Recommended Skincare Products and Things to Steer Clear Of During Roaccutane Treatment
Roaccutane, a potent medication used to treat severe acne, can cause dry and sensitive skin, chapped lips, and discomfort for the scalp, hair, nails, and eyes. Here's a guide to help you manage these side effects and maintain healthy skin during treatment.
Firstly, it's important to understand that Roaccutane works by reducing sebum production, normalizing skin cell turnover, and decreasing inflammation, which leads to improvements in acne but also causes skin dryness and sensitivity.
The focus of skincare while on Roaccutane should be to support and protect the skin barrier. Skincare products should be alcohol and fragrance-free to avoid further irritation. Cocoa butter, paraffin, and coconut oil, with their occlusive and emollient properties, are recommended ingredients.
Avoiding acids such as salicylic acid, AHAs, retinoids, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is advisable while on Roaccutane. Similarly, fragrance (including essential oils) and mechanical scrubs or exfoliators should be avoided as they can further sensitize skin.
Almost everyone on Roaccutane will suffer with lip dryness. Frequent application of petroleum jelly (Vaseline), shea butter, beeswax, castor oil, lanolin, and glycerin are recommended for treating Roaccutane lips.
Deeply hydrating and barrier-building products are recommended for Roaccutane treatment. La Roche Posay Effaclar H+ Moisturising Cream, Zelens Omega Shiso Replenishing Serum, Uriage Bariederm Cica Daily Gel Cream, and Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Cream are healing moisturizers recommended for Roaccutane users.
Skin rashes and dermatitis are a common problem while taking Roaccutane, especially for those with a history of eczema and during cold winter months. Topical steroid creams may be required for short periods to help reduce reactivity.
Wearing a daily SPF is essential while taking Roaccutane as the skin becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight. Heliocare 360 MD A-R Emulsion SPF50 and Dr. Sam's Flawless Gossamer SPF50 are recommended SPFs for Roaccutane users.
Microneedling and radiofrequency treatments should be avoided until skin is fully recovered after Roaccutane treatment. Always discuss any potential treatment plan with your doctor or dermatologist.
Skin brightening or anti-ageing strategies should be suspended during Roaccutane treatment. Avene Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, Gallinee Prebiotic Perfume-Free Cleansing Bar, Balance Me Pre and Probiotic Cleansing Milk, and Curel Foaming Facial Wash are gentle cleansers recommended for Roaccutane users.
Dermatologist Dr. Anne Wetter cautions against the use of certain plant oils like olive oil on cracked skin while on Roaccutane as it can cause long-term contact dermatitis. If eyes get excessively dry while on Roaccutane, an eye lubricant such as Hylo-Tear Eye Drops may be recommended.
Hair thinning is a known side effect of Roaccutane, but it isn't that common. If concerned about hair and nail health while on Roaccutane, speak to your dermatologist. In some circumstances, a supplement such as biotin may be helpful if there's a suggestion of a B vitamin deficiency.
Roaccutane can temporarily interrupt nail growth, leading to fragile or ingrown nails and sometimes infection. A balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables is recommended to help maintain hair and nail health while on Roaccutane.
Skincare should be changed to reflect the dryness caused by Roaccutane, ideally within the first week of treatment. French pharmacy brands are favoured by skin doctors for their effectiveness and reasonable price point.
After Roaccutane treatment, other agents such as retinoids and AHAs/BHAs can usually be re-introduced, but skin remains delicate to a greater or lesser degree in the months after the treatment. The side effects of Roaccutane can be a shock if the skin was previously very oily.
Lastly, it's crucial to remember that everyone's skin reacts differently to Roaccutane. If you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns, always consult your doctor or dermatologist.
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