My Son's starting Isotretinoin, any advice?

[Dafcjim]

Hello :). My son is about to start on Isotretinoin and I was wondering if anybody has any tips, skin care routines, advice on products that work etc. It's mainly cysts on his face, forehead, ears.

I'm really hoping this helps him the poor thing!

I'm aware this medication can be awful in many ways.

Thank you so much!
James

DS was prescribed it when he was 15/16. After almost 2 years of ineffective antibiotics, it was a relief to get something that worked.
Their skin will become very dry, especially the lips. My son just used loads of Simple moisturising lotion- it's very light, sinks in, and has no perfume so you can put it on lips. Ask whoever prescribed the medicine to suggest a skincare routine- I believe Cerave products, cleansers etc are often recommended.
Also, keep away from the sun (if it should ever appear). Their entire skin becomes very photosensitive and can get bad sunburn- blisters etc- quite easily in this country. And be careful for 6-12 months after the course of meds is finished.
DS was left with scarring- he really should have got the isotretinoin earlier.... but the scars are pale and the consultant said they will improve over time. They're infinitely better than the nodulo-cystic acne he endured.

Like pp my son just used loads of plain moisturiser and especially lip balm. He carried lip balm with him everywhere he went. Apart from the dry skin he had muscle/back aches for the first couple of weeks but they settled after that. Also his skin got a bit worse for a month or so (dermatologist had warned him) but then the cysts on his face, back and chest cleared up beautifully. He was one of the unfortunate few who needed a second course because the acne came back, but it’s good now.

I was on it twice and just got slightly dry lips and dry eyes. A lip balm, moisturiser, spf50 and some eye drops sorted me out .