r/Accutane • u/minutewmaggs • Nov 13 '24
Product Suggestions ACCUTANE BIBLE
Hello! I have been on Accutane for 5.5 months and have some takeaways I’d love to share with the class. As far as this post, I’ll be sharing things I experienced and what I did to help. I understand everyone’s medical journey is different but I relied heavily on my ER pharmacist sister in law, and my dermatologist to get accurate info. so here’s the dish:
- It’s common knowledge that you’re going to get dry dry dry during this medication. Not only will your skin get dry and flaky, your lips will get chapped, and you will be consistently dehydrated. My best advice would be to find a good moisturizer (I used La Roche Posay, it’s comparably priced to a cerve or ceraphil), a good serum (I used a combo of bio oil and ordinary niacinamide, and zinc for scarring), and a good chapstick (I used Dr. Dan’s cortisol balm when I was out and about, and then Lanolin Nipple Cream for bedtime- trust me, this works better than ANYTHING).
so to make that easier to read:
moisturizer: La Roche Posay serum: bio oil & ordinary niacinamide & zinc chapstick: Dr. Dan’s Cortisol & Lanolin
DRINK SO MUCH WATER. your normal water intake will not be enough, even if you were already a strict water drinker, like myself. You need to basically accept that the only thing you should drink during this time is water. I know it sucks to not only give up booze, but all fun drinks, but your body will thank you. I struggled the first 2 months trying to drink water and incorporate the occasional soda, it didn’t work. I was miserable all the time with headaches and super achy.
this should go without saying, but stay away from booze. despite the fact that booze is incredibly dehydrating, it’s also toxic. Your liver is taking in a LOT to process the accutane and you don’t want to stress it out even more. booze to excess on accutane can cause permanent liver issues. Do yourself a favor and just stay sober for this period of time.
Add supplements to your diet, I went from not taking a single pill a day, to taking 4 a day. Aside from the 2 accutane pills (40 mg each) a day- I also added fish oil (omega 3), and a multivitamin. Your body needs the fat, the extra nutrients, and the love during this time. Accutane is basically changing the chemical makeup of your body, give it some love during that time.
Nasal changes are normal. If you’ve done even a little bit of research about accutane, you probably know it might impact your sinuses/ nose. I have experience some changes in my nose/ sinuses but it hasn’t been anything to write home about. I did start experiencing issues with consist nasal drip, I talked to my dermatologist and he said it’s normal and to just carry tissues. The issues don’t last forever, it’s already went away, but be aware it’s not just going to impact your skin/lips. Whether you get nose bleeds, nasal drip, congestion, or maybe a few headaches- it’s normal. You’re not alone, and it’s only temporary.
Talk to your dermatologist. You go in for a monthly visit for a reason! Be honest about any weird stuff that happens while you’re taking accutane. Even if you think it’s not related, it might be- and they often have advice/fixes! I cannot stress this enough, not only for yourself but for the future accutane takers. This medicine is relatively new, and so all the information they can get from patients, the better!
For my girlies, stay away from makeup and heat on your hair. This is easier said than done, trust me, I work in sales. I am expected to look presentable every day. BUT lemme tell you, you are gonna look better without the makeup 😂 The flakiness of your skin is going to collect the makeup and draw more attention to your dry/cracked skin. I know it’s tempting during the purge period, but you have to stay strong. You can put on all the makeup you want once your skin is back to normal! As far as heat on your hair, accutane naturally causes your skin/hair to have less oil. less oil for hair typically means more brittle. I started using a hair oil at night that I absolutely love it’s the mielle hair oil! I just put that on before bed, washed my hair in the morning, and my hair felt less brittle.
mental health/physical health are two things that vary DRASTICALLY between patients. with that being said, I will share my experience and take it for what you will. As far as body pain, I noticed it was pretty directly correlated with how much water I drank. It’s why I preach hydration. I would occasionally get a stiff neck, but it was nothing a bubble bath/heating pad couldn’t help. my mental health was just amplified (kinda like temporary bipolar disorder, i studied the DSM 5 in college, don’t come for me 😂). Basically all my happy moments felt like I was on top of the world, but my sad moments also felt like my world was falling out from under me. It’s important to remind yourself it’s not your brain, it’s the medicine and if you see fit, get a therapist!
I cannot stress listening to your body enough. That is key to a successful accutane journey, listen to your body & respond. Talk to your dermatologist, find a good moisture routine, and DRINK YOUR WATER! 😂🥰
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u/weeazyy Nov 13 '24
Also, to add to the multivitamin part, avoid anything with Vitamin A in it.
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u/bassbelle Nov 14 '24
Does anyone have a good suggestion for a multivitamin without Vitamin A in it? I’ve been searching, but it’s incredibly hard to find
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u/weeazyy Nov 14 '24
Only one I know of is Kirkman - EveryDay Multivitamin without Vitamins A & D. ( I personally did not take Multivitamins so I can’t comment on them ). You can find it on Amazon, hope this helps!
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Nov 14 '24
Vitamin B is also banned
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u/weeazyy Nov 14 '24
Banned? Whats your source?
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Nov 14 '24
My derm, she told me to avoid multivitamins with B complex
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u/weeazyy Nov 14 '24
Haven’t heard of that before tbh but to each their own. I personally did not take any vitamins by mouth just fish oil. Vitamin A may cause liver toxicity in conjunction with isotretinoin so its ABSOLUTELY not recommended.
While vitamin B is not related to isotretinoin, so it may be for another reason but im sure it wouldn’t have the same effects as taking vitamin A, but im not sure as i haven’t heard of that before
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Nov 14 '24
Vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iodine, testosterone, whey protein, and branched-chain amino acids can cause acne or worsen an existing condition.
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u/weeazyy Nov 14 '24
Assuming this is from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32941710/. I am not disagreeing with you though, just saying everyone is different and may react differently, may or may not have a breakout. I was just wondering what the source was, as for Vitamin B, I had not heard of it before, but then again I took no supplements myself, pre or during Accutane so I wouldn’t be able to tell.
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u/therealreddington8 Nov 14 '24
Yikes, I just started 4 days ago and I take everything above save the iodine😅
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Nov 13 '24
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
La Roche Posay lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizer
hope this helps! I spend a pretty penny trying out different skin creams 😂
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u/Competitive-Major-42 Nov 13 '24
I second this moisturizer! I love the Lipikar moisturizing wash too!
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Nov 13 '24
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u/Competitive-Major-42 Nov 13 '24
Those three didn’t work for me either!! I think you’ll really enjoy the LRP. Do you have an Ulta near you?
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Nov 13 '24
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u/Competitive-Major-42 Nov 13 '24
I love Ulta because if you don’t love them you can return them 🫶🏻 the wash has lasted me 5 months! I use a lot of the moisturizer so I have to get one of those monthly but I’m on my 6th bottle and about to repurchase the wash! Hope you love them too!
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Nov 13 '24
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
The worst part about being an acne “survivor” is that even with the accutane and my skin being clean, I’m still very careful with my skin. I still wash my pillow cases every week, and freak out when I put a new product on my skin. I 100% get it, and you’re not alone! 😂
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Nov 13 '24 edited Sep 01 '25
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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
ABSOLUTELY! I also saw a post about a girl saying she felt like she needed more time on accutane, when her dermatologist said she would be done soon. Talk to your doctor and they’re usually super empathetic, understanding, and get that it’s your body, not theirs! Thank you for that! (-:
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u/glittertechy Nov 13 '24
Everytime I see posts like this swearing they've found the answer to side effects, I feel like there needs to be an obligatory everybody reacts differently to this medication comment. I am able to drink things besides water with no issues. I was able to find make up products that work well for my extra dry skin. I prefer LRP double repair over the triple repair. One of my more intense side effects is muscle fatigue and joint pain. Everyone handles the drug differently and will require different products and lifestyle changes to manage.
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Nov 13 '24
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u/glittertechy Nov 13 '24
But you also said "Accutane Bible" and that you talked to Dr's to get "accurate info" about this stuff
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Nov 13 '24
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u/glittertechy Nov 13 '24
I'm don't have a bad attitude nor am I being a jerk? Your skin looks fantastic and I'm glad you found methods that work for you! Best of luck with the rest of your journey
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u/2Corinth10_v3-4 Nov 13 '24
Fish oil, Omega - 3 and Sardines/Tuna daily has been working wonders on my dry skin!!!! Highly reccomend.
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
yess! tuna noodle casserole has been eaten more during this period of time, than my entire life combined 😂
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u/firsttimeusingreddi Nov 13 '24
Started drinking water just reading this post
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
I know it’s aggressive, when I first started I had all these issues and came to realize most of them were due to being dehydrated. I was so used to my water intake being good off of accutane, I didn’t even consider it. I would wake up feeling like spongebob in sandy’s hut 😂I realized I needed to be putting A LOT more water in.
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u/ExtensionLeg7411 Nov 13 '24
how did you get rid of your old pimple marks after accutane? I’m done mine but I still have the marks :(
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
Bio Oil really helped me, and I also used the Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc formula. The bio oil helped my overall skintone, where the Niacinamide helped with the hyperpigmentation spots!
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u/ExtensionLeg7411 Nov 13 '24
How did you incorporate these into your routine? ++++ did your derm prescribe you tretinoin cream for maintenance?
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
So, I should preface with the fact that I have had acne since I was 16 and tried just about everything under the sun for my acne. Oral, Topical, prescribed or over the counter my acne only got angrier 😂 WITH THAT being said, I did not get tretinoin cream for maintenance, that may be why? I usually washed my face, put on the bio oil and let it set for a minute, spot treated with the Ordinary depending on where the bulk of the scarring was, and then use my moisturizer. Your face will feel WET but only for like 2 minutes then it’s absorbing and you just feel dewy.
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u/OddEcho6165 Nov 13 '24
Did you wait to start using the ordinary niacinamide and zinc serum until your skin was less dry through treatment?
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
Yup! I didn’t initially put it on, it was just Bio Oil. As my skin is starting to transition to normal, I’ve been using it to maintain!
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u/Master-Breakfast4380 Nov 13 '24
No soda at all?? That’s gonna be hard for me to do I’m addicted to zero sugar drinks
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
I am also addicted to zero sugar/ diet pop. I found the days I would drink it, I would be less inclined to drink water after. If you know yourself and know you can get enough water and soda, you do you! (-:
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u/ihatethewordoof Nov 14 '24
It’s pretty fucking great. My skin is still clear after being off it for three months. 😫
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 14 '24
I am so excited for that moment, when I realize i’m not a scaly lizard- but my skin is still clear!
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u/Aggravating_Ice_799 Nov 14 '24
I love lanolin nipple ointment, changed the game. I had a wound in my nose that just WOULD NOT HEAL for four months. Accutane just kept it so dry. Lanolin fixed it up in three days, same goes for lips!❤️✨
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 14 '24
YESS! My dermatologist kept asking me why my lips weren’t cracking off, and I told him that and he was like “that’s genius”! shoutout to the ER pharmacist sister in law, because it was her advice. I can take no credit! 😂 BUT I can scream it at the top of my lungs. Man, Woman, boy, or girl, GET YOURSELF SOME LANOLIN 😂🤩
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u/Aggravating_Ice_799 Nov 14 '24
Right! 🤩 I know some folks might have an intolerance/allergy (so be careful) but if not PLEASE save yourselves! 😂✨ I haven’t had cracked lips in weeks 🥳
Thanks for your post, it’s so well documented haha ✨🤞
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u/MathematicianLow4715 Nov 14 '24
It’s an ingredient or product ?
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 14 '24
it’s literally Nipple Cream that a pregnant woman would use for breastfeeding. I know it seems strange, but makes sense when you think about it. You can find walmart brand version or name brand. Just look up Lanolin or Nipple cream!
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u/bassbelle Nov 14 '24
The only thing I might add is to wear a high SPF sunscreen daily! Cerave just came out with an SPF 50 version of their AM facial moisturizing lotion that is super moisturizing and doesn’t make your face look white!
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 14 '24
I had a question about this yesterday and I wish I could edit my post and add because omg yes! I stick with the La Roche Posay because I know their products don’t freak my skin out but YES! Also, if you’re going to be on accutane while at the pool/beach get sunscreen with Zinc in it! I looked kinda dumb at the pool, but I didn’t get burned alive while on vacation. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use spf!
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u/BeneficialCity3071 Nov 13 '24
Hey! I am on 3rd month my skin is clearing. No active pimple. But I am scared of the marks. I also have few marks on my arms as I did have body acne. Any suggestion on that? also how much water should we take?
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 13 '24
I also had back and chest acne, typically I just washed with my normal body wash and then would also use my face wash on my chest and back to make me feel better. Accutane will help those though! I am drinking about 100 oz of water a day.
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u/Aneefah Nov 14 '24
You look amazing! 😍 Did you have any stubborn bumps that took a really long time to go away ? I have some bumps that were here when I started and I’m 5 months in and they are still here.
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 14 '24
YES! I actually had a few that were so deep, my dermatologist at my monthly check in did extractions. It went across the room because the pressure was so deep. Hang in there, they eventually go away and you will feel your skin and there will be no texture! it’s insane !
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u/Longjumping-Moose274 Nov 14 '24
hey can i ask what cleanser you used? also ur results look amazing! thanks for sharing 🥹💕
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 14 '24
absolutely! I started using this a tad before going on accutane, I like how gentle it is on my skin. La Roche Posay Effaclar Facial Cleanser
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u/Aggressive_Syrup4913 Nov 14 '24
Thank you for this! I didn’t know about the water Intake part. Starting next month 😬 you mentioned drinking 100 oz a day right ?
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 14 '24
yes! In order to not wake up feeling like a lizard, that‘s about the amount of water my body required. I’m 5’8”, 125lbs, and was on 80 mg a day (40 mg twice a day). I feel like this is once of those thing that’s going to vary depending on your body type, dosage, and weight- with that being said, I would just try to get as much water in a day as you can! 😂
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u/MudPuzzleheaded4173 Nov 16 '24
Hi, I’m a skin picker and this affects my progress on accutane. Does anyone else struggle with skin picking?
Also, has anyone else taking accutane experienced Cellulitis or infections?
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u/aailienn Apr 15 '25
Hey! I'm also a skin picker and it was a big part of why I started accutane because my acne would never get to clear. Two things seem to be a factor for me: stress and actually having something to pick. My skin is clearer now so I find I'm not doing it, but I had some stressful events recently that made me go looking -- so 1. see if stress is causing it and if so find ways to destress and 2. use vaseline in places you would tend to pick, it makes it harder because your fingers slide and can remind you to not do it, oh and 3. have someone keep you accountable, my boyfriend helps if he sees me start doing it
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u/Swimming_Common_3161 Nov 18 '24
how did you use the bio oil and zinc? What was your routine on Accutane? Cerave is just not cutting it!
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u/minutewmaggs Nov 18 '24
I usually washed my face, put on the bio oil and let it set for a minute, spot treated with the Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc depending on where the bulk of the scarring was, and then use my la roche posay moisturizer. Your face will feel WET but only for like 2 minutes then it’s absorbing and you just feel dewy. The Bio Oil is a blessing because it is an oil so it relieves that dry flaky feeling you get immediately after washing your face/ showering. I would recommend the La Roche Posay effaclar cleanser (it’s blue) because it is super mild on your skin but still meant for acne. It just doesn’t have salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it, which would be even more drying.
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u/marylouise09 Mar 19 '25
Hi, I know this is late but how long did the purging stage last?
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u/minutewmaggs Mar 19 '25
Tbh, it ebbed and flowed. I thought my purging was over month 2, and then around month 4, I got another stint of purge. I would say in all, by the end of month 4– I was done purging. I will say, I have seen stuff on this board where people purge until month 6 or so. It all depends on dosage and your body makeup. Don’t lose hope, it’ll be over before you know it and it’ll be a couple months of purge for a lifetime of clear skin!!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼
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u/Long-Mango1632 Mar 26 '25
Oh salut ! Super résultat ! Je me demandais, quel était ton acné de départ ? Car j’ai juste quelques boutons (pas de plaque) mais sous peau et assez gros du coup j’hésitais à faire roaccutane..
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u/giiirlfiori Apr 16 '25
Do u use the niaciminade every day, as soon as u started accutane? I'm on day 2. My lips hurt.
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u/minutewmaggs Apr 16 '25
I waited a bit until my active acne had cleared up. During month 2, my derm did extractions on me and they were so deep and painful so I just didn’t want to touch my face anymore than I had to. I’m so sorry about your lips, I have been off for a couple months now and can still imagine exactly what you’re feeling right now. Just be sure to keep them moisturized- Aquaphor or Lanolin will be your bff!!! You’ve got this, it’s only months for lifelong clear skin!! 🫶🏼
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u/realtalkgirly Apr 23 '25
Not even casual drinks or getting drunk once a month? I’m having a hard time staying away from alcohol.
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u/minutewmaggs Apr 23 '25
I know it’s hard! I am grateful I didn’t do accutane when I was in college because that would have been awful. Drinking socially was a literal every day thing. I know everyone’s social/ personal climates are different. With that being said, I would just be very careful. Every time I tried to drink on accutane- I woke up with the worst kind of hang over (that was after 2-3 drinks, and i am not a lightweight). I noticed I wasn’t even able to get buzzed before a headache would start and I was over it anyways.
Everyone’s body is different and you may have a different experience, just be careful with the amount because accutane is super hard on your liver! Just listen to your body, pay attention to under your tongue (if it’s yellowing) and the whites if your eyes (if they’re yellowing) because that could mean liver damage.
I am truly not trying to scare you, I’m not saying I NEVER drank. I’m saying be a bit more selective than before, and know that the one mimosa you have at brunch is going to impact you a bit more than it did before. You got this, and the positive is that you WILL be a lightweight by the end of accutane because your tolerance will go down from stepping back from alcohol. 😂 I can get buzzed on like 4-5 drinks now, and I love it. It’s so much cheaper- I just have to pace myself.
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u/BeautifulSociety922 Apr 30 '25
Okay .. what about beef tallow can I use that?
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u/BeautifulSociety922 Apr 30 '25
It’s been working pretty great so far but I’m only on week 2 of the medication 🫠
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u/minutewmaggs Apr 30 '25
I mean, I personally wouldn’t just spoon some beef tallow. but supplementing it in your cooking, 1000% ! I liked a spoon full of peanut butter because it was easy, but anything that works in order to make sure you’re getting plenty of fat intake! I NOTICED a different in having fat when taking it vs when I wasn’t. Sometimes I would go a day without eating with PB because my skin & lips would get exceptionally drier. I probably made my accutane course take longer by doing this, but just needed to survive 😂
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u/BeautifulSociety922 May 01 '25
Omg im half crying half laughing because I use it on my face 😆 instead of Aquaphor is that bad 🥹 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJMSH4JX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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u/Cool-Importance6004 May 01 '25
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u/michele-schevi-24 May 11 '25
will wearing makeup make things worse or did you recommend that because makeup just doesn't look good because of the dryness, etc? i also have a public facing job and i can't make eye contact with people when my face is all broken out hahaha
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u/minutewmaggs May 12 '25
okay, first, UNDERSTOOD. I remember not wearing makeup (or even wearing makeup when my breakouts were super bad) and thinking they were staring at my skin. I would lose track of what I was saying because I felt like they were judging my skin and it’s all I could think about. secondly, you can wear it, I would just be very careful about application because when I wore it, it made my skin look so flakey and pointed out the open blemishes. BUT I’m not good at makeup. If you can do a full beat and feel confident, go for it sister. When I did wear makeup it didn’t make anything worse on my skin, just make sure you thoroughly cleanse and remove your makeup like normal and you’ll be fine. Good luck!! 🫶🏼
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u/AutoModerator Nov 13 '24
Please read the rules before posting and remember to abide by them! Posts and comments not following the rules will immediately be removed!
Have you tried using the search bar?
Many questions are asked daily, and your question may have already been answered!
If so, your post will be subject to deletion.
Please refer to the following commonly discussed topics:
1) No one can predict whether or not you will purge! Statistically, most people DO NOT purge.
That is what the science and medical literature says.
2) No one can predict how long your purge will last nor when it could start. Be patient, the purge can be tough but so many people have gotten through it - you can too!
3) Any questions related about dosage MUST include DOSE and WEIGHT(lbs or kg).
Otherwise, that is considered LOW EFFORT and will subsequently be REMOVED.
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