Accutane and Dry Skin: What Users Say (Page 5)

• rai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2021

For Acne "Everyone is different. But it caused horrible joint pain day one. Started with my sacrum and SI joints. Then my hips, then my knees. Had to go to a chiropractor. It also started clearing my skin right away. I had dry lips and dry skin also. But the joint pain was horrible, I couldn't sit without pain. Was on Accutane 40 mg for two weeks before I stopped, and my pain went away after a week. Be careful if you have major joint pain, tell your doctor. If you can't function, get off it."

• Kas...
• January 19, 2018

For Acne "I've struggled with acne since probably age 12/13, and now I am 20 years old. Accutane is a miracle drug. I was very skeptical at first, but I'm telling you it is WORTH IT. I had the mild side effects like very dry skin on my arms, legs, and chapped lips. But they weren't as bad as it seemed, and it was kept under control by sensitive moisturizer and lotion. Aquaphor for the lips was awesome! The first two months my acne got a little worse, and then boom, by month three I was seeing major improvements. Month four and five I was reaching almost clear skin! Now I am on my last month (6), and my acne is gone. No pimples. I actually feel confident in my skin now. My experience was great, and I definitely recommend. Give it a try!"

• Liz...
• December 25, 2019

For Acne "I would give this medicine a 10/10 because of how effective it is. The only thing that brings it down a few points is because I really did see a big effect on how my body reacted to it. I experienced the usual dry skin symptoms but also experienced headaches and chest pains throughout my duration on it, which made it really unenjoyable for the months I was on it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2019

For Acne "I had my first round of Accutane when I was 14. The doctor put me on only 20 mg because I was young, so I was on the drug for 13 months. It cleared up my cystic acne like magic and not a ton of side effects except for dry skin, nosebleeds. About 2 years after, I started to get my cysts on my skin, especially on my back, neck, and jawline, and I am now currently on another round of Accutane, but this time 40 mg taken every other day. Fingers crossed it works this time!"

• pop...
• August 14, 2018

For Acne "Accutane does do the job, it does clear your acne. However, it does take a while to do so, especially if you’re put on a low dose like I was. As well as this, although I am so happy I don’t have acne anymore, as it was ruining my life and my self-confidence, the side effects of Accutane were horrendous for me. My skin started going scaly because it was so dry, literally everywhere. My hair stopped growing and got so dry, damaged, and thin to the point where I’ve had to pay a lot of money to get it fixed, and it also made my mood change quite a lot too. A few months later, I did notice that I was getting spots again, not as bad as my acne before, but still. I’ve started using Cepton skin wash, and that works amazingly. I guess you have to weigh up the side effects versus how bad your acne is. If you’ve tried everything else and nothing works and your acne gets you down, then I think Accutane is for you. The main thing is that it does work, but the side effects do have to be considered!"

• pop...
• August 14, 2018

For Acne "Accutane does do the job, it does clear your acne. However, it does take a while to do so, especially if you’re put on a low dose like I was. As well as this, although I am so happy I don’t have acne anymore, as it was ruining my life and my self-confidence, the side effects of Accutane were horrendous for me. My skin started going scaly because it was so dry, literally everywhere. My hair stopped growing and got so dry, damaged, and thin to the point where I’ve had to pay a lot of money to get it fixed, and it also made my mood change quite a lot too. A few months later, I did notice that I was getting spots again, not as bad as my acne before, but still. I’ve started using Cepton skin wash, and that works amazingly. I guess you have to weigh up the side effects versus how bad your acne is. If you’ve tried everything else and nothing works and your acne gets you down, then I think Accutane is for you. The main thing is that it does work, but the side effects do have to be considered!"

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2009

For Acne "I took Accutane for my severe acne 13 years ago. I have not had a breakout since I started the medication. It cleared up my face, back, and chest in 6 months and have not had acne since. I know this is a serious medication and has harmful side effects. The only side effect that I experienced was the extremely dry, flaky skin. I do not regret taking Accutane. I tried many acne medications prescribed by the doctor, and nothing worked. The acne would get better, and then I would have a major breakout again. Accutane was the only thing that worked for me."

• Bel...
• May 27, 2021

For Acne "I know if you’re reading this you are reluctant to take this pill. You are asking yourself, will I have all these terrible side effects? I had no underlying conditions, and I took Accutane for 10 months, 20 mg dose & 30 mg dose - I took Accutane about 5 years ago now. My brother just got on it now too. My acne was pretty bad, I wish I still had the pictures, but now I’m clear, just some acne scars now, but my acne is good - I don't have any! My side effects were very dry skin and lips, especially the corners, they would hurt if I didn’t moisturize!!! So always keep chapstick. Another weird thing: my hair was shedding A LOT. I mean, I have naturally thick hair, so for me it wasn’t bad, but yeah, it would shed a lot, and with the straightening I would do back then... imagine. Eat with your pills!! I wasn’t getting the results I should have been the first 2 months, and it was because I was not eating the proper foods with it or drinking enough water. Not eating with them also makes you super tired."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2015

For Acne "I would most definitely recommend Accutane! The stuff is brilliant! I am 18 and have experienced bad skin for almost 2 years. I was constantly paranoid and unhappy, and now I wake up instantly in a good mood. The side effects can be quite painful, as I had very dry lips and dry patches all over my arms, but they are only temporary and definitely worth it!"

• C-S...
• August 12, 2009

For Acne "In the first month, I broke out with the worst acne I've ever experienced (large and painful). The second month progressed to smaller acne occurring, but my skin became very dry, especially my lips. Chapstick has to be applied about every 20 minutes. There were rashes on my forearms from a reaction that looked like poison ivy and felt like eczema. The third month is where I noticed my pores began to shrink. There are no more large breakouts, just minor acne when it decides to show. Now I am in my fourth month and there are very few breakouts and in their own area; no clusters of breakouts. Overall, Accutane is a great product for severe acne, and it can change anyone's life, but the side effects are serious and patients need to be safe!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2012

For Acne "Accutane gave me completely clear skin after 7 months of using it and 4 years of severe acne. Even though people say they got horrible scars from the zits they had during their treatment, I have very few, and they're small enough that you can't see them unless your face is right next to mine. I got a dry scalp, lips, and skin, but it was never enough to prevent me from wearing contacts like some people warn. To help with dry lips, get Dr. Dan's Cortibalm. It's the best chapstick out there. I got minor to moderate pain in my knees too, but it wasn't anything I couldn't put up with. And that horrible breakout that they tell you you're going to have when you first start? Mine was barely noticeable."

• Box...
• August 15, 2009

For Acne "It has been 23 years since I took Accutane, and other than the occasional pimple, I have been acne-free. I was a teenager with very bad acne. I tried every medicine that was around at the time. The drug was relatively new when I took it, but my doctor was clear about all of the side effects. I knew what I was getting into when I took the medicine. Dry skin, chapped lips, I could peel the dry skin off my face, and I cut my lips in the mornings occasionally. This product was not forced on me, but it changed my life. It gave me my confidence back! I looked at my high school photos in grade 10 (not a pretty picture), but in grade 11, I looked like a new person. People want easy fixes, but don't want it to be hard!"

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2018

For Acne "I started getting really severe acne around 7th grade and tried everything: topicals, antibiotics, natural remedies, etc. No matter what I did, my acne wouldn’t go away. When I got to 9th grade, it was so bad that I couldn’t even look people in the eyes anymore-my acne completely destroyed my self-confidence. Finally, my dermatologist recommended Accutane, and it was fantastic. I dealt with very dry skin and lots of sensitivity, but the ability to be confident in your own skin was worth so much more. By the end of the 6 months, my skin was absolutely clear for 3 years. Unfortunately, I had a flare-up in November that has transformed into a massive ordeal. I will be going through Accutane a second time, and hopefully, it sticks for good! Great skin is a blessing, and I now know I took it for granted when I had it."

• lyd...
• September 30, 2008

For Acne "I went on Accutane in two cycles back in 2001 and 2002. Nothing works as well as this medicine, but the dry lips are a bit hard to deal with. If you're like me, I would take dry skin and lips over acne any day. I still get breakouts every now and then, and am considering a 3rd round (6 years later). I would definitely recommend it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 8, 2016

For Acne "I experienced most of the side effects that my dermatologist told me about, primarily the dry skin portion. I was instructed to avoid chlorine, avoid direct sunlight without sunscreen, and other things. The dry skin was really the only not fun part, it was almost like eczema. I had large patches on my arms and primarily at the corners of my mouth that were extremely painful when cracked. The doctor did recommend some facial moisturizers (Cerave), cleansers (Cerave), and lip balm (Aquaphor) to help in the healing process, which I still use today. :) I was extremely pleased with my results and occasionally had zits after the use, but nothing compared to the initial skin. My skin also recovered great!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2015

For Acne "I am 17 years old. Since I was 10 years old, I have had mild acne. I used to cry to my mom before school at least two times a week because of my acne. I would stay home on weekends instead of going out with my friends because I was ashamed of my skin. I tried every pill and cream out there. Literally. Right now I am on my last month of Accutane. It is still clearing up a bit, but it is almost all the way clear. My skin was very dry in the beginning, but then I started taking vitamin E and I got a dehumidifier for next to my bed, which both helped a lot. My lips also got very chapped and dry, but I put Aquaphor on to help it. My mouth was more dry than usual, but nothing severe. It changed my life and I'm so happy that I started taking it."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2015

For Acne "I live in the UK, so we get drugs, etc., free. This drug is only available via a specialist at a hospital and is carefully monitored. I'm 40 years old and had painful large spots since I was 12. I have tried everything, so now I've hit 40 and had a family, decided to try it. I lasted 15 days of 20 g a day. I thought at my age I would have less to worry about than a teenager. I could cope with the dry skin and cracked lips, but the headaches and joint pain were horrific. I stopped taking it 5 days ago, but still am in constant pain and have a headache. I have been told these side effects could last up to 30 days. I have never suffered side effects from any drugs I have taken until I took this. If you are planning to take this, please consider carefully."

• app...
• April 25, 2012

For Acne "Well, it worked well for me. I took it back in the early '90s as a young teenager with moderate acne. The side effects are bad though, really bad. My skin was so dry, as were my lips and scalp. I was sick, had a lot of pain and anxiety, and then depression. I took a 6-month course, and it was recommended that I take a second about a year later, but I couldn't face the idea of the side effects. It did, however, do miracles for my skin, it has remained clear some 20 years later."

• Max...
• June 12, 2017

For Acne "Great so far after finishing my 6-month cycle. After about 2 1/2 months after starting to take it, my face acne was gone, and my back acne was all gone at about 5 to 6 months, lots of scars though. Considering my back was terrible. When I stopped, I thought it would come back, but it did not, for now... I really hope it doesn't... My skin was very dry, but nothing I couldn't handle, lots of lip chap and face moisturizer. The only side effect was a red face, that I still have now after 2 months of stopping it. Other than that, it was great to me. Hopefully, I can keep saying that in the future."

• jen...
• July 29, 2011

For Acne "Accutane is the answer. I took Accutane when I was 18. I had suffered with extremely severe acne since I was 11. Accutane was a miracle. It completely cleared my skin within 4 months with minimal side effects. I did have dry skin and pretty chapped lips for 4 months, but for clear skin, it was a price I was willing to pay. Think carefully before taking this medicine due to the severe side effects that some people experience, but for me, it was 100% worth it. I am now 21 and have had clear skin ever since. I can remember reading about Accutane before taking it and hoping it would be the solution I had been praying for. To this day, I am very grateful for the impact it has had on my life. I would give it a chance!"

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2010

For Acne "Trying Accutane was one of the best decisions I ever made. I went through high school and even one year of college with lots of acne. I finally tried Accutane after using all of the things they sell on TV, with zero results. The only side effects I have are dry skin, but that can be combated with chapstick and facial moisturizer. I just want to encourage anyone who has ever thought about trying Accutane to go see your doctor and give it a try."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2017

For Acne "I wanted to share my experience because it's been just over a year since I stopped taking Accutane, and the results have been amazing. I started in May of 2016 after years of mild acne ruining my self-confidence. The only negative thing I will say about this medication is that it knocks you down before it picks you up. I suffered awful dry skin at first, so much so I couldn't even shave without my face getting cut up. However, after about a month of this, and my acne not getting any better, I started to see results, and in the year since I ended my 5-month regimen, besides the occasional whitehead, my skin is as clear as ever."

• sar...
• September 30, 2017

For Acne "Accutane made my life better! I went on it twice, the first time didn’t really have an effect, but the second time worked. I have been off of it for several months, and my face has no zits or blemishes. I still have scarring, though, but it is going away over time. The dry skin and lips are all worth it in the end."

• Acn...
• March 9, 2016

For Acne "I started Accutane late December 2015. I was on it for 7 weeks, 5 days when I had to temporarily stop because my liver enzymes were elevated. At this point, I was taking 60 mg per day. In regards to my acne, my skin was clearing beautifully! I'm very happy with the results. However, I experienced side effects such as dry skin, dry lips, joint pain, headaches, and trouble sleeping sometimes. Within two weeks after stopping Accutane, I did some blood work. My results showed that my liver enzymes were back to normal, so my doctor advised me to start Accutane again. I'm currently taking 60 mg again every day, and I have roughly about 11 weeks more to go on Accutane. I do get 1-2 pimples and a few blackheads, but nothing cystic."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2018

For Acne "I took Accutane 60 mg daily for 4 months for moderate acne on my arms, shoulders, and back. Before starting, my acne was inflamed and painful, and I was extremely self-conscious of my body. My side effects were not that bad-dry skin, lips, rashy arms-but I do think it slightly exacerbated my depression while on it. Three months after taking my last dose, my skin looks a lot better, and I'm so glad I made this decision. Here's hoping it lasts."