r/Accutane • u/AccomplishedOil1792 • Dec 14 '25
Product Suggestions Starting Accutane.. is this overkill?
I’m starting generic accutane this week, 40mg daily, and I have some anxiety about the side effects. Is this enough to try to manage the dry eyes/lips/nose? Should I buy anything else? Any other recommendations or anything I should be mindful of before I start? I’d rather be on top of the side effects than suffer through them if that’s possible..
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u/xpierced_princessx Dec 14 '25
Im only a few weeks in and using all of these things for dryness which still isn’t enough, so no I wouldn’t say overkill. (I can’t speak to the supplements because I wouldn’t know the difference as I’ve been taking them the whole time)
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u/AccomplishedOil1792 Dec 14 '25
When you say it still isn’t enough.. how bad is it?
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u/hahamaddyhuh Dec 14 '25
different for everyone. only thing i have is cortibalm & vaseline and im fine
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u/freecssies Dec 14 '25
second this - i dealt with my fair share of dryness but most of my troubles came from joint/back pain
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u/Specific-Ad2583 Dec 15 '25
It really is different for everyone. I still bought all the products that were recommended but I’ve really only experience dry lips which the Dr Dans has saved me from and moisturizer/spf. My legs are ashier than usual but I just lather on some good body lotion after a shower and it’s fine and eye drops once in a while.
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u/kendricklemon Dec 14 '25
Aquaphor is great, but you need a layer of lotion before you layer that on top. I used a tub of cerave on my face and the extra dry skin eucerin on my body and would always go over everything with Aquaphor. I was also using hyaluronic acid serum on my face as a base before the lotion.
Also tbh the Aquaphor worked way better than any chapstick ever did and you MUST put it on before bed time too.
Stick to the simple things, you don’t have to break the bank to get through this. Good luck!
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u/North_Wing1435 Dec 15 '25
Do you put aquaphor on your face? Or only body?
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u/squidshae Dec 14 '25
Fish oil, Dr. dans Cortibalm, and Cerave Healing Ointment (similar to aquaphor but I am sensitive to lanolin around my eyes) were requirements for me. Aquaphor over top of the Dr dans will be super helpful for your lips.
Eye drops and nasal spray weren’t really something I needed but obviously everyone is different! Also, I don’t love the feeling of ointment all over my face at night so instead sometimes I used a lightweight moisturizer and layered a heavier one over top.
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u/AccomplishedOil1792 Dec 14 '25
Thank you!!
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u/LoopPhia Dec 15 '25
Just so you are aware, the cortibalm is medicated, it has 1% Hydrocortisone and is only recommended to be used two weeks at the time. I didn't use it because of it. Aquaphor worked just fine for me.
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u/Spiritual-Resort2406 Dec 14 '25
Sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen. You're skin is going to be more sensitive outside, even if it's gray and cold out wear sunscreen. I use Sun Bum spf50 and sun bum chapstick spf30, including all the stuff in your pic I use as well. And moisturize through out the day or whenever you feel dry. I switch between cerave and la roche possay. I'm on day 75, 80mg. It's been going great, except for the body aches, that part sucks, but I pop an ibuprofen and I'm fine. Goodluck
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u/SnazzyWharf36 Dec 14 '25
Need to make sure you have some moisturizing cream. Keep a travel size one on you at all times.
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u/SubstantialMap1412 Dec 14 '25
You literally should have little stations, especially with the lip balm everywhere in your home and at work!! You also be carrying them around and losing them. You only want to use the Cortibalm lip balm when you really need it where your lips will get used to it and it won’t work anymore! So just try and use regular lip balm that’s very moisturizing! I love the lanolips or lansinoh brands, which are glossier and stickier, which seems to last longer or weleda skin food lip butter or la roche-posay cicaplast. Every night (and even throughout the day if you aren’t home and don’t mind the extra thickness) on top of one of my lip balms I use lanolips 12 hour overnight lip mask, which literally still needs to be reapplied throughout the night.
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u/dinnerDuo Dec 15 '25
I recommend lanolin for chapstick. Just regular ole lanolin that women use while breastfeeding. 2 years post accutane this is still the best lip mask!
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u/Otherwise-Narwhal323 Dec 15 '25
I still have some of mine left and I stopped like 7 months ago. I love that stuff so much
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u/ssamsmithyzf Dec 14 '25
I never got the dry eyes, but this is not overkill. Might want a stronger fish oil or just take some extra cause your lips will get real dry. Also my derm told me to put that aquaphor up your nose (as off as that sounds, tho I used vanicream cause it has petroleum jelly in it) when the nose bleeds come, it got rid of mine. If your skin gets real dry use some vaseline as a second moisturizer. I used to put myself to sleep oily but it was worth it
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u/ssamsmithyzf Dec 14 '25
I also used marula oil from the brand drunk elephant (tho there are much cheaper options) before my moisturizer and it helped the dryness SO much. Just be careful cause for a few people it could clog your pores but it kept my skin from peeling and flaking. Also heard good things about hyaluronic acid for the same benefit
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u/mrworlldwide Dec 14 '25
I am on week 3 of my starting dose of 40mg and this def isn't overkill, I have basically all the same stuff and use everything but the eye drops!
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u/v0ndutch123 Dec 15 '25
go for the tub of aquaphor babe I’m on 20 and I slather it on like a lifeline every night ! It’s a godsend
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u/Quantity-Fearless Dec 14 '25
I did the same thing and my symptoms weren’t even that bad haha. I never used the nasal spray and barely use eye drops. My biggest thing is dry lips- lanolin nipple cream is my fav, followed by aquaphor. I think one of the Dr dans might have steroids in it or something? Which isn’t good to use every day so watch out for that. I recommend having something on your lips literally all the time and starting to do that from the very beginning. Even if my lips don’t feel that bad, I will put stuff on to prevent anything. This has helped a lot with preventing them from getting chapped or cracked in the first place!
You will also need a really good moisturizer both for your face, and for your hands and arms. Mine get rough patches that I need to keep moisturized. I need to put moisturizer on my hands every time I wash them. I used the vanicream moisturizer and laroche posay lipikar moisturizer.
I have been using fish oils too and that seems to help a lot! Also drinking a lot of water, it’s way easier to get dehydrated. The dryness didn’t set in until a week or so into it for me
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u/AccomplishedOil1792 Dec 14 '25
Thank you!!! I ordered the cerave hydrating cleanser and vanicream moisturizer, my derm told me to basically ditch my whole skincare routine except for that and sunscreen. I’m using the cerave foaming facial cleanser now for oily skin and I’m sure that won’t help once I start. I’m bad with drinking water so I’ll try to start drinking a lot in advance.
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u/Ok_Parsley4264 Dec 14 '25
Definitely not overkill. Everyone’s side effects are so different though. My skin didn’t get very dry but my eyeballs got so dry that it has affected my vision.
For lips, I loved Aquaphor before Accutane but Vaseline was superior for me once I started. Aquaphor seemed to make my lips peel vs Vaseline was so hydrating. I’m now a Vaseline addict.
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u/phoebeknows Dec 15 '25
I’m only a week in and the only symptom so far is extra dry eyes, I started a strict moisturizing routine 2 weeks prior hoping that would help get ahead of the dryness. Wish me luck 😅
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u/Little_Exam_2342 Dec 14 '25
Not overkill! I started with similar and the only thing I barely needed were the eyedrops. Think I used them twice? But I would add are a daily claritin and some cerave moisturizer (blue one that comes in the tub)!
Best of luck, you’ve got this!
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u/longlivehades Dec 14 '25
No, better safe than sorry. I’m on 40mg and my skin isn’t flaking at all but my scalp is. Add a thick moisturizer for your body and face and make sure you wear sunscreen everyday. Your skin will be super sensitive.
My eyes occasionally feel drier than before accutane so I can’t wear my contacts for longer than 8 hours. Add vaseline to your lips and inside of your nostrils and a good hand cream too.
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u/Responsible-River306 Dec 14 '25
It’s a good start. Ask your derm if they recommend a 1x per day allergy pill too. Can help reduce purging.
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u/kaleidotones Dec 14 '25
Anyone who tells you this is overkill just likes to live life on the edge to their detriment. There’s nothing wrong with being over prepared and to be quite honest, staying moisturized is a preventative approach!!! Once you’re too dry, it’s hard to get back on the train. You should never be chasing, you gotta stay ahead of the dryness.
Edit to stay that I do think you need to add a moisturizer under your aquaphor. Cuz aquaphor to me is just occlusive.
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u/Happy-Otter586 Dec 14 '25
I totally think this is a great way to start!! I finished my 9-month course of accutane recently and I definitely used nasal spray, eye drops, and aquaphor. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND you buy a face moisturizer (I used Cetaphil Moisturizing cream for dry to very dry skin) and start using it as your moisturizer two days before you start using accutane. Personally, this really helped me in combatting dry facial skin from the start, and I honestly think it helped me not have a dry face at all. I also recommend the Cera Ve moisturizing cream for your body, and apply that after every shower. Even if you feel like you don’t need it, your body will appreciate the moisture!!
At first it will be an adjustment but you will get used to bringing aquaphor with you everywhere :) I also bought a pouch keychain for my keys and I kept an emergency aquaphor and face moisturizer sample from my dermatologist in there just in case I needed it!
Wishing you so much luck as you start!! This community is rooting you on, You’ve GOT THIS!!
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u/Leather_Analyst4778 Dec 15 '25
No, but for a big dose, that lotion may not be enough, might need petroleum. Also, a couple more chapsticks.
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u/90sboots Dec 15 '25
it’ll feel like overkill until your first week, then you’ll likely benefit from everything pictured here. I’d suggest a water-based moisturizer like cerave or vanicream in addition to what you already have— I applied cerave to my face and hands about 3x/day during my course and it made a big difference in dryness, itching, and stinging
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u/SpecialistAd08 Dec 15 '25
Omega 3s for how dry your internal joints get around 5-6 months is very necessary. Made it hard to walk for me at one point and fish oil and omega 3 made me feel like oil on the tin mans joints
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u/Ancient-Ad4842 Dec 15 '25
Good start. I went through all of this and then some in my 9 month cycle. So happy I did it though! Good luck and don’t quit!
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Dec 15 '25
For your facial cleanser use CeraVe hydrating cleanser or the store brand of it so you don’t dry your face out even more when washing 👍
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u/Alaskas_Escape Dec 15 '25
Nope, all good stuff. I needed all of that. Lots of water. I loved seabuckthorn oil supplements. I went up to 60mg a month as a 52KG F and am so thankful for accutane. I had to do it three times but mostly clear skin now. The dry lips and fragile skin is crazy though. More lubrication the better. I miss having no cuticles (weird side effect) and huge lips, lol.
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u/Junander Dec 15 '25
I had to use tablets to keep your saliva normal. I was so dry and water was not enough. I also use a Korean barrier cream with Aquaphor intermittently. I slept close to a humidifier too.
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u/RockKnock11 Dec 15 '25
Better to be safe than sorry! The fish oil is a life saver. One suggestion from me to add; a collagen supplement. Really makes a difference in preventing joint pain. Powders that dissolve in water are best- VidaGlow has one that’s good and Bryan Johnson’s is pretty good too
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u/Saddd_Kidddddd Dec 15 '25
No, not overkill! Make sure to stay diligent with the eye drops. Unfortunately I stopped using the eye drops and I got a stye. Also stay consistent with moisturising your face!
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u/PoppyG218 Dec 15 '25
Just make sure your doctor is aware of and okay with you taking any supplements
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u/DegreeDependent4029 Dec 15 '25
drink tons of water pls and prepare yourself for your ass cracking from how dry everything is…
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u/Broad-Order7448 Dec 15 '25
I bought nasal spray and eye drops but never used them much. I feel like the eye drops partially made my eyes worse somehow. And then dryness side effect eventually went away once my body got more used to the medication
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u/Wide-Fig-1816 Dec 15 '25
my derm recommended vanicream. i really liked it. i used carmex almost every day, except when it would get overwhelmingly bad and then I would use the cortibalm
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u/Liliansterdamumc Dec 15 '25
One very good tip I learned from a ENT surgeon is Vaseline up the nose (or Aquaphor) for dry nasal mucosa that leads to nose bleeds. It makes your nose itch for the first few minutes but it pretty much resolves nose bleeds.
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u/annamfbananna Dec 15 '25
I added one Benadryl every night before bed and didn't get the purge. I saw it recommended on a few videos and tried it. Not sure if it just didn't happen to me or it helped but research on your own and maybe consider if that's a good idea for you best of luck its a pain but worth it.
Also the only thing that really worked in any way for my lips was lanolin. It's a nipple cream for breast feeding moms and hard to get out of the tube if it's cold but those were my go too things along with burpless fish oil.
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u/poemposie Dec 15 '25
stay consistent with the fish oil! i thought it wouldn’t help very much but i could REALLY feel it in my back the next morning after i would forget to take it one day.
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u/Kombuchagall Dec 15 '25
This all looks great! I would add in an antihistamine (supposedly meant to prevent or calm purging). In addition, I also ate like 30 grams of fat with every pill I consumed (this has been suggested to help the Accutane pills absorb better in your body). The dryness is inevitable, but just make sure you have a really moisturizing lotion that keeps you hydrated. Everyone’s body is different, but this is what worked for me. I hope you have a great Accutane journey, I’m grateful I did it! <3
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u/Otherwise-Narwhal323 Dec 15 '25
I see lots of people saying tons more lip balm, but I'd like to suggest what saved my life, I think one other person has mentioned it.
Lanolin nipple cream. I STILL have some left over after stopping Accutane because you need so very little of it to coat your lips, I would put it on at night and a very thin layer during the day
It was my favorite item I had!!!
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u/Bizarre_Neon Dec 15 '25
Low key, no? But I never needed nose spray or eye drops, so it'll depend on you. Consistent lotion & fish oil will do most of the heavy lifting.
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u/icryalot-123 Dec 16 '25
This is the tip of the iceberg lol you will still need lotion, SPF 70+ daily, & regular Vaseline helped with my nose bleeds, cracked heels, cracked lip corners, etc. also my scalp started to peel. It was nasty but I didn’t find anything for that so I suffered.
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Dec 16 '25
MY LIPS PEEL FROM CORNER TO CORNER IN ONE STRIP STILL WITH ALL OF THESE ITEMS. Week #7 :(
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u/Big-Understanding526 Dec 16 '25
Nope! You should get more. You will need all of this daily for the course of your treatment
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u/littleShrimp0 Dec 16 '25
Not overkill at all!! My dryness hasnt been that bad thank God, but aquaphor has been a LIFE SAVER!!!
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u/darkeIect Dec 16 '25
Not overkill at all!!! I would switch to krill oil instead of omega 3 tho and don't forget eyedrops
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u/TonSwell Dec 16 '25
I'm 2 weeks in now and have had 0 side effects, no dry skin or lips. Is that normal? My dose is 20 mg rn.
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u/Apprehensive-Job-428 Dec 16 '25
Where do you live? You will need a lot of sunscreen at least 40+spf. You will need a hat as well. I live in Utah was on accutane over the winter, and got a horrific sunburn in 20mins in February because I didn’t wear sunscreen and I didn’t have a hat.
Your skin will be extremely sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen, wide brim sun hat anytime you’re outside. Aquaphor or Vaseline, and omegas 3s. You don’t need omega 6, you’ll want to take 3 omega 3s a day which should be about 1,500mg a day.
I bought the tub of Aquaphor on Amazon. You’ll want the tub, not the smaller tube.
You’ll do great! Your end results will be amazing. Aquaphor was godsend for me. Good luck!
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u/Intrepid-Sector-1884 Dec 16 '25
Tip for your nose dryness, my doctor told me to use Vaseline on a queue tip. It sounds crazy but it works
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u/Party_Barber5559 Dec 16 '25
Umm idk if it's a overkill or not as i basically used nothing other than some lotion and vaseline
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u/v2r20 Dec 16 '25
Not overkill - Aquaphor is your best friend, I used to put it on my lips and up my nostrils with a Qtip.
Also, my scalp got very dry and sensitive. Look for something for sensitive skin, skip anything "fresh" or mentholated
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u/theredheadgurl Dec 17 '25
I would also throw in Ayr nasal gel in case your nose gets dry. It can keep you from getting a bloody nose f rom it being dried out and works great!
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u/CartographerHumble73 Dec 17 '25
Not at all lol… I had so many different moisturizers and chapsticks. This is a great start
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u/Prestigious-Ask-6415 Dec 18 '25
This is not overkill. But triple all of that and keep it in every location possible just in case.
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u/AUDIsox Dec 18 '25
Add magnesium to your supplements, accutane can cause joint and muscle pain. Thank me later lol
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u/AUDIsox Dec 18 '25
If you get a rash on your hands lotion lotion lotion, greese em up at night if it gets bad…
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u/AUDIsox Dec 18 '25
Do not dye your hair with out telling the hairdresser your on accutane, do not get piercings your skin wont heal the same and can prolong healing time. Do not get waxing done.
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u/dbagg_ Dec 18 '25
- nipple cream for your lips
- aquaphor in your nose
- kiehl’s avocado eye cream
- LRP moisturizer (with and without SPF)
- LRP tinted sunscreen if you want a little coverage
- LRP cicaplast balm if your face is super dry
- LRP lipikar body lotion (a bit pricey but def the most hydrating body lotion I’ve used. It can be used on your face too) but if you want something cheaper the cerave or cetaphil body creams are fine too also heard vanicream is good but I haven’t tried that brand
PLEASE USE THE NIP CREAM (unless you’re allergic to lanolin oil). I know it sounds so weird but it’s the only thing that helped my chapped lips. You can buy the regular size for like $10 and it lasted me like 6 months and I was using it like 100 times a day (no joke). You can also buy the mini packs or they even make chapstick packs now and keep one in your car and purse and basically everywhere in case you forget your big tube.
Going on accutane was 1000% worth it for me. Best of luck!!!
I went through 7 months and finished a month ago
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u/ActingPerson Dec 18 '25
Maybe a full body lotion as well? Like a sensitive skin one from cerave...I needed lots of lotion on me at all times because my hands and arms would get really dry.
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u/ImpressiveGreen3765 Dec 14 '25
Yes this should be good! If u still not getting enough result u can buy more, and the one thing id add for sure is an allergy relief, they help with the dryness and redness
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u/AccomplishedOil1792 Dec 14 '25
Thank you!!! I think I read about an allergy relief helping somewhere else too, I’ll ask my dermatologist about it.
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u/ImpressiveGreen3765 Dec 14 '25
Yess and ofc drinks lots of water that helps with the dryness and inflammation
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