- What skincare should I use while on Roaccutane?
- What happens to your skin while on Roaccutane?
- What happens when you stop using Roaccutane?
- Will Roaccutane affect my mental health?
- Will my acne come back once I stop your Roaccutane treatment?
These are the most common questions we get asked at the AMPERNA® office, so let us dive right into them. But first here is a quick overview:
Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is a prescribed medication for the treatment of severe and persistent cystic acne that has not responded to other treatments such as antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and topical retinoids. Roaccutane works by reducing the size and activity of the sebaceous glands, leading to decreased sebum production. It also helps to prevent the clogging of hair follicles and the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).
Roaccutane is a potent medication and should only be prescribed and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. The decision to start Roaccutane should not be taken lightly as there are various side effects that can occur and requires regular monitoring during treatment.
Things to consider before starting Roaccutane
While taking Roaccutane there are several effects that can occur on the skin.
These effects can vary from person to person and is essential to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and monitoring while on Roaccutane treatment.
- Worsening of Acne.
- Initially, when you start taking Roaccutane, your acne may worsen for 1-2 months before it starts to clear.
- Dryness, Peeling and Skin Inflammation.
Roaccutane can cause extreme skin dryness and peeling. Some individuals may also experience skin inflammation, redness, and itching while on Roaccutane. - Sun Sensitivity.
Roaccutane can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and to limit sun exposure while on Roaccutane. - The medication can cause the inside lining of the nose to become dry and more prone to bleeding.
- Acne relapse after completing Roaccutane Treatment.
While Roaccutane can be effective in treating severe acne, there is a possibility of acne reoccurrence after completing the treatment. The likelihood of acne reoccurrence can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, skincare routine, and environmental influences.
Skincare Regime and Roaccutane
If you have decided to start a Roaccutane treatment it is crucial you reassess your skincare products and treatments to avoid any unwanted and further damage to your skin. The key is to be gentle and use nourishing and hydrating products.
Kiri (AMPERNA® founder and owner) suggests the following skincare regime for both during treatment and transitioning off Roaccutane:
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Cleanse gently:
Use a mild, un-fragranced and non-abrasive cleanser morning and night. AMPERNA®'s [BALANCE] Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser is a cooling gel formula that rinses clean without stripping the skins natural oils.
If you are experiencing dry and flaking skin due to Roaccutane you should cleanse with cool water only in the morning and our [BALANCE] Cleanser in the evening. -
Serums
The correct serum with the right ingredients will be your skin saviour whilst using Roaccutane. Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Vitamin B5 and Aloe vera are key ingredients to look out for. And luckily AMPERNA® have two serums you can safely and effectively use while on Roaccutane.
[REPAIR] Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum contains high levels of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants and is deeply hydrating.
Apply after cleansing morning and night.[RESCUE] Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum is our best selling ‘cult’ favourite and a must have if you suffer from acne.The deeply restorative formula cools and soothes irritated skin calming redness and irritation.It is also great to use as a protective layer over your lips if you suffer from dry chapped lips due to Roaccutane.
Apply after cleansing morning and night or alternate between the DS at night and the Vitamin C in the morning, depending on your skins needs. -
Moisturiser is key.
Your skin will be screaming for moisture so ensure you use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help repair the skin barrier. AMPERNA®'s [HYDRATE] Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion is lightweight but absorbs deeply into the skin.
Apply generously morning and night and throughout the day as needed. -
Sun smart
Roaccutane makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. If you are spending most of your day indoors AMPERNA®'s [HYDRAPROTECT] Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15 works brilliantly. Containing skin loving ingredients like zinc oxide, vitamin B5 and infused with our hero probiotic Lactococcus Ferment Lysate it nourishes the skin whilst protecting it from UV rays.
Kiri recommends avoiding spending too much time in direct sunlight while using Roaccutane. If you do need to be outdoors, ensure you are wearing appropriate sun-protective clothing as well as a board spectrum SPF30+.
@ampernaskin If you’re on roaccutane for your acne - this is for you 👆🏻 Kiri lists all the AMPERNA products and and the exact order of use to help your skin during your accutane journey 💙 If you need skin help please DM or email us at anytime. #accutane #roaccutane #acne #skincareforacne ♬ original sound - Amperna® Skincare
Additional Tips
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Eye Drops
If you experience dry eyes as a side effect of Roaccutane, use preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness. -
Avoid Harsh Products
Refrain from using harsh skincare products such as physical exfoliants, scrubs, peels and acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). As well as astringents, toners and products containing vitamin A or retinoids while on Roaccutane, as they can further exacerbate skin irritation and dryness. -
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and avoid or limit drinking alcohol. -
Minimal Makeup
Use non-comedogenic, fragrance-free makeup to reduce the risk of irritation. -
Beauty Treatments
Avoid certain beauty treatments while using Roaccutane as your skin is more fragile and susceptible to damage. Beauty treatments you should avoid while on Roaccutane include; Chemical peels, Laser treatments, waxing, microdermabrasion, Botox, fillers and tanning beds.
Skincare Regime once your Roaccutane Treatment is complete
Maintain the same gentle skincare routine but you may add in a physical exfoliator once or twice a week. At this stage of your acne skin journey Kiri recommends the AMPERNA® Acne Plus Bundle which includes our [BALANCE] cleanser, [HYDRATE] moisturiser, [EXFOLIATE] 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion and our [RESCUE] Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum.
The Acne Bunde is your one stop shop for the skin essentials you need to help with your acne prone skin.
Mental Health and Roaccutane
The link between Roaccutane and the potential side effects on mental wellbeing is still disputed within the dermatology community. While there have been reports of mental health side effects in some individuals taking Roaccutane, the evidence is mixed, and the exact cause-and-effect relationship remains a topic of ongoing research. The variability in findings may be due to differences in study design or patient populations.
Acne itself, especially severe cases, can significantly impact mental health, leading to depression and anxiety. It can be challenging to determine whether mental health symptoms are due to the medication or the psychological effects of acne.
Roaccutane has been associated with various mental health concerns and conditions including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Aggressive behaviour
- Psychiatric disorders
In April 2023 the UK Government introduced new safety measures for Roaccutane focusing on enhanced monitoring and stricter prescribing guidelines, especially for younger patients.
Key changes include:
- Enhanced Monitoring: Patients will undergo regular assessments for mental health and sexual dysfunction throughout their treatment.
- Stricter Prescribing for Youth: For patients under 18, two healthcare professionals must agree that Roaccutane is the best option after other treatments have failed.
- Better Information: Patients will receive more comprehensive information about the risks before starting treatment, allowing them to make informed decisions.
A 2017 BBC News article expressed concern over the possible rise in Roaccutane usage, indicating that there is ongoing interest and discourse regarding its usage
This Cosmopolitan UK article explores the link and experiences people had while using Roaccutane. “Dr Shah argues that the mental health side effects of taking the drug have been around since the 90s, but a better understanding of the toll it can take is still needed today. “Roaccutane does alter one’s mood, but on the flipside does improve acne,” she says. “Two patients can have the same amount of acne but can have completely different psychological reactions”.
So, is the juice worth the squeeze you may ask? That decision lies within you.
If you need any further information or advice, you can email us at info@amperna.com
