The ESK blog
What skincare should I give my teen now that they’ve started Accutane?
19 August 2024
Dr Anne Thomson
What skincare should I give my teen now that they’ve started Accutane?
So your teen has just started Accutane and they’re getting into the skincare world. Let me share some must-know tips and hacks to help you navigate this powerful acne treatment. Let’s get their skin glowing and keep those side effects in check!
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Moisturise Like a Pro
Accutane is known for drying out the skin, so a good moisturiser is their new BFF. Look for something super hydrating and non-comedogenic (that won’t clog their pores).
Top Pick: B Calm or Repair Plus.
Pro Tip: Apply moisturiser morning and night. For an extra hydration boost, get your teen to layer it on while their skin is still damp after cleansing.
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Sun Protection is Key
Accutane makes skin more sensitive to the sun and more prone to burning, so your teen will need to slather on that sunscreen every day, rain or shine. Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won’t irritate your teen’s sensitive skin.
Top Pick: Zinc Shade.
Pro Tip: Teens can be a bit slack but they really need to reapply their sunscreen every two hours if they’re out and about. And don’t forget to pack a hat and sunglasses!
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Keep Their Lips Happy
Accutane will give most teens super chapped lips so they’ll need a heavy-duty lip balm.
Top Pick: Pawpaw cream or Vaseline Lip Therapy. These are lifesavers!
Pro Tip: Apply lip balm frequently throughout the day. Suggest they keep one in their bag, by their bed, and anywhere they spend time.
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Gentle Cleansing Only
Ditch the harsh cleansers, soaps and scrubs. Their skin needs gentle, hydrating products to avoid further irritation.
Top Pick: Calming Cleanser.
Pro Tip: Ensure they use lukewarm water to cleanse their face. Hot water can dry out their skin even more. Pat dry - don’t rub!
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Hydrate from Within
Drink up! Keeping themselves hydrated is just as important as moisturising their skin.
Pro Tip: Aim for over 2 litres of fluid per day. Get your teen to carry a water bottle to remind themselves to sip throughout the day.
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Less is More with Makeup
Their skin might be more sensitive, so ideally they should keep their makeup routine simple and non-irritating.
Top Pick: Mineral-based makeup is gentle and less likely to cause breakouts.
Pro Tip: Teens can be a tad lazy but it’s important to always remove makeup before bed with a gentle cleanser.
7. Patience is a Virtue
Accutane takes time to work, so tell them not to be discouraged if they don’t see immediate results. But it’s important that they stick with their treatment.
Pro Tip: Take progress photos to track your teen’s skin’s improvement. It can be motivating to see how far they’ve come!
Starting Accutane is a big step towards clearer skin, and with these tips and hacks, your teen is well-equipped to handle it like a champ. Remember, every skin journey is unique, so help them to be kind to themselves and stay consistent with their routine. Here’s to happy, healthy skin!