Products I am Using on Accutane

Products Haul: for Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Today I wanted to talk about the products that I have purchased for my journey of being on Accutane or Isotretinoin. 

First, I need to tell you a few disclaimer statements:

1. Accutane is not a medication to begin without deep consideration and I wouldn't be on this medicine if there was another option to clear up my acne prone skin. 

~I have been under the direct care of a licensed clinical dermatologist for years now and both he and I felt this was the best care option for ME. 

~ I CAN NOT AND WILL NOT EVER Suggest/Diagnose that this medicine would be right for you. This is something you should consult with YOUR doctor to see if Isotretinoin is a good option for you.

2. The reason that Accutane is such a SERIOUS drug, is because it is toxic to a fetus if you were to become pregnant while on this medicine. 

~ Yes, I do realize this. Yes, my husband does realize this. We have taken precautionary measures and will continue to do so- we take it very seriously. I am on the TWO most efficient and preventative birth control methods that there is. So calm down "Judge-y Judy" in the back- We got this handled! 

~The Government regulates this medicine through a program called "iPledge", and one of the steps to get your first prescription is that you have to have a consult with an OB/GYN and form a plan. For myself, I have a IUD(IntraUterine Device) preventing pregnancy. So, for right now, it is a good time to take this medicine. 

3. Why am I sharing this personal journey with the "world"? I am sharing, because Acne is nothing to be ashamed of, and I want the girls/boys in my life, who know me to have access to this information. If a teenager/young adult is struggling with Acne, I know how heartbreaking and self destructive it can be to your emotional self esteem. I want to help others in finding information about what this medicine DOES cause.
In High School I was so scared of it in high school because of the rumors about it, if I would have had a personal account of someone who took it, I might have saved myself grief before this and taken the medication earlier. I was not "active" until I was married, so the scariness wouldn't have even been relevant to MY case. Point is- I'm sharing because I care. 

NOW- Since all that is out of the way lets get down to the PRODUCTS I PURCHASED TO ALLEVIATE the dryness the best I could. These products were bought based on the many months of research (Youtube videos of people who took Accutane), and questioning the people I know who have taken this medicine. 

This first picture is the actual medicine itself. I say Accutane, because that is the most popular brand name of the medicine. Claravis is the name brand that my local pharmacy carries. Isotretinoin is the off brand or generic name. I take two 40 mg capsules a day with food. I messed up and didn't take with food one time and was extremely nauseated. I will also say, that if you are self pay (like I am) that this medicine can be EXTREMELY expensive, and I have had to move pharmacies to get the best deal. 

This is the picture of my bathroom sink when Josh (my husband) and I returned from Walmart when I started the medicine.. This is my Accutane Haul- Hmmm maybe that is a better name for this. I will bullet each product and describe why I chose to purchase it.

1.  Flushable wipes- this was a tip I received from someone who took the medicine. She told me that as my body dries out, it will dry out everywhere. This includes my scalp, all the way down. So eventually, my Charmin might not feel as Ultra Soft. I am 3 months in of my 5 month treatment and I have not had any problems so far, but I am prepared if I were to have them. 
2. Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer- this was a product that the dermatologist told me about. I had previously used this and loved the fact that it sinks in super fast. It also has SPF in it so it will be perfect for me before I leave for work/put on makeup.
1. I have also been using the Olay Moisturizer because the Cetaphil can burn sometimes. The Olay simple moisturizer has been around since the Ice Age, just like Cetaphil so they both work great, and have added sun protection.
3. O'Keeffe's 48 Body Lotion- Josh uses their hand creams and really likes them so he felt this would work the best to keep my body moisturized during the day. 
1. I also REALLY like the Nivea In Shower Moisturizer because I can put it on in the shower after I have washed with a body wash and then wash it right back off. This has been helpful for someone like myself who HATES putting on lotion. 
4. Neutragena Body Mist Sunscreen- for when it becomes difficult to get every area that I need to block the sun. Also the Aloe is self explanatory for why I need it LOL ;) 
5. Not Your Mothers Dry Shampoo- because I am sooo excited I won't be having to wash my hair every day anymore! This trick has been wonderful!! 
6. Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant- because it is easier to put on the 'wet' deodorant and I feel like it lasts longer than the dry roll on kind. Especially since everything soaks in really fast.
7. Eye Drops, Vaseline, Aquaphor lip balm- all of these to combat the dryness that I am experiencing. I have used the most though of Blistex medicated lip balm that isn't pictured. It's cheap, cheerful, and if you keep it on your lips steadily then it works great!
8. Purity Cleanser- THIS STUFF IS BOMB. Get you some, no matter what age, skin problem. It's gentle, tough on makeup, works as a 1 stop shop- one pump on your tired face and you feel rejuvenated and ready to either dream sweet dreams or conquer the world. 
9. Ponds- Cleanser- when my face needs added moisture- I will wash first with Purity, then do this as it adds back a LOT of the moisture that you have lost throughout the day.

I think that is all the things that I have actually used in this picture. And I will update with a final what actually worked post whenever I am no longer on the medicine. 

Thanks for reading such a long post, but I hope that it helps you to know what I am currently using beauty wise, and if you are on Accutane, or are thinking about it, then you will know some helpful drug store products/QVC products to research to see if they are right for you! 

Goodnight Y'all!

xoxo, Jen