LurkyBoi420
Iron
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- Dec 23, 2025
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So its been about a week since I got my second month of accutane. My bloodwork came back with no negative signs, as well as my body has been extremely responsive to treatment with the isotretinoin. Here are my facial results, as well as my back which was the target area.
Additionally for those who may be interested in getting on accutane themselves, I would 100% recommend for persistent acne when other treatment forms fail.
Some personal notes I have picked up from research and experience include:
Good luck out there
Additionally for those who may be interested in getting on accutane themselves, I would 100% recommend for persistent acne when other treatment forms fail.
Some personal notes I have picked up from research and experience include:
- If you take multiple doses a day, timing doesn't matter as long as you get your full daily dose (dont take more than your individual dose at a time, either skip and continue, or take the dose and push the rest to later in the day to ensure optimal absorption)
- Don't push your fat intake too high for your accutane meal, isotretinoin absorbs best within 15-30mg, (I usually stick around 20-25). Going over doesn't worsen absorption so all up to the individual.
- Drink at LEAST 40oz of water a day, if you're fluid intake is too low you'll experience much worse side effects
- Your lips WILL be dry, everyone should be doing this already, but brushing your lips with your toothbrush after showering and brushing your teeth will help the dead skin peel
- Additionally for lips, Chapstick and a tube of Carmex or Aquaphor will be your best friend, and for days where you're extra dry, Dr. Dan's Cortibalm is a lifesaver
- MOISTURIZE CONSTANTLY! You're skin's barrier is weekend on accutane and you want to do everything to help it stay healthy
- SUNSCREEN IS NOT OPTIONAL! Another one that everyone should already be doing, UV exposure already ages you and your skin is going to be much more sensitive to the sun. SPF 30 every morning and reapply when going outside, but minimal UV exposure will be optimal (CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, tinted even better to help hide blemishes as they heal)
- Your nose will become much dryer. This is one I didnt hear much about until I was actually on isotret and it will be EXTREMELY annoying, sesame oil on a q-tip will help, with the added benefit of smelling nice
- Don't skip out on washing your face, while accutane is extremely powerful, you still want your face to be clean, even just rinsing will be fine, personally I find the Panoxyl Creamy Acne Wash to work well, its not recommended as it can dry your skin out extra, but if it works it works. (Gentle cleansers are also an option, avoid harsh chems)
- DO NOT WORRY WHEN YOUR SKIN PEELS, it will be basically unavoidable, so help your skin heal and put Vaseline or Aquaphor on affected areas overnight
- 90% chance that your hail will change in either texture or oiliness, so you will most likely have to adjust your hair care routine to some degree, personally I still condition every day, but with more frequent shampooing.
- AVOID ALCOHOL, many people can drink while on accutane and have no added liver damage, but theres a 90% chance that the added stress will fry your liver, minimal drinking only if neccesary (or do better drugs)
- Most people experience some level of dry eyes, for me it hasn't been severe unless I wear my contacts for a prolonged period of time, so keeping eye drops on hand can be very helpful
- LOOKOUT FOR SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS, certain things like severe joint pain or a migraine that doesnt go away can be signs of increased pressure on your brain, loss of bone density, or muscle damage. Every dermatologist will warn you of these, but if your getting your isotret elsewhere be cautious
- Avoid popping pimples as your weakened barrier will make it easier for scarring, but if neccesary for things like events, dates, or going out in general, I like to wash my hands with Isopropyl alcohol to disinfect, and use a q-tip dipped in Isopropyl after popping the pimple to kill bacteria. Covering the blemish as it heals is optimal, such as overnight or a few hours prior to whatever event you need to go to
Good luck out there
