Roaccutane - 1 Month Update

I’ve been taking Roaccutane/Isotretinoin for over a month now, so I thought I’d update you guys on how I’ve been getting on and the side effects I have experienced.

For those of you who haven’t heard of Roaccutane/Isotretinoin it’s a medication prescribed by dermatologists to combat serve acne. It contains a retinoid/vitamin A which dries the skin and body over the course of the treatment, hopefully resulting in less oil being produced and the skin cells being renewed. I have previously had a course of Roaccutane when I was in high school but as I got older my hormones changed again so I needed another course.  

Before my course of tablets started I had a pregnancy test taken, as well as a liver function check, Roaccutane causes birth defects and can affect the liver so it’s important that both are checked.

One of the first side effects I noticed that 2 or 3 days into the first set of tablets was dry lips and they have been dry ever since. This is one of the most common side effects to the medication.  My skin soon started to dry up after the first week, I have switched from my matte moisturisers to Cetaphil Lotion, which is super moisturising. My skin just feels tight after cleansing and sometimes needs a top up of moisturiser towards the end of the day, but I haven’t experienced any peeling or flaking so far.

The skin on my body hasn’t started to dry out too much yet but I am expecting it will over the next month. However, I have developed eczema on my hands, I’ve just been prescribed a heavy duty cream a few days ago and it’s already helping.

One of the side effects that I have found the most difficult to deal with is the headaches. I work in an office at a computer from 8.30am until 5pm. I try and keep as hydrated as possible and try and get enough sleep to try and ease it. Linked to the headaches is eye pain as well as having dry eyes, I’ve bought eye drops to help combat this.

I’m really happy with how my skin is improving, I am feeling impatient but I have around 4-5 months left of treatment, so it’s a long course. I often chat about my side effects and any changes on my Twitter so check for regular updates in between these monthly posts. You can also see what products I have been using to keep my skin in good condition in my Skincare Update.