Some people are born with great skin. Some people aren’t – I’m one of them. I have struggled with acne since I was about 15 years old, and throughout high school and college I frequently visited the dermatologist for various creams, products, and antibiotics to keep my acne under control. When my acne returned around age 21, I found a new dermatologist and ended up on retinoids. After a few months of treatment, I've basically figured out which products to use to prevent dryness while taking isotretinoin. If you're afraid your face will become a dry, desert-like mess, don't worry—I speak from experience and have some advice here.
After my eight months of tretinoin ended, my skin was clear and, although a little dry, not terrible. According to my dermatologist, while on tretinoin, my skin is the most moisturized he has ever seen it. I feel #BLESSED. After years of trial and error, I finally have clear skin. My acne shouldn't come back. Until it happens.
Generally speaking, the only acne that comes back after a round of tretinoin is hormonal acne. When hormone suppressants failed to control my acne, my doctor recommended a second round of retinoids. Yeah!
But luckily, after keeping the dryness within a certain range the first time, I felt confident to do it again, and by making a few adjustments to my previous routine, I found a set that worked well against the dryness of products when you take tretinoin. Keep in mind, I'm not a dermatologist and these products may not work for you, but they have worked wonders for me, so they may be worth a try.
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Moisturizer , $11, Amazon
It is important that you buy a cream, not a lotion. The cream has a thicker consistency and really seals in moisture. But I've found that the best way to really lock in the hydrating benefits of CeraVe is to apply a facial oil on top. So on that note...
2. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil To-Go , $17, Amazon
If you apply this face oil on top of CeraVe Moisturizer before going to bed, you'll wake up to plump, moisturized skin. I’m honestly surprised every day I wake up. Almost dewy. If you've dealt with acne your entire life, "dew" is a very foreign concept.
3. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil
Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil , $28, Amazon
People, especially those with acne, may still be intimidated by facial oils, but I promise you, they will change your life. Cleansing oil is not only amazing at removing makeup, but it also keeps your skin's natural moisture intact, leaving your skin less dry and irritated than when you use regular soap. I started using Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil because I purchased this amazing Josie Maran set from Sephora (I would highly recommend the SPF 47 daily moisturizer included in the set whether you use Accutane or not) but you definitely You can find more affordable alternatives, such as Neutrogena's Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil.
Josie Maran Argan Skin Care Set, $24, Sephora; Neutrogena Ultra-Light Cleansing Oil, $7, Amazon
4.Aquafo
Aquaphor Treatment Ointment , $8, Amazon
I know no one cares how I discovered the beauty of Aquaphor, but I'm going to tell the anecdote anyway. My dermatologist recommended Aquaphor in case the skin around my nose gets dry and chapped (which is likely to happen considering I take Accutane during the winter in Minnesota). One night I couldn't find any lipstick on my nightstand and in desperation I used Aquaphor on my lips. When I wake up, they're like Kylie Jenner, plump, super smooth, and super hydrated. I haven't looked back since. Aquaphor is a must when you take Accutane. It will keep your lips and nose looking their best.
5. Lush Tea Tree Water Toner
Lush Tea Tree Water Toner , $23, Lush US
If you've been struggling with acne, there's a good chance you'll have some acne scars. If you didn't, I would envy you. This tea tree water toner from Lush is multi-purpose. Not only can a few quick sprays keep your skin moisturized during the hot summer months, help set your makeup, balance your skin's oils, but they can also help fade acne scars. I spray it on my face every morning and night after applying my moisturizer and facial oil.
Other products I recommend are for elf, but are not essential for daily work. Lip exfoliator, if your lips are getting extra dry and you need to get rid of some dead, flaky skin (yuck, sorry!), and Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer, SPF 47. It's included in the Argan Skin Care Ritual Set and is great to apply in the morning before makeup, but CeraVe Cream and Sunscreen are also great for keeping skin moisturized and protected throughout the day.
Elf's Lip Exfoliator, $6, Amazon; Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47, $32, Sephora; Argan Skin Care Set , $24, Sephora
Take action now and let your skin know who's really boss.
Photo credit: Andrew Zaeh/Bustle; Drugstore.com (2), Josiemarancosmetics.com (2), Lushusa.com, Tumblr.com
