Just started accutane

[Bama37]

Hi...I am at the end of week three...this is what I am using...
-Cetaphil cleanser in the am and pm
-Cetaphil facial moisturizer after washing (NEVER had to use moisturizer b4 accutane)...this stuff is great cuz it does not leave my face feeling greasy.
-I am spot treating with Queen Helenes Mint Julep mask. I know it's a big NO NO but...I am in the initial outbreak and although it's not so bad, I am compelled to do something.
-I am taking Vitamin E daily because I want to continue to wear contacts and learned on this board that it helps. It must be working 'cuz I have no problems so far.
I have gone through tons of things to try and rid myself of acne....minocycline,tetracycline,differi n,retin-A...and the list goes on. My acne went out of controll when I went off the pill at 28 and finally found a derm who suggested accutane.
I am pleased so far....my initial outbreak is not too bad and other than dry lips I really don't have any bad side effects to date.
Good luck!

[Sparkle0036]

no additional topicals are needed while on accutane. My dermatologist makes me use Cleocin LOTION, but it is moisturizing. i have to use it to prevent infections.

I'm at the end of my first month. the first 2 weeks i took 40 mg/ day, and the last two weeks i have been taking 60 mg/day

The initial breakout can be horrible, but mine wasn't bad at all. 1 in 4 get a noticeable breakout, so the odds are on your side.

I haven't seen any tremendous effects yet. Some people see them quickly, some don't see effects till the last month of treatment!!

right now, I wash my face with Eucerin Hydrating Cleanser and use a moisturizer called Elta Lite (avaliable at walgreens) or sometimes I use Purpose moisturizer. and Aquaphor for my lips. It's like vaseline. you'll need something for your lips, and start using it NOW before they get majorly chapped.

[monodynamic]

In my opinion, the worse the initial outbreak, the better the results.
I mean, an intial outbreak means that the drug is doing its job. I'm not a doctor, but at least this gave me hope the first 2 months.
Ha. Clear skin baby. I can't wait.

[Maci]

Hi! Welcome to the board. I don't post a whole lot but read the posts daily and find a lot of useful information.

I have been on Accutane for 3 months and am just starting to see results. The first two and a half months were horrible. For me, the initial breakout started on day 3 and has just started to subside in the past couple weeks. The cysts I got were HUGE, red and inflamed. The initial breakout is different for everyone. Some do not get it at all.

As far as creams and such, I use as little as possible. Cetaphil cleanser and Cetaphil facial lotion in the morning and evening. There is no way I could go without a moisturizer. I do spot treat with Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask. Perhaps not recommended, but it helps to reduce the size and inflammation of the really big ones somewhat. I definitely would invest in a jar of Aquaphor. It is excellent for treating the extremely dry lips you are going to have. I have tubes of chapstick, blistex, you name it, everywhere so I am never without something to apply to my disgustingly chapped lips. By far the best is the Aquaphor. It's just a little hard to carry around because it doesn't come in a small container. If they would just come out with a pocket size version!

I wish you the best of luck during your course of Accutane. Keep us posted on your progress.

Maci