Dry Lips from Accutane: Why It Happens and What to Do

Accutane (isotretinoin) is an oral medication used to treat severe acne. While it can be life-changing for teens and adults struggling with painful, persistent acne, Accutane often comes along with some side effects – one of the most common being dry, chapped lips. If you’re on Accutane and are struggling with dry lips, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people on this medication have this same problem. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help treat very dry lips from Accutane. 

Accutane works by reducing oil production in your skin, which can significantly reduce clogged pores and acne. However, it can also cause dry skin and lips by disrupting your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Your lips are especially vulnerable because they lack oil glands, meaning they rely entirely on external moisture. Without enough hydration, your lips can easily become dry, cracked, and flaky.

While many people get dry lips from Accutane, being proactive about adding moisture to hydrate and protect can help to minimize symptoms and make your lips more comfortable while taking this medication. Some dermatologist-recommended tips include:

• Regularly apply lip balm throughout the day. Keep a hydrating lip balm with you and reapply as needed throughout the day to increase hydration.
• Apply a barrier repair moisturizer to the skin around your lips. The skin around your lips can also become dry and irritated. Applying a barrier repair cream can help to keep the skin in this delicate area hydrated and comfortable. 
• Try a lip mask overnight. Using a hydrating lip mask overnight can help to seal in moisture so you wake up with smooth, comfortable lips. Simple products like Vaseline and Aquaphor can also work for this purpose. 
  
• Try a Vitamin E oral supplement. There are reports that Vitamin E (tocopherol) may help lip dryness.  Studies have shown this does not work, but I have had patients report that it helps their lip dryness. It may not work but if you want to give it a try-take 400 IUs per day.
• Talk to your dermatologist about hydrocortisone cream. If your lips are severely dry and cracked, ask your dermatologist about using a topical steroid like hydrocortisone cream to help with this. Lower-strength creams are available over-the-counter, but higher strengths require a prescription. Hydrocortisone shouldn’t be used for long periods of time, however, because it can thin the skin, which can make dryness worse in the long-term.

Not all lip balms are formulated the same, so here are some tips to help you choose the best one to use for dry lips from Accutane.

• Look for both humectant and occlusive ingredients. Humectants draw in moisture, while occlusives keep that moisture sealed inside your skin rather than allowing it to evaporate. Examples of humectants include glycerin, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. Examples of occlusives include argan oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax.

• Use an SPF lip balm to keep your lips protected from sun damage, which can make dryness, flaking, and redness worse.

• Avoid lip-plumping ingredients like capsaicin and cinnamon, which can make redness and inflammation worse.

• Avoid fragrances and essential oils, especially if you have sensitive skin, as these ingredients can cause irritation and sometimes dryness.

Some of the best lip balms and masks for dry lips from Accutane include:

In addition to using the right lip balm and moisturizing products, these more general tips can also help to combat dry skin and lips:

• Make sure you are drinking enough water. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can look and feel drier and flakier, too. Drink adequate water throughout the day to avoid these unwanted effects.
• Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air in your home or office with a humidifier can help to prevent your lips from drying out further, especially in winter.
• Don’t bite or lick your lips. These habits can cause further damage to the delicate skin on your lips, making dryness and flaking worse. 
• Gently exfoliate. If your lips are flaking, you can gently exfoliate using a lip scrub. However, do not over-exfoliate, as this can make matters worse. Start infrequently and increase frequency as you see how your lips tolerate exfoliation.

Dry, chapped lips are a common side effect when taking Accutane. While this cannot always be prevented entirely, following the tips in this guide can help to minimize dryness, flaking, and cracking.

When choosing lip products, don’t forget to make sure they are a match for your skin type, as using the wrong lip products can have adverse effects on your skin, including clogged pores, acne, and worsened dryness. 

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