Skin Care on Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin (also called Roaccutane®) is a medicine that works really well for severe acne. It reduces oil and clears pimples, but it can also make your skin feel dry, red, or irritated. This is normal and usually gets better over time.

Here’s how to take care of your skin while you’re on treatment.

💧 What is Isotretinoin Dermatitis?

This just means dry, sensitive, or peeling skin caused by your acne medicine. It most often happens on:

Your face (especially around your mouth and nose)
Your lips
Sometimes your hands, arms, or other areas

👣 Step-by-Step: How to Take Care of Your Skin

🧴 1. Use a gentle moisturiser every day

Choose a fragrance-free moisturiser made for sensitive skin (e.g., QV Cream or Ointment, Cetaphil Cream, Dermaveen cream or ointment, Dermeeze cream or ointment.
For your hands use a dedicated hand cream such as Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Formula multiple times a day.
Apply it at least twice a day – more often if your skin feels dry.
You can even apply moisturiser before bedtime and again in the morning.

💋 2. Keep lips protected

Use lip balm often, especially one that says “healing” or “barrier repair”.
Try: Vaseline, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, Propaira Hydrating Lip Balm, La Rosche Posay Cicaplast B5 lipbalm.
To manage cracked lips – apply chlorsig ointment and canestan ointment twice a day to the angles or mouth.

🧼 3. Wash your face gently

Use a mild, soap-free cleanser (no scrubs or foaming washes).
Wash with lukewarm water, not hot.
Pat dry with a soft towel – no rubbing.

🌞 4. Wear sunscreen every day

Your skin is more sensitive to the sun while on isotretinoin.
Use a non-greasy SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning.
Look for labels like “non-comedogenic” or “for acne-prone skin”.

🙅‍♂️ 5. Avoid harsh products

Don’t use acne creams, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or exfoliants while on isotretinoin (unless your doctor says it’s OK).
Avoid facial waxing or laser treatments — your skin is more delicate right now.

🩹 What to Do If Your Skin Gets Really Dry or Red

Use your moisturiser more often, even 3–4 times a day if needed.
Apply a barrier cream (e.g., QV Intensive, Dermeze Ointment, or Cicaplast Baume B5) at night to very dry or peeling areas.
If a small area becomes red or sore, you can try a tiny amount of 1% Sigmacort ointment 2 to 3 times a day. (Available over the counter at pharmacies).

🚨 When to Talk to Your Doctor

Let your doctor know if:

Your skin becomes very sore, cracked, or starts peeling badly
Your lips or skin around your eyes become very red and irritated
You develop a rash or anything that looks unusual

💬 Final Tip:

Stick with it! Dry skin is annoying, but it usually settles down after a few weeks. Taking care of your skin properly will make your treatment more comfortable — and your skin clearer in the long run.