gentle cleanser and reapply moisturizer. A short routine is usually easier on sensitive skin than rotating masks, scrubs, acids, and spot treatments.
If a product stings, burns, or causes persistent redness, stop using that product and ask the dermatologist what to use instead. Do not assume every rash or peeling area is routine dryness.
Ingredients and products to pause
Avoid topical retinol, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, vitamin C products, exfoliating acids and scrubs, fragrances and dyes, and toners during isotretinoin because they can worsen irritation or dryness.
Avoid vitamin A supplements unless a clinician specifically directs otherwise. Isotretinoin is related to vitamin A, and combining them can increase adverse reactions.
Do not wax during treatment. Also avoid dermabrasion and laser skin treatments during isotretinoin and for six months after treatment because of scarring risk; ask the treating clinician about any procedure.
When to contact the dermatologist
Contact the dermatologist when dryness, cracking, eye discomfort, rash, or another side effect is severe, persistent, or getting worse. Seek urgent care for blistering or peeling skin, a rash with fever, facial or mouth swelling, trouble breathing, painful constant eye dryness, or vision changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an expensive Accutane skincare routine?
No. The core routine is gentle cleansing, moisturizer, sun protection, and lip care. Choose tolerable, non-comedogenic products rather than chasing a long ingredient list.
Can I use retinol while taking Accutane?
Avoid topical retinol unless your dermatologist specifically says to use it, because it can irritate skin that is already more sensitive during isotretinoin treatment.
What sunscreen should I use on Accutane?
Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on exposed skin, along with shade and protective clothing.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology — Isotretinoin safety, side effects, and skin careAmerican Academy of Dermatology
- MedlinePlus — Isotretinoin Drug InformationMedlinePlus / American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- DailyMed — Isotretinoin Capsules prescribing information and Medication GuideU.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed)