You’ve probably heard of Accutane (aka isotretinoin). It’s a super strong medication prescribed to treat persistent acne. Many patients see total clearing of their skin while taking this medicine. I’m currently on month five of my Accutane treatment, and my skin has not been this clear in years. But with such strength and effectiveness, this drug also brings some annoying side effects, such as joint paint, dry skin, low alcohol tolerance, and dry, desert-like lips– which I’ve been struggling with since month one.
As you can imagine, I’ve had to develop a lip regimen right along with a skincare regimen to combat the dryness that has overcome me. Read on for my lip care tips and holy grail products.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalene
This multi-use oil is mainly used to provide surface hydration to skin. But one day, my lips were so dry when I got out the shower that I grabbed the first thing I could find in my medicine cabinet, and this was IT. Ever since, I’ve been using squalene oil as a lip primer, and an extra layer with all of my water-based lip products.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
I’ve written about this product before, and it remains one of the top products in my regimen while on isotretinoin. I apply this a few times throughout the day. When I have dead skin buildup, I grab my favorite lip scrub.
e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator
It can be a hassle to exfoliate your lips on the go. Trust me, if you’re taking isotretinoin, you’ll have to, unless you want to continue putting lip balms over already flakey lips. What I love about the e.l.f. lip scrub is that it’s packaged just like a lipstick. It’s portable and easy to apply, unlike most lip scrubs. The simple brown sugar formula is my fave, but it comes in other flavors too.
Kari Gran Lip Whip
I have another dry lip story about how I discovered this product. One random weekday, I somehow left all of my daily lip balms at home. Of course, I discovered this when my lips were already painfully dry at work. After unsuccessfully raiding my tote for anything that would help, I actually left the office to head to the pharmacy up the street. On the way, I stopped in The Detox Market. I was recommended the Kari Gran Lip Whip, and luckily, I was given a sample (shoutout to beauty stores that let you try before you buy). What I love about this product is the scent and buttery consistency. It lasts forever before you have to reapply, and it causes the least buildup out of the other balms I use. Only downside is portability. I hate digging in a pot with my finger, so I keep this one at home in my cabinet for my chill days.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve Tube
I know this product is basically petroleum, which isn’t the classiest ingredient in the beauty world, but trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your pocket at all times, while taking Accutane. It’s an excellent surface hydrator, and if applied frequently enough, it will keep your lips from cracking. This little tube does not leave my side.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Finally, one of my top lip products also passed the Accutane quality test. I still faithfully use this mask right before bed, and in the morning after brushing my teeth and applying my squalene oil. I don’t think I’ll ever give this one up.
Are you taking Accutane for your skin? If so, drop your lip product recommendations in the comments!
Denim & Lipstick 