Starting Accutane (isotretinoin) can be a life-changing journey for those struggling with severe, persistent acne. If you’re here, you probably know that while this medication delivers transformative results, it also comes with some intense side effects—especially for your skin. So, how do you navigate this journey while keeping your skin hydrated, comfortable, and healthy?
This ultimate guide will help you understand how Accutane affects your skin, which skincare products you should (and shouldn’t) use, and how to support your skin from the inside out with proper nutrition. Whether you're just starting or finishing your course, these science-backed strategies will keep your skin balanced and thriving.
Understanding How Accutane Affects Your Skin
Accutane is a synthetic Vitamin A derivative that reduces acne by shrinking sebaceous glands, leading to less oil production. While this dramatically reduces breakouts, it also disrupts your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.
Common Skin Side Effects of Accutane
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Extreme dryness (face, lips, and body)
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Increased sensitivity to skincare products and the sun
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Flaky, peeling skin
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Irritation and redness
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Delayed wound healing
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Increased likelihood of eczema or rashes
To minimize discomfort and support your skin during treatment, you’ll need a gentle, hydrating, and protective skincare routine that prioritizes moisture and barrier repair.
Skincare Routine During Accutane
Your skin will be extra sensitive while taking Accutane, so the goal is gentleness and hydration. Using the right products can prevent excessive dryness, irritation, and damage to the skin barrier. Always use non-comedogenic products!
1. Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
A mild, non-stripping cleanser is essential. Avoid foaming or acne-fighting cleansers that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliating beads. Instead, opt for a hydrating formula like GENTLECLEAN, which cleanses without over-drying.
2. Moisturize and Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Since Accutane reduces natural oils, a rich, non-comedogenic moisturizer is necessary to restore hydration. Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to strengthen the skin barrier. Try HYDRABERRY, a deeply hydrating formula that calms and restores moisture balance without clogging pores.
3. Lip Care is Non-Negotiable
One of the most common side effects of Accutane is severely chapped lips. Keep them soft and comfortable with a protective lip balm like LIPS&CUTES, or use BRIGHTEYES as a collagen-regenerating lip treatment!
4. Always Wear Mineral Sunscreen
Accutane makes your skin extremely sun-sensitive, increasing the risk of sunburn and damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is a daily must (SPF 50+ is best!!). YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+ is a lightweight, acne-safe sunscreen with 21% zinc oxide.
5. Avoid Harsh Ingredients and Exfoliants
Your skin is too fragile for strong actives like:
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Retinol/retinoids
- AHAs & BHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid)
- Physical scrubs
Since these ingredients can increase irritation, redness, and peeling while on Accutane, stick to hydration and barrier repair only.
6. Keep Your (Non-Comedogenic) Skincare Simple
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to prevent excess dryness.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel (no rubbing).
- Avoid fragrances and alcohol-based products that can cause irritation.
PRO TIP: Check for any pore-clogging ingredients in your makeup, skincare, haircare, and even laundry detergent using our Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker.
Skincare Routine After Accutane
Once you finish Accutane, your skin will slowly regain oil production but may still be dry and sensitive. A long-term skincare routine will help maintain your results.
1. Continue Using Non-Comedogenic Skincare
Stick with hydrating cleansers, rich moisturizers, and daily SPF to prevent irritation.
2. Slowly Reintroduce Exfoliants
Once your skin is fully healed, you can –gradually– incorporate exfoliating acids to address any lingering acne scars or uneven texture. Start with CLEARITY, a gentle yet potent mandelic acid serum that blends vitamin C and a precise pH balance to remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
3. Address Hyperpigmentation and Scarring
If you have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (red or dark spots), add skin-brightening products like CELLRENEW, a hydrating serum for skin repair support, perfect for post-Accutane skin recovery.
Diet and Nutrition for Accutane Support
What you eat plays a role in your skin’s healing process, especially while taking Accutane. A skin-supporting diet can help reduce inflammation, speed up repair, and prevent excessive dryness.
Best Foods to Eat During Accutane
- Healthy Fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil): Supports skin barrier function.
- Antioxidants (berries, leafy greens) – Reduces inflammation and protects against damage.
- Hydrating Foods (cucumbers, watermelon, celery): Helps maintain moisture levels.
- Lean Proteins (chicken, tofu, fish): Supports skin regeneration and repair.
Supplements to Take on Accutane
GOOD SEEDS is a skin-nourishing softgel with omega-rich oils to support hydration, gut balance, and overall well-being, and may provide additional support for hydration and skin health while on Accutane.*
We created it after analyzing thousands of women’s Acne Lab Panel results, identifying key breakout triggers like inflammation and nutrient imbalances. Black Cumin Seed Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil stood out for their benefits, while Sea Buckthorn Oil—a rare source of Omega 7—helps deeply hydrate and support skin health.
As always, consult your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine.
A Natural Alternative to Accutane
Accutane isn’t for everyone—whether due to side effects, personal preference, or simply because it didn’t deliver the expected results. If you're wondering what to do when Accutane doesn’t work, there are natural ways to balance hormones, support skin health, and prevent severe breakouts from within.
Enter, MINDBODYSKIN®, a powerful, natural alternative to Accutane. Formulated by The Acne Guru herself, this supplement targets the root causes of acne by supporting hormone balance, digestion, and detoxification—all at once.*
Many people notice improvements within 7–10 days, making this a fast-acting alternative to traditional acne medications. Plus, for those taking SSRIs, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medications, we offer a version without 5-HTP to ensure compatibility with your regimen.
Final Thoughts: How to Care for Your Skin on Accutane
Accutane may be a tough journey, but with the right skincare, nutrition, and daily habits, you can protect, nourish, and support your skin every step of the way. Stay consistent, listen to your skin’s needs, and give it the care it deserves. Your healthiest, most radiant skin is within reach—one gentle, hydrating step at a time.
CLEARSTEM is here to support your skin journey with acne-safe products that support you from the inside out!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Reynolds RC, Lee S, Choi JY, et al. Effect of the glycemic index of carbohydrates on Acne vulgaris. Nutrients. 2010;2(10):1060-1072. doi:10.3390/nu2101060
