Any Good Dry Skin Creames or Moisturizers?

I am the oldest Auctane user at 45. I have been on for 20days and drying out like crazy. Any one use Aquaphor or any of the expensive creams from the doctor? Going to try the cetaphil.

When I took Roacutane a couple of years ago, I used Atrixo moisurising cream which worked well on most of my face but for the areas that were really bad i used Vaseline. This might not be something that is advised especially because it is quite greasy but if you have to be around people it can be very embarassing having really bad skin so vaseline works very very well and it can be rubbed in so its not too noticable

How To Cope with Dry Skin Caused by Accutane

Accutane is an acne miracle drug. A few months, and your acne is gone? It sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t – as long as you can bear that monster list of side effects. The lack of oil in the body can feel almost unbearable, but as a college student still suffering from acne after years of pills, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and acne treatment systems, I gave up. I started Accutane. Because I already had dry skin, I was able to come up with a system of lotions, creams, and products that kept my skin from resembling that of a lizard. This article will take you, step-by-step, through my beauty product regimen – it worked for me, and I hope it will work for you!

Get a shower every night. Make sure that the water is lukewarm to cold - using hot water will drain whatever remaining oil you have left right out of your skin! In the shower, use a moisturizing shampoo (I recommend Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo) and rub it into the roots of your hair thoroughly. Accutane causes what looks like dandruff, but dandruff is caused by an oily scalp, and yours is just overly-dry. I wouldn’t recommend washing your hair every single day, as it could still dry it out. After shampooing, use a moisture-rich conditioner (I use TRESemme Moisture Rich Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair – it comes in a huge bottle and is fairly cheap, so you can afford to lather it on). Be sure to rub it into your scalp as well. Conditioning your hair every night is a must – a lack of oil could make your hair break off. To wash your face in the shower, use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t exfoliate (I use Cetaphil wash). As far as soap goes, use a Dove soap bar with 1/3 moisture.

When you get out of the shower, don’t dry off your body – you need that water! Take a handful of Cetaphil lotion and slap it on your face. Rub it in, but leave use enough so it leaves a thick layer of lotion on top. After, immediately slather your body in baby oil (I use a generic bottle from CVS). When I say slather, I mean a huge squirt for every limb. Cover your entire body up to the base of your neck, avoiding acne-prone areas such as chest and back. The baby oil will act as a replacement of sorts for the oil your body is missing, and give your skin a little bit of a glow. After, take globs and globs of a cocoa butter based lotion (I recommend Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion) and rub it over your entire body. There should be lotion on the surface of your skin that won’t rub in – it will be absorbed within fifteen minutes, and will seal in the oil. Be sure to put lotion on your neck, as it can get surprisingly dry. Finally, put a thick layer of Aquaphor on your lips and drift off into dreamland.(Note: I would recommend just letting your hair dry naturally overnight. The hairdryer will not only dry your scalp, but it will dry out your face in the process. No bueno.)

Things to keep by your bed at night: Aquaphor (You might wake up and need it!), a huge glass of water, and eye drops (your eyes can get surprisingly uncomfortable). Also, keep that heater off! It will dry out your face and lips!

(I continued in a second post.)

(Part 2 of 2)

When you wake up in the morning, splash some lukewarm water on your face and put a layer of Cetaphil lotion it (Note: Don’t use topical treatments. They’ll dry out your face so much that you will get huge cracks in your skin, and you will be in a tremendous amount of pain). I normally wait fifteen minutes and then put on a second layer of Cetaphil, but it’s not necessary. Then, apply some sunscreen. I use Neutrogena spray sunscreen (Remember: Accutane makes it really easy to get sunburned, so apply sunscreen and stay out of the sun if you can). Slap on some Aquaphor, and you’re good to go!(Note: If you have the time to apply a layer of cocoa butter to your body in the morning, go for it. The more lotion, the better.)

Things to keep with you during the day: Aquaphor (You’ll be reapplying every ten minutes), a huge bottle of water (If you’re not a water person, get some flavor packets to add – I can’t stress how important it is to drink like a fish!), a container of “Emergency” lotion (for pesky dry spots), sunscreen (You’re going to want to reapply), eye drops (Your eyes will get red and dry), sunglasses (Your eyes will also be sensitive to sun and wind), and tissues (Hopefully you won’t get a bloody nose, but if you do, you’re going to want those).

What to do in case of…

Bloody noses: I can’t totally prevent bloody noses, but my dermatologist told me a trick that works wonders. Take a Q-Tip, dip it in Vaseline, and coat the insides of both your nostrils a few times a day. It should help keep them moisturized. There are also some nasal sprays out there, but that’s an effective (and cheap) option.

“Initial Breakout”: Oh, the dreaded initial breakout! Call your dermatologist, and tell them what’s going on. They’ll normally phone in a prescription to your pharmacy for Prednisone, which will get those cysts under control. It’s also helpful to get facials every few weeks to get rid of all those blackheads and whiteheads.

Rash on arms and tops of hands: Go to the drugstore, and buy the strongest Cortisone cream they have. Apply it at night before the baby oil/lotion routine, and it will clear up fast. Once it clears up, be sure to keep the area moisturized.

Dry cuticles: I know this sounds strange, but dry, cracked cuticles may be a huge problem. Sleeping in moisturizing gloves can do the trick, as well as seeing a manicurist regularly just to “clean things up.”

Razor Burn: Your skin may be so dry that razor burn is inevitable. The answer? Shave less. If you’re a guy, go for stubble. If you’re a girl, try to shave your legs less. Not exactly a glorious answer, but shaving really dries out your skin.

(Continued in next post)

(Part 3 of 3)

Dry Feet/Elbows: When you get out of the shower, rub some Crisco into them. Yes, I mean Crisco, the shortening that you see in the baking section. It’s made from partially hydrogenated soybean oil with no added water, so it basically waxes your skin and keeps in the moisture. It’s totally unscented (so you won’t smell like a butter cube) and it’s really cheap. I guarantee it will fix the problem, and your skin will feel smooth and not greasy.

Makeup Failure: Accutane causes your skin to be so dry that your makeup may just not work anymore. For girls with acne, this can be a huge problem. After experimenting with different makeup for weeks, I came up with a solution. I use a sponge to dab foundation onto my pimples individually, and don’t cover my entire face (I use Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation, as I never have time to stop and re-do my makeup. However, it’s not exactly mineral makeup/acne-friendly, so you may want to substitute your own foundation). Then, for better coverage, I bought some Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder (Be sure to not get a translucent shade if you want coverage. You can buy Physician’s Formula at most drugstores). Then, use a soft brush to blend it in, and finish with bronzer and blush if desired (I would stay away from crème blushes and liquid bronzers, as they can sit awkwardly on the surface of your skin due to its lack of oil).

Dry Eyes: A moisturizing eye drop will sooth those red, irritated eyes. Systane Lubricating Eye Drops worked well for me. Keep sunglasses with you for whenever you go outside, or when you’re in the wind.

What to Eat, What Not to Eat

You say,“I still feel dry!” I say,“You’re not drinking enough water!” You should be drinking twelve huge glasses a day (at least!) to cope with this drug. It’s hard on your system as it is, so be sure to stay hydrated. Also, it’s important to limit your alcohol intake, which can dehydrate you beyond belief. Skip the morning caffeine, as that can dry you out as well, and settle for a Gatorade instead, which will replenish your electrolytes and keep your skin happy. Try to stay away from salty foods, and start eating more walnuts, avocados, flax seed, and other foods that are high in Omega-3’s. Skip the grease, and add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Not only will it make your skin nicer, but it may help you drop a few pounds before the end of your treatment!

Good luck!

(Part 2 of 3)

When you wake up in the morning, splash some lukewarm water on your face and put a layer of Cetaphil lotion it (Note: Don’t use topical treatments. They’ll dry out your face so much that you will get huge cracks in your skin, and you will be in a tremendous amount of pain). I normally wait fifteen minutes and then put on a second layer of Cetaphil, but it’s not necessary. Then, apply some sunscreen. I use Neutrogena spray sunscreen (Remember: Accutane makes it really easy to get sunburned, so apply sunscreen and stay out of the sun if you can). Slap on some Aquaphor, and you’re good to go!(Note: If you have the time to apply a layer of cocoa butter to your body in the morning, go for it. The more lotion, the better.)

Things to keep with you during the day: Aquaphor (You’ll be reapplying every ten minutes), a huge bottle of water (If you’re not a water person, get some flavor packets to add – I can’t stress how important it is to drink like a fish!), a container of “Emergency” lotion (for pesky dry spots), sunscreen (You’re going to want to reapply), eye drops (Your eyes will get red and dry), sunglasses (Your eyes will also be sensitive to sun and wind), and tissues (Hopefully you won’t get a bloody nose, but if you do, you’re going to want those).

What to do in case of…

Bloody noses: I can’t totally prevent bloody noses, but my dermatologist told me a trick that works wonders. Take a Q-Tip, dip it in Vaseline, and coat the insides of both your nostrils a few times a day. It should help keep them moisturized. There are also some nasal sprays out there, but that’s an effective (and cheap) option.

“Initial Breakout”: Oh, the dreaded initial breakout! Call your dermatologist, and tell them what’s going on. They’ll normally phone in a prescription to your pharmacy for Prednisone, which will get those cysts under control. It’s also helpful to get facials every few weeks to get rid of all those blackheads and whiteheads.

Rash on arms and tops of hands: Go to the drugstore, and buy the strongest Cortisone cream they have. Apply it at night before the baby oil/lotion routine, and it will clear up fast. Once it clears up, be sure to keep the area moisturized.

Dry cuticles: I know this sounds strange, but dry, cracked cuticles may be a huge problem. Sleeping in moisturizing gloves can do the trick, as well as seeing a manicurist regularly just to “clean things up.”

Razor Burn: Your skin may be so dry that razor burn is inevitable. The answer? Shave less. If you’re a guy, go for stubble. If you’re a girl, try to shave your legs less. Not exactly a glorious answer, but shaving really dries out your skin.

(Continued in 3rd post)

Oil of Olay makes wonderful moisturizers. They have an Acne line that people said not only helped clear up acne, it also reduced scarring.

I LOVE the Pro X line. It is so rich and luxurious. It feels like a very expensive department store brand but it is not expensive. It does however cost more than the Regenerist line but I really can feel the difference. The Microdermabrasion is also suppose to reduce scars and brown marks and such. I just used it once so I can't speak for the full results yet but immediately my skin was soooooooooooo silky smooth.

You can read reviews if you like on my blog. People obviously love Olay.
http://www.OilofOlayRegeneristReviews.com

I have found that The Walmart Brand Equate After Sun lotion with vitamin E; works wonderfully! I mean... nothing else including Curel, Gold Bond, Jergens, Vaseline etc works like this stuff. It is specifically designed to treat sun damaged skin so Im assuming this is the reason it treats dryness so well. I would swear by this. Hope it helps.

been on accutane for a week now and my skin is already drying badly, when originally it was very oily. peels especially on my forehead, nose and chin, what cream would be best that i can put on in the morning and will keep my face moisturised till 4 when i get home from college. want to wear foundation but at the moment i cant as it looks awful over dry skin!