Accutane and Dry Skin: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Hai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2016

For Acne "I've been suffering from acne from the age of 12. Ever since, I've been so insecure. At the age of 13, I started putting foundation to cover it up. It was really bad. Accutane/Roaccutane saved my life and my confidence in many ways. I'm 14. I've been on this medication for 3 months now. I've seen a lot of change in my skin. Really happy with my results. I really recommend Roaccutane. I started off with 20 mg, then 30, then 40. My side effects were nosebleed, dry lips, dry face, back pain, headaches, and joint pain, but it's definitely worth it. I took a before and after pic, and in these 3 months, I've seen a lot of difference, and now I can go out in public without makeup! I've tried everything and nothing worked except for Roaccutane."

• All...
• October 7, 2014

For Acne "Best decision of my life! My acne since I've had in fourth grade is gone, and I feel so much happier. My confidence has increased massively, and I am no longer depressed. The medicine did make me drowsy, ill-tempered, dry skin, and horrendous breakouts. But overall, this medicine has worked wonders for me and is completely worth it!"

• CDH...
• November 7, 2014

For Acne "I suffered a severe form of acne from around 15, and after being prescribed countless forms of antibiotics over the years (which had little or no effect), it was seriously affecting my self-confidence and social life. My GP then decided to prescribe me for a 6-month course of Accutane, starting at 20 mg/day. At first (months 1-2), the improvements were small, the only effects being dry skin and lips. But then, there started to be gradual improvements from months 3-4 when I was taking 40 mg/day. In months 5-6, my dosage was increased to 60 and 80 mg/day respectively, and the improvements were incredible. I can honestly say this medication has changed my life and would recommend it to anybody considering it!"

• jes...
• February 7, 2017

For Acne "Very good results, although I had terribly dry, red skin. Face moisturizer really helped! The medicine did its job, and I only took about 5 months of Accutane, which left me with clear skin. I get a clogged pore or a small pimple every now and then, but overall, great medicine! Really does wonders."

• Anonymous
• May 1, 2009

For Acne "Loved this. Took it about a year ago, and it took about two months to really show results, and you only have to take it for about 6 months. I had acne on my face and back, which all cleared up. One side effect, though, was extreme dryness, which I dealt with. I also suffered from depression halfway through the treatment, which I dealt with as well. This was all a year ago. About 5 months ago, I had severe acne again as I began working in a greasy environment, so I was a mess again. I'm back on the pills, and it's working wonderfully. I'm halfway through and now have mild depression, but it's not so bad. The only thing I worry about is when I get off this if I'll break out again badly. Also, most people don't ever have to do a second round of this."

• eri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2018

For Acne "I went on Accutane after trying a multitude of antibiotics and topicals such as Differin, doxycycline, some other cycline, and much more. I was a little hesitant to try Accutane, as my cousin who took it had bad side effects, and I personally have a history of mental health issues. However, taking Accutane is one of the best decisions I ever made. I did not have severe cystic acne, but my moderate acne with cystic on my chin was progressively getting worse and I decided to finally go for it. As an 18-year-old, I researched it and decided to try it. I definitely experienced dry skin and lips, as well as an allergic reaction type rash on my arms, which ended up being dermatitis. This was about the only negative side effect that I had, and overall the rash was 100 times worth it for the results I got. I have been off Accutane for about 3 to 5 months now, and I have not had a major breakout since. 10/10 would recommend!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2017

For Acne "I was on Accutane my senior year of high school. When I was first recommended for Accutane, I was not happy. But having just finished it after six months, I can confidently say that it was the best decision I've ever made. Sure, the dry skin was a bit of a pain sometimes, and I had days when I was insecure, but in my mind, it was either a little dry skin or a ton of acne. Accutane worked for me within the first week. My face cleared up almost immediately. I have been off the drug for about a month now, and my skin has never looked better. For any high schooler considering Accutane, take it from me (an 18-year-old girl), it is definitely worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2016

For Acne "My experience with Accutane was amazing! I have always had acne and have tried everything over the counter, but nothing worked. I did have some side effects including extremely dry lips, as well as pretty bad joint and muscle pain. My skin was also dry too, including my scalp. But I loved it because I could go without washing my hair for a week! It was great. These side effects sucked while going through them, but absolutely worth it for the results! After a few months of finishing, my lips, scalp, and skin were no longer as dry as they were while on the medication. My skin is definitely not as oily as it was before I started! I have no regrets about taking this med, and I would absolutely recommend Accutane to others!"

• Acc...
• August 13, 2015

For Acne "Please take time to read this. Accutane was 100% effective for me, but you really have to be prepared for it. I took Accutane for 8 months-40 mg, then 20 mg, then 10 mg. The reason I am mentioning this is that I noticed that people start at very high doses. So if you are worried (and I recommend), take it slow and start at a lower dose. Accutane has a lot of side effects (the severity depends on numerous factors, including dosage). My side effects included mood swings and dry skin (especially lips). I used to cry over the smallest things ever, and I got sad very easily. It got better with time, but please be well prepared. You really have to make priorities and ask yourself if it is worth it and if you are able to handle it. I chose Accutane :)"

• ren...
• December 18, 2013

For Acne "I have probably been off of Accutane for a good six months or so now, and I have to say it is a life changer and definitely worth your time and money! As a girl, it was tough and frustrating having to get pregnancy tests, blood work, and all of the appointments every month, along with the online portion, but it is SO worth it! I went to my doctor for a year struggling with acne before he put me on this medicine. I was upset he didn't do it sooner! Yes, there may be some side effects, the only side effects I encountered were dry lips, dry face, and very sensitive skin. I have a fair skin tone as it is, so during the summer, I could barely walk outside without needing to use sunscreen. But I recommend this product to anyone in need of it!"

• Bri...
• July 21, 2016

For Acne "I want to start by saying I have battled with acne for years and tried basically everything money could buy - pills to creams, going to specialist doctors, derms, beauty bars, etc. I went off the pill at 27 and thought my acne was done but had the worst flare-up ever. Tried spironolactone, which helped a tiny bit with oil, but it was still so bad. Cysts under the skin, blackheads, acne on my back or chest, it was so embarrassing. I am going on my third month of Accutane, and it's been a miracle, I feel like I could cry. My skin is clear/smooth, and people tell me I'm glowing. I still have scars all over that will need to heal, and my skin can get hella dry - well, everything gets dry because you are super dehydrated, but it is definitely WORTH IT."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2014

For Acne "Best thing I've ever done! I started getting acne when I was 7, took Accutane when I was 11, and my entire face cleared up within 9 months, longer than expected, but I don't get any acne besides when I'm menstruating, and they're very minor. Only side effects were very dry skin, lips, and mood swings. I recommend it."

• lov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 3, 2015

For Acne "I love Accutane! I'm starting my 7th and final month now (started on 10 mg a day, moved to 20, now on 40 for the rest of my treatment). I was scared to try the drug because there was so much negativity about it on the internet, but I was so desperate to get rid of my acne and blackheads. My skin was so oily, and my acne was leaving scars all over my face. The only side effect I got was really dry lips. I went through so much chapstick, and the skin on my face got a little dry occasionally. I found drinking a lot of water a day stops all those side effects, though. I highly recommend. The only minor problem I had was in my 2nd month on Accutane, I got mono, which was so weird. But it could be a coincidence. No clue. Either way, I love Accutane."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2017

For Acne "I was so scared to take Accutane due to all of the experiences with initial breakouts and dry lips/skin. I've just begun my third month and could not be happier. After the first month, I had stopped getting active acne, and from then on, my skin has just been post-inflammatory acne scars that get less red day by day. My skin is nowhere near perfect, but the difference between what it is now and what it was pre-Accutane is EXTRAORDINARY. I thankfully experienced no initial breakout. In fact, after just a week, my skin had started clearing. My skin has not been dry at all- I've had no problems with dry lips or dry skin (I do apply Aquaphor generously throughout the day and moisturize twice a day). My treatment is Absorbica 40mg daily."

• Acc...
• September 12, 2016

For Acne "I actually miss taking Accutane. I finally decided to take it after years of bad cystic acne and nothing else working. It took about a month to start working, but I was only on 20 mg a day. It was a Godsend. Despite being on such a low dose of it (I think the average is 40 mg a day), Accutane worked wonders. The only side effects I had were dry lips and dry skin, both of which were worse in the winter (Thanks, Chicago). Since going off it, I get little pimples again and my oily skin and hair came back. I wish I was still on Accutane because it was nice not having oily skin, lol."

• bel...
• July 31, 2014

For Acne "I've been on this medication for just over 2 months now, taking 40 mg a day. When I started on a low dose, the first 3 weeks I experienced severe dry skin, lips, and especially my nose and under my eyes even. The first 5 weeks my skin broke out worse. And from the beginning, I started getting severe back pain. Now in week 9, my skin has settled down and is a tiny bit better, but all my blackheads have disappeared. My skin is still drier than usual, but it's actually improved, and my lips are fine as long as I apply Vaseline 2-3 times a day. The only significant side effect I still have is my back and bone/joint pain. So far, I'm very happy with what I've achieved (the blackheads) and expect things to keep improving."

• hs1...
• June 6, 2017

For Acne "I took Accutane for about 6 months, in the 5th month, I noticed significant changes to my skin. By the end of the 6th month, my face was completely clear, and I was only left with scarring. It has been 3 and a half years since I have taken Accutane. I can say with certainty that it was the best decision I made for my skin, even my scarring has almost disappeared. After my acne cleared up, I was more confident and didn't even feel the need to wear any makeup like I did prior to this medication. The only bad side effect I got from this drug was extremely dry/chapped lips and skin, to the point where my lips would bleed from dryness. I would suggest putting a heavy moisturizer and chapstick on every day."

• Lad...
• May 18, 2015

For Acne "I am in my 5th month with this medicine, and my face is flawless, and I love it-but it did come at a cost. My side effects are bad-I have horrible joint pain, temper/anger issues, dry skin on my nose, chapped lips constantly, and patches of dry skin all over my body... The pain in my body is my biggest complaint-some days I can barely move, my feet and my back hurt the most with the 80mg dosage, and my ability to control my temper pretty much goes out the window... But I know I'm almost done, so I don't want to change a thing. But overall, my face cleared up in my 4th month, and that's all I wanted. I'm so happy with how clear it is-but I will be even happier to not be in so much pain."

• Hal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2015

For Acne "I have used every face wash product and home remedy on the market. I've been on doxycycline, minocycline, and every other antibiotic the doctor can prescribe. They helped, but I was never clear. I finally decided to go on Accutane. The process to get on the pill is a huge pain, but it's so worth it. You have to take birth control and get blood work every month because you cannot get pregnant. My skin was dry for two weeks. Then it was minorly dry after that. I rarely had to use lotion. My lips were chapped. Don't use drugstore chapstick. I recommend Lucas Pawpaw ointment, Ceralip, or Cortibalm. The first month I had minor headaches, but I was 100% clear by month 3. My skin was no longer oily. This experience was amazing."

• Rev...
• March 17, 2008

For Acne "I would rate this medication a 4. It did clear my acne for about 9 years. I took it while I was in high school. I am a petite, small female and may have been prescribed too high a dose. I experienced thoughts of suicide (extremely out of character), depression, VERY dry skin, aggravated acne, and scarring that was much worse than I ever had. This medication should be prescribed VERY carefully and should be a LAST resort. Patients should be monitored closely while on this."

• HHa...
• January 30, 2020

For Acne "I have struggled with acne my entire life, tried countless drugs and products to clear my skin, and had no luck. When I was on Accutane, I had clear skin aside from a few cystic pimples throughout the two-year period. In addition to this amazing feeling, my skin was constantly dry, my lips were constantly chapped, and I had to drink many cups of water a day to even feel semi-hydrated. When I stopped taking the drug, I suffered from hardcore anxiety and had a few full-blown anxiety attacks, something I have never been affected by before I started taking this medication. After about a month or two, this anxiety calmed, but I still suffer from it. Now, almost four years after I finished taking the medication, my acne is back and the same as before, my lips are still constantly chapped, I still wake up in the middle of the night to very dry skin, and my hair is way thinner than it used to be. This harmful drug is NOT WORTH IT."

• Gbr...
• December 1, 2016

For Acne "I tried so many acne medications, but none of them did the job as well as Accutane. It's been about 6 months since I finished my cycle, and I haven't had a problem with acne since. I had bad cystic acne that I hated, and it made me never want to go out or do anything for fear of people seeing how bad my face was. Initially, I was scared of using the medication because of all the side effects, but they were really not bad, and I survived it with barely any issues except for the dry skin. Your acne will get a bit worse before it gets better, so be patient and stick with it."

• cr0...
• February 25, 2012

For Acne "Take this as a first-hand experience. I'm a 14-year-old girl. My acne used to be absolutely dreadful: severe and awful. Now I feel beautiful. My before and after pictures are astounding. My skin is as smooth as glass now, and the side effects were completely worth it. I have naturally dry skin. Accutane made it worse, yes. But now that I'm done, my skin is completely fine, and my face... goodness. Life-changing. Please-go on Accutane."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2017

For Acne "Along with braces for my teeth, Accutane was one of the best things I’ve ever done. At the age of 12, I started to have severe acne and serious breakouts that would never go away, no matter what I tried, no matter what topical medications I was prescribed. Finally, at 14, I was prescribed Accutane, and I have to say, it was truly life-changing. I did experience a rash-type skin response, along with sensitivity for the first week or so. After that, my skin became very dry. It was slightly annoying because I felt like a snake, as much as my skin was dry and sloughing off, but it was 1,000% worth it. Here I am now in my 20s, and my skin is so clear and beautiful. I receive compliments all the time! Accutane was a lifesaver."

• oky...
• March 18, 2019

For Acne "I’ve only been on Accutane for a month or so now and plan on updating this once I’ve finished the whole 6 months, but... so far I’ve seen a big difference in my skin. I’ve had severe acne for the past 2 years and was on doxycycline before Accutane, and my face has calmed down a lot, no active acne really, mostly scars as of now. I was expecting a big breakout (still could happen). The side effects I have gotten are dry skin, but it’s not flaky or anything. My lips, on the other hand, oh my god, stock up on chapstick before starting this! Very dry, and the corners of my mouth have cracked, and it is pretty uncomfortable, but nothing I can’t handle. If you're considering going on Accutane, I’d recommend it, in such a short period of time, my skin's cleared up drastically. It’s amazing. (It’s not the same for everyone)"