Isotretinoin and Dryness: What Users Say

• Sun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took this 20 years ago for awful acne that I had fought from nearly 13 to 20 years old. I was terrified to take it, but I had tried every option. It cleared me up completely. I had minimal side effects and MUCH higher self esteem finally. I finally felt attractive and I honestly think, had I taken it sooner, my life would be different in some ways. My son is now taking it for the awful, cystic acne I've passed down to him! The dryness bothers him some, and at 2 months in he's not seeing the difference he wants, but I'm telling him to push through."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 17, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "If you're debating whether to take this medication or not, please do it! You will not regret it. I suffered from cystic acne, and my dermatologist recommended this drug to me. I read reviews on it, and there were so many bad reviews and so many negative things about Accutane, but I promise you it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Although everyone's experience on Accutane is different, mine was very good. By the first month, I saw a change. Some of the side effects that I experienced were sore muscles in the first month. Another side effect was dryness, OMG when I tell you my skin was dry! The products I used were Cetaphil as a gentle wash and CeraVe as a moisturizer, and that's it. Do not use anything more than that, your skin is so fragile and sensitive while on Accutane. My holy grail item was CARMEX for my lips. Finally, I just want to say that regardless of the side effects on Accutane, it was worth it, I promise you! If you have cystic acne and want to get rid of it, please take this!"

• Cou...
• January 3, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am a nineteen-year-old female who has suffered with mild acne since I was about 10. I tried every cream, pill, and face wash you can imagine throughout the years, and nothing completely got rid of my acne. When I was 18, my doctor recommended I try Accutane. I did a 6-month course of 10 mg a day, and I can honestly say it changed my life. I would recommend it to anyone who struggles with persistent acne. Before taking Accutane, acne controlled my life. I would stay home just because of bad breakouts. Now my skin is flawless, and I only get the occasional pimple, which I can now deal with. Yes, I was dry when I was on Accutane, but the end result is SO worth the 6 months of mild dryness!"

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2014

Isotretinoin for Acne "I was 49 when I began taking Accutane for moderate acne. My insurance company only approved 5 months' treatment. My dermatologist generally recommends 8 months, but I was satisfied with my results at the end of my 5-month course. I had the common side effects of chapped lips and dry, itching skin. It's been 4 months post-treatment, and I'm still clear of bumps. I don't regret my decision."

• VM1...
• October 18, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane saved my life. Although the dryness was sometimes hard to cope with, I highly recommend Accutane to those of you who have literally tried everything and nothing seemed to work. I had bad acne, and I tried every face wash, cream... you name it... and it did not work. Until I found Accutane and asked my doctor if I could try it, I was miserable. Having a clear face made me have so much more confidence. I really do owe Accutane everything. Thank you so much for making my life better."

• Rya...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "Yes, there is some dryness and sensitivity. I applied various lip products hourly, and I found myself putting Vaseline up my nose. But, I've been dealing with cystic acne since high school (I'm now 37), and my skin is finally clear and smooth."

• Art...
• February 24, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "I'm almost finished with my third month of Accutane. I started taking Accutane due to severe body acne (chest, back, neck, arms, etc.). I first attempted doxy and topical lotion, but it did not seem to help. Therefore, my dermatologist recommended Accutane. I started out at 40 mg in the first month and am now on 80 mg during my third month. The first month was not bad with side effects at all. I simply noticed dry lips and a bit more dryness on my body. Month two was not too bad either, some headaches, and more dryness on the lips and body. Month three is when some of the emotional instability kicked in. I have been experiencing some anxiety and depression, but it's been manageable. The irritation and more anger have been the worst emotional side effects. I've also noticed thinning of the skin, more easily injured, and more noticeable veins. Overall, I still believe taking Accutane has been worth it. Yes, the side effects suck, especially in winter, but I'm so glad my acne is gone."

• Pat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "A month after finishing Claravis, it was hard to imagine that I had giant red spots on my face for 3 years straight even when I tried every topical in the pharmacy. My face feels so smooth, I keep expecting new breakouts, but it just never happens. My social and emotional stresses have noticeably lessened, and it was all thanks to this. It's so worth the 6 months of chapped lips (just use Vaseline and a hydrating cleanse to mediate the dryness). Miracle drug, you'll be glad you took it!!"

• Sea...
• August 20, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "It took me a while to see real results while on Claravis, I even stopped taking it for about 2 weeks at one point because the side effects were too much to handle. The dry, peeling skin resulted in a lot of scarring, and it was extremely difficult to get used to. However, by the 3rd month, I had developed a good moisturizing routine that really helped to keep my skin looking healthy. It took a lot longer than I had originally expected, and it took a lot of patience, but I am a week into my 4th month on Claravis and have been acne-free for a few weeks now. My dermatologist is saying I may not even need to go the full 6 months because of my great progress. So if you are considering this medication for your acne, just be very patient."

• ari...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've heard so many bad, scary things about Accutane. Eventually, I came to a point where I was questioning all this bad press. What's the worst that could happen? I am glad that I looked past the negativity and gave Accutane a try. I have never felt so 'normal' in my life. The acne on my back is finally clearing up. I don't have to spend an hour in the bathroom each day messing with lotions, cleansers, creams, gels, whatever. I'm only a couple of weeks into it, but I'm not even getting chapped lips or dryness. Just clear skin. Thank you, Roche!"

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane was overall a horrible experience. The first month went perfectly smoothly. I experienced dryness and chapped lips as usual. When my dosage increased during the second month, things got worse. Acne was starting to slowly improve, but my liver experienced extremely increased enzymes. While on this medicine, I avoided drinking alcohol. I took every precaution to be healthy. It just didn’t work, and I had to stop. Now I still have elevated liver enzymes, and I have to see a physician. This medicine affects everyone differently, and you must know that going in. Definitely a last resort medicine, as it works for people but hurts others."

• k3m...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "After about 7 years of struggling with severe, sometimes even deeply cystic acne on my face and shoulders, my dermatologist finally convinced me to try Accutane. I had been on at least 10 different topical and oral medications beforehand, and nothing helped at all until I went on a 6-month Accutane regimen. It gets a little worse before it gets better, but I'm on my last month now, and I'm 100% CLEAR! It's so wonderful! However, the medicine is really drying, especially on your lips and eyes (plus I wear contacts). You need to apply lip balm almost constantly, but it's worth it in the end! Also, my arms dried out and were red and flaky for a few weeks, but a drugstore lotion cleared that up quickly. I would highly recommend Accutane to anyone!"

• Hay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "I'm a 17-year-old girl, and I had acne all over my cheeks and forehead. I had tried another form of oral acne medication and prescription face gels, but nothing helped. I'm almost on my 3rd month of Accutane, and my skin has improved 150%. I still will get a pimple every now and then, but they're nowhere near as severe. The dryness is annoying. Cetaphil soap and lotion have worked well for my face. I use Aquaphor and Burt's Bees for my lips, but they still flake away all the time. I also get nosebleeds because of the dryness in my nose. I also sleep a lot more since I've been on Accutane. It's worth it, though!"

• ash...
• December 3, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I have been on Accutane for 3 months, and the ONLY bad thing I would say is the dryness and migraines. That part sucks. I have been on the 1 a day treatment, and this month my doctor updated me to twice a day. Once he did that, I started getting nosebleeds and TERRIBLE migraines, which made me throw up. I told my doctor, and he backed down to 1 a day. My acne started clearing up the first month, but it was still bad. Then, month two, I FINALLY had clear skin. It was amazing, I hadn't seen a day without a zit in 10 years (I'm 21 now), and now I feel great. I highly recommend Accutane to people who suffer from depressing acne. I tried Proactive 3 times, Acne Free, Clearasil Clean Advantage Kit, homeopathic remedies-DIDN'T WORK. ACCUTANE does!"

• def...
• March 4, 2015

For Acne "I've had severe acne for 8 years and have tried lots of doctoring. Been on prescribed pills that help only while I take them. I'm on my fourth month of Accutane, and I have almost NO cysts forming, only scars healing! Definitely worth the extreme dry side effects I've been having."

• Anonymous
• April 22, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane is not an easy drug to take, but it does work. I was 31 and had acne since puberty. I had large cysts, and nothing worked. I took it for four months, and it completely cleared up my skin. I did have significant dryness of my skin and had painful joints, but it was totally worth it to me. This was in 1990, and I have not had a problem with my skin since. I would definitely recommend it for severe cases of acne. It changed my life."

• Tex...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 15, 2019

Isotretinoin for Acne "Prescribed Myorisan 40 milligrams twice a day for 7 months, and I am done with my treatment with an acne-free and the best skin I’ve ever had. The oil production in my face is normal, and all side effects have stopped, and I have been off the drug for two weeks. Treatment is tough at first but worth the outcome. Do not stop as it gets worse before it gets better, just don’t let that discourage you. Dryness and body aches are only temporary. Drink lots of water all day, it will help so much!"

• rit...
• May 24, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I am a 29-year-old female that started to get acne about 8 months ago. After trying several different medications, including antibiotics and getting no results, my doctor discussed Claravis (isotretinoin). I was a little scared at first after reading about the side effects and the length of time you have to take the medication. But after no results using anything else and my acne getting worse, I started Claravis on May 9, 2009, 40 mg once a day for 5 months. After only two weeks, I have already noticed a difference in my acne and have not had any breakouts since starting it. I had very oily skin before, and now I am dealing with a little dryness around my forehead and eyebrows, and yes, very chapped lips. Overall, good results."

• Kar...
• March 4, 2013

Isotretinoin for Acne "I'm 22, female, and just started month 4. I am glad I started Accutane, although it is quite expensive. My monthly blood draws are $250 each time with health insurance. The worst side effect for me is the dryness, especially my lips. Carmex in a stick has worked best for me over Aquaphor. I use Cetaphil facial moisturizer and cleanser. I use each of them morning and night, and they have worked well. I would recommend this medication to any acne sufferers, it's amazing the confidence you gain with clear skin. I have been so much more outgoing since I don't have to worry about people staring at my latest pimple. I can't wait for summer when I will be able to go to the beach without makeup and not be self-conscious about it!"

• Xev...
• July 29, 2016

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've been taking Oratane (off-brand Accutane) for nearly 6 months now. My dosage was 20 mg during the first month and then 40 mg for the remainder of my cycle. I'm a 24-year-old male (I was 23 when I began taking the drug) with mild (but irritating) facial acne and moderate acne on my upper back. I found that my acne cleared up towards my second month of treatment. The only side effects I've encountered are dryness - dry lips being the main one, but easily remedied with chapstick. My skin (particularly on my face) and eyes also occasionally get dry, these can be tackled with moisturizer and eye drops. Aside from that, everything has been smooth sailing. I recommend Accutane to anyone with severe acne or stubborn acne that won't go away."

• Bri...
• September 21, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "I've been taking Claravis for 3 months and have had significant improvement in my adult cystic acne. I was VERY worried about side effects. I definitely have dry, chapped lips, and my cholesterol has gone up. My skin/hair isn't dry, but I normally have very greasy skin/hair. My olive skin wasn't that sun sensitive, I still took precautions at the beach (sunblock, hats, umbrellas). Per my DR, supplements (including protein powder) and OTC drugs that are processed by your liver/kidneys are to be avoided. My DR told me to check with them before taking other medication. Side effects are real but very manageable. This drug really works! Stay hydrated, moisturize, and carry Aquaphor for chapped lips!"

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2010

Isotretinoin for Acne "I should be on 93 mg, but she started me on 40 mg to see how I react. She told me it worked from the inside out and that any acne that was on its way would still come, but at some point it would get better. I waited for whatever was already coming, and I had basically nothing appear. I hate using lotion but have been using Cetaphil lotion in fear of what may happen if I don't. I have noticed a little drying on my chin, but have been able to contain it using the lotion. My lips have been the only real side effect. After 14 days, I have noticed a change in the amount of blackheads. By 11 PM each day, I have very few, which is amazing. I still have a long way to go."

• Anonymous
• May 12, 2009

Isotretinoin for Acne "I think this medicine is a wonder drug. When I was 15, I took this medication for severe cystic acne, and within 5 months, my acne was completely gone except for the redness that eventually went away. I only experience dryness of my skin, lips, and hair, and very mild depression (but hey, who isn't depressed when you have acne that bad). Now I am 27 and have some minor breakouts, but I wouldn't go back and change my decision to take Accutane for anything in the world. It changed my life for the better in so many ways."

• Guy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2015

Isotretinoin for Acne "Accutane has been a miracle drug for me. I have not had a single pimple since the 2nd month of treatment, and I've been off it for just under a month. My acne, like others, was horrible before Accutane. Another thing to note, I had virtually zero side effects, just a little bit of dryness around my mouth and lips. It was NOTHING like the horror stories you read about on the web. Just brush your lips with a toothbrush in the morning and at night and put some Aquaphor/lip balm on after, and you'll be fine for the whole day. I also always ate tons of healthy fats (grass-fed butter and meat, eggs, organic full-fat dairy, coconut butter, avocados, olive oil, macadamia nuts, and natural peanut butter) with my Accutane, so that may have helped too."

• Ale...
• June 13, 2017

Isotretinoin for Acne "I took the max dosage for this drug for 6 months (I had bad cystic acne.) The main side effect I had was dryness. Everything was so dry (lips, mouth, nose) and light nosebleeds. However, it was very minimal. I did experience a lot of hair loss, and it's continuing. One thing that surprised me: I had a history of depression and was worried about it bringing it back. However, I actually noticed an improved mood. I wonder if this is because I had a vitamin A deficiency, which Zenatane is derived from. Overall, great experience. Acne-free except for occasional ones that dry up fast. Keep in mind some things: your acne might get worse before it gets better, and keep your doctor updated with side effects."