My Full Routine on Accutane: Morning, Night, and Hair Care

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1. My Morning Skincare Routine 
2. My Night Skincare Routine
3. My Hair Care Routine

Accutane/Isotretinoin is a medication that reduces sebum production, leading to dryness of the skin, mucous membranes, and hair throughout the treatment. The skin barrier weakens, resulting in dryness and skin irritation.

Before starting my Isotretinoin treatment, my skin, sensitive with a tendency for oiliness, had dry areas, including eczema patches on the cheeks in winter. A moisturizer or even a baby diaper cream was necessary to address these dry areas (which I still use in winter for time to time). On the other hand, my T-zone was very oily. My routine was quite specific, requiring two types of creams: a highly moisturizing one for the cheeks and a mattifying one for the T-zone.

During the Isotretinoin treatment, my skin became progressively drier, affecting even my T-zone. I had to adjust my routine by eliminating local anti-acne treatments.

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From the first day of treatment, I stopped using topical acne products like retinal and benzoyl peroxide (prescribed by my doctor), as well as acne face washes. My dermatologist recommended using gentle and hydrating skincare during the treatment, and also made sure I used a good sunscreen, because Isotretinoin makes the skin very sensitive to the sun.

During the treatment, my skincare routine was simple: cleanse, moisturize, and protect my skin with sunscreen. Here are the products I used while taking Isotretinoin – this is not sponsored.

*Isotretinoin = Also known as Accutane is a powerful medication used to treat severe acne. However, it’s important to note that Accutane is forbidden for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to its potential risks. Always consult your dermatologist before starting treatment.

My Morning Skincare Routine 

My morning routine is very simple, even before starting the treatment. It boils down to washing my face with water. Using soap both morning and night was unbearable for my skin, causing irritation and sensitivity. For several years, my morning routine has been a face rinse followed by a moisturizer for the day. Usually, a light and mattifying one before the treatment, but under Isotretinoin, I needed a richer cream even in the morning.

The Cerave moisturizing balm for dry to very dry skin was perfect during treatment. An excellent quality/price ratio with a 454g pot for 15 euros. No eczema spots appeared on my face during the treatment. Although I didn’t moisturize my body as diligently as my face, this cream quickly erased eczema spots on my arms. Thick, odorless, malleable, and easy to spread, it is quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving (or minimal) a greasy finish.

On workdays, I skipped moisturizer after washing my face and opted for sunscreen alone. It was sufficient to hydrate my skin for the day. Attempting to apply moisturizer, regardless of its thickness, before sunscreen resulted in peeling. I used two sunscreens: a mattifying one and a tinted one. My approach was to use the mattifying sunscreen for protection and the tinted one as a substitute for foundation, so I applied them not so much for protection but to even out my complexion.

The Eucerin Oil Control 50 SPF mattifying sunscreen is a standout for me! This cream is a gem! It gets quickly absorbed by the skin, leaves no white residue (although I’ve tried some that claimed to be residue-free but ended up leaving traces), non-greasy, non-sticky, fragrance free and doesn’t irritate the eyes. The cream has a yellowish tint, and when spread, it becomes completely transparent and matte. However, I’ve noticed that it leaves some marks on shirt collars by the end of the day. Something to be mindful of!

For applying the mattifying sunscreen, I use the two-finger technique, deemed sufficient for the face by dermatologists. I draw a line of sunscreen on the index and middle fingers of my left hand, then apply the obtained amount to my face. For the neck, I use a bit less – one finger is enough!

I let the mattifying sunscreen penetrate for about ten minutes before applying the tinted sunscreen on top. The tinted sunscreen I used was Bioderma – Photoderm Nude Touch 50+ in a light shade. I really like this cream too. The texture is light, and the finish is matte. It also doesn’t irritate the eyes. Among Bioderma’s Photoderm range, it’s definitely my favorite. I had also tried Bioderma – Photderm AR sunscreen – natural shade, which was really good, but it gave me a too glowy effect, which personally bothered me (but still recommend this cream too if the glow effect does not bother you) !

For the application of this tinted cream, I don’t use the two-finger technique. Since this cream is applied as a foundation and sunscreen has already been applied, there’s no need to use a large amount. Just for a light coverage. So, it’s not as covering as a foundation, indeed, but rather evens out the complexion! It has the coverage of a BB cream, to give you a better idea.

My Night Skincare Routine

Under treatment, my evening routine was also quite straightforward. It involved only cleaning and hydrate my skin, not treating it. Indeed, under Isotretinoin, the treatment is internal, so there’s no need for anti-acne products.

Upon returning home, my routine began with the first makeup removal using micellar water to eliminate any residue of sunscreen, dirt, etc. I complet my evening routine at the end of the day, just before going to bed. I’ve been using the Bioderma Sensibio H2O, the pink one (and still am). It gained popularity on the internet, so I decided to give it a try, and I wasn’t disappointed! It effortlessly removes my makeup, even if it’s heavy. It does make my eyes tingle a little bit (nothing too uncomfortable), but not for my sister, for example, so it really depends! Nonetheless, it’s an excellent micellar water, and I wholeheartedly recommend it, 100%!

After brushing my teeth, I started by removing the makeup left for a second time using oil, this time to deeply cleanse impurities and sunscreen. The oil I use may be a bit controversial, but I use baby oil. I tend to mostly choose Nivea, but I don’t really have a preference. Why baby oil instead of a makeup remover? Simply for the price. Makeup remover oils are extremely expensive for the usage I have! The oil serves only to dissolve sunscreen and impurities. It doesn’t “rest” on the skin; it’s immediately washed away, so personally, it suits me!

At the beginning of the treatment, I had started using the hydrating cleansing cream from Cerave for normal to dry skin. For the price, it was effective, but when I ran my hand over my face, I still felt a residue on the skin, as if it needed to be cleaned a second time. I didn’t have that feeling of perfect cleanliness. So, once the product was finished, I switched to La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar, a cleansing cream for dry, acne-prone skin that gently removes impurities. Yes, it is an anti-imperfections but very very gentle and hydrating! A gem! I felt my skin was clean after washing, and it didn’t feel tight! What a relief! I used it until the end of my treatment. (I am still putting Cerave for reference)

To conclude my evening routine, I applied my Cerave moisturizing balm for dry to very dry skin, which hydrated and soothed my skin throughout the treatment. On extremely cold days, I finished my routine with Vaseline spread on my face. Vaseline has an occlusive effect that locks in moisture in the skin. I applied it a few minutes after applying my CeraVe cream to lock in the moisture provided by the cream.

My Hair Care Routine

The period under Isotretinoin has not only transformed my skin but also my hair, requiring an adaptation of my hair care routine. Before the treatment, my naturally thick and oily hair was accustomed to shampoos for oily hair. Under Isotretinoin, I observed a change as my hair gradually became drier. To experiment, I decided to leave them unwashed, and surprisingly, they remained clean for two weeks.

Under Isotretinoin, I adjusted my hair care routine, opting for products suitable for dry hair, accompanied by an aloe vera treatment, known for its moisturizing properties, applied after the shower on damp hair. However, managing my hair was a challenge during the treatment and continues to be. Accustomed to neglecting my hair due to good genetics, their texture has changed significantly under the treatment’s influence. Despite this, I am trying to adapt gradually to this new hair reality by testing products that could suit my new texture. (If you have any advice, feel free to share!)

Regarding hair products, I didn’t find the perfect product so I won’t specify particular references as I changed them frequently and didn’t stick to just one during the treatment. I can only describe the type of products I used (for dry hair, aloe vera care), but not the brands. As mentioned earlier, hair care is an area where I lack knowledge, so I am still exploring and experimenting with various products.

The overall experience with this treatment has emphasized the importance of adjusting one’s skincare and haircare routine. The need to focus on hydration and repair becomes crucial to minimize side effects and prevent any discomfort associated with this medication. It’s a significant step to accompany the transformations induced by Isotretinoin and maintain a routine adapted to this new reality.

And it’s not over! At a year and a half after the end of my Isotretinoin treatment, I had to adapt and develop a whole new skincare routine. It will also be interesting to discover my brand-new post-treatment routine. Of course, all of this will be posted in more detail in an upcoming article!

See you soon, Beautifully Moi!