Accutane Skincare Routine: Get the Best Results with These Tips

Cleansing

Cleansing clears away dirt, oil, and other impurities that can worsen acne inflammation. We covered the best cleansers for acne in an earlier article, which you can revisit for more details.

At our clinic, we recommend using a gentle cleanser made for sensitive skin. Choose products that won’t clog pores, trigger allergies, or irritate. Avoid anything with added fragrance or drying alcohols. On the label, watch for terms like “fragrance,” “SD alcohol 40,” “ethanol,” or “isopropyl alcohol.” Your cleanser should have a neutral-to-slightly acidic pH and shouldn’t disrupt the skin’s surface, natural moisture, or beneficial bacteria.

Wash once or twice a day with lukewarm water. Follow immediately with a moisturizer.

Moisturizing

Dry skin is prone to cracking, irritation, infection, and breakouts because the skin barrier is weakened. Moisturizing after cleansing helps restore the skin’s hydration, which is especially important during isotretinoin therapy. It also toughens the skin barrier, making your skin more tolerant of topical acne treatments, like benzoyl peroxide, which can cause dryness or irritation.

Choose a moisturizer that won’t aggravate acne lesions, including products that contain the following:

• Fragrance and drying alcohols
• Preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, which may irritate sensitive skin
• Astringents like witch hazel or alum, which can dry out skin
• Toners, which often contain irritating alcohols
• Drying chemicals, such as camphor, menthol, and acetone

Pick a water-based moisturizer. For example, gels are preferred over creams, as they lack added oils, feel lighter, and are less likely to block pores or worsen acne. The product shouldn’t reduce the effectiveness of any of your topical acne treatments.

Moisturizers for Acne. BHSkin UltraLight Moisturizer™ and BHSkin Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum™ are available only on SkinStyle.com

Soothing ingredients like niacinamide, shea butter, ceramides, and zinc help reduce irritation from topical acne treatments. If you have hormonal acne, you can benefit from hyaluronic acid, as discussed in one of our previous articles.

Moisturize immediately after washing your skin. Use the product liberally throughout the day, at least four to five times, especially on dry or sensitive areas.

Sun Protection

UV rays can worsen acne by triggering inflammation and darkening existing acne lesions. Isotretinoin increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. The risk is even higher if you’re also supplementing your Accutane regimen with a topical retinoid, such as adapalene gel. That’s because retinoids are vitamin A–like compounds, like isotretinoin.

Sun protection is vital during isotretinoin therapy to avoid inflammation, manifesting as redness and peeling, and to keep your acne healing on track. It also defends against skin cancer.

One of the easiest ways to shield your skin is through physical barriers. Use a wide-brimmed hat, wear protective clothing, and find shade when possible. You can boost this protection with sunscreen, which works chemically to block UV rays where clothing leaves skin exposed.

You’ll find many sunscreen formulas available, but pick one meant for sensitive skin and labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.” These terms simply mean the product won’t clog your pores or worsen acne.

“Spectrum” refers to the range of sunlight rays a sunscreen protects you from, including both UVA and UVB light. UVA rays cause skin damage and aging, while UVB light leads to sunburn. “SPF,” or “Sun Protection Factor,” measures how effectively a sunscreen product shields your skin from UVB rays.

Sunscreens for Acne. BHSkin Daily Moisturizer SPF50™ and BHSkin Sheer Zinc and Titanium SPF40™ are available only on SkinStyle.com

It’s important to pick a sunscreen that’s “broad-spectrum,” meaning it ensures coverage against both UVA and UVB rays, and formulated with a minimum SPF of 30. Tinted sunscreen products are particularly useful for skin of color because they also block visible light, which can contribute to dark spot formation in this skin type.

Sunscreen formulas are categorized as mineral or chemical based on ingredient class. Mineral sunscreens use filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to form a protective layer that reflects UV rays, while chemical sunscreens use substances such as octinoxate or octisalate to absorb and deactivate UV radiation. Both types are effective, but the best choice depends on which one suits your skin type and feels comfortable on your skin.

Use sunscreen every morning after moisturizing your skin, on all exposed areas, and reapply every two hours while outdoors. Isotretinoin makes skin burn faster, so don’t skip it even on overcast days. Apply more frequently if sweating or swimming.

Your ideal skincare routine must match your skin type, which is why working with a board-certified dermatologist makes such a difference. At BHSkin Dermatology, we help our patients achieve healthy skin by tailoring treatment regimens to their needs.

Can You Safely Wear Makeup During Accutane Treatment?

Makeup can contribute to breakouts, but we understand that using cosmetics to hide acne scars and other blemishes can make it easier for our patients to stay consistent with their regimen. At BHSkin Dermatology, we teach them that it’s possible to wear cosmetics while still working toward clearer skin.

And you can have both, too!

Start by choosing products specially formulated for sensitive skin. When reading labels, watch out for ingredients that can trigger breakouts.

Some of these products include benzaldehyde for scent, D & C red dyes for color, or silicones to create a smooth finish. Coconut and avocado oils moisturize and nourish, while isopropyl isostearate gives a silky, easy-to-apply texture, but these substances all promote pore clogging. You can visit the EPA website for a more detailed list of pimple triggers in cosmetics.

Always wash off your makeup thoroughly at the end of the day. Clean all brushes and applicators with a gentle, non-acne-causing cleanser, then let them air dry completely.

How Can You Soothe Dryness and Irritation While Taking Accutane?

As mentioned, isotretinoin can cause dryness in moist areas like the lips, mouth, eyes, and nose. For chapped lips, use a lip balm—some even contain sunscreen for extra protection. Dry eyes may improve with artificial tears or lubricating ointment, especially if you wear contacts.

Chewing sugarless gum or candy can ease dry mouth. Omega-3 supplements or dose adjustments can help relieve dryness overall.

Itching and increased risk of skin infections can occur during isotretinoin therapy. Antihistamines, taken orally or applied topically, can reduce discomfort. If you develop infection signs such as redness, pain, or pus, see your dermatologist for antibiotic treatment.

When Should You Contact Your Dermatologist While on Accutane?

During your isotretinoin treatment, you will see your dermatologist monthly so they can closely monitor your progress and help you avoid serious side effects. You can explore this topic further in an article we shared previously.

Between appointments, you should reach out to your dermatologist if you have severe or intolerable side effects, notice acne worsening beyond what’s normal after the second month, or plan to start another treatment that could affect your isotretinoin use. Inform your dermatologist as soon as possible if you or your partner might be pregnant.

Your skincare specialist will guide you through completing your acne therapy while managing side effects safely and effectively. This tailored care is designed to protect and improve your overall well-being at every step.

Enhancing Your Accutane Treatment Results Through Personalized Skin Care

In summary, following a specialized skincare regimen while on isotretinoin is crucial. A targeted routine can reduce side effects, enhance the medication’s pimple-fighting action, and protect your skin from additional damage caused by other treatments or daily stressors like sun exposure. Core steps include cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.

Finding products matched to your skin type is vital to protect delicate skin and avoid breakouts, but it can feel overwhelming with so many acne products available. The good news is you don’t have to choose by guesswork. A board-certified dermatologist can guide you to find acne skincare products best suited for your unique needs.

Finally, as we always remind our patients, acne is a complex skin health issue that requires effective solutions. Isotretinoin can be very powerful, but it may cause grave side effects if not taken as recommended by skincare experts. A highly experienced, board-certified dermatologist is the best professional to guide you through this treatment. Make sure yours has a strong background in acne care.

Struggling with Your Accutane Skincare Routine? Ask LA’s Top Acne Doctors

Pimples are never easy to solve. Choosing skincare products to go with your isotretinoin regimen is even more complicated. But a highly trained acne specialist can guide you through it.

BHSkin Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologists are trusted acne experts in California. They’ve helped many patients beat pimples and renew their self-confidence. You can visit our Glendale or Encino clinic, or connect with us virtually for your initial consultation.

Get expert care for lasting clear skin. Book your appointment today!

References:

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9. Shields, A., Ly, S., Wafae, B., Chang, Y. F., Manjaly, P., Archila, M., Heinrich, C., Drake, L., Mostaghimi, A., & Barbieri, J. S. (2024). The Role of Oral Nutraceuticals as Adjunctive Therapy to Reduce Side Effects from Isotretinoin: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 90(3), 612–615. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(23)03040-2/fulltext
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