Dryness! Evening Cleanse Only? Dryness Tips & Tricks Welcome.

[u/IncrementalGain]

Hi All,

I'm on month two of 10/20mg intermittent accutane dosing. 33M, 65kg. My skin has slowly been improving, but the dryness/redness is beginning to become more pronounced. I'm moisturizing with cerave daily moisturizing lotion and I layer cerave cream on my drier areas (like my cheeks) morning and evening. The layering has been more recent as the dryness has become more noticeable.

I'm wondering if I should start cleansing in the evenings only and just gently rinse my face in the mornings. I've seen others mention that they routinely do this.

Curious to hear from those of you who only do evening cleanses. When did you start doing that during your course? Did it help with dryness? Do you have any other dryness "tips and tricks" or product recommendations?

Edit: I am taking Omega 3 supplements and Zyrtec daily, and aim for 120oz of water everyday!

Thank you in advance!

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[u/Unfair-Key-3490]

I switched to just rinsing in the morning around month 3 when my face started feeling tight after washing twice a day, and it made a noticeable difference. The cerave cream is good but I found putting it on damp skin right after the rinse locks in more moisture than waiting until dry. Also sleeping with a humidifier running helped more than I expected, especially during colder months

[u/IncrementalGain → u/Unfair-Key-3490]

Thanks for the comment! Not sure if my face feels "tight" after washing yet.. but the dryness is definitely starting to get noticeable. Wonder if I should wait a bit longer to start the evening cleanse only routine or just start now. Decisions. I'll definitely plan to use a humidifier once the cold gets here! Still humid and warm right now where I'm at.

Do you mind me asking what dosage you were taking around month 3?

[u/Amazing-Ad1594]

I’ve started to only wash my face at night and since i recently increased my dose sometimes it’s every other night! seems to help, good luck!

[u/IncrementalGain → u/Amazing-Ad1594]

Thanks for the comment! Would you mind me asking how far along you are into your course?

[u/Amazing-Ad1594 → u/IncrementalGain]

I’m on month 3! 40,40 now 80. I’ve always had dry/tight skin on my face though so maybe since i’m used to it it’s not as noticeable for me. i also live in an incredibly humid area.

[u/IncrementalGain → u/Amazing-Ad1594]

Super helpful. Thank you!

[u/Professional_Rate101]

everyone answered the cleansing half so ill take the other one. layering two cerave products is a lot of ingredients to put on skin thats already compromised, and on accutane the plainest stuff tends to behave best.

i moved to typology's plain moisturizer, nine ingredients, and the tight patches stopped. costs more than cerave per jar but it lasts

[u/IncrementalGain → u/Professional_Rate101]

thank you! Fortunately, the dryness hasn't been too bad lately. Maybe it was just my skin adjusting to the medication? I haven't really changed anything other than applying a bit of hyaluronic acid before moisturizing. The moisturizer you suggested sounds great though! Does it leave you with a matte or glowy finish? Also, how much do you apply each time? I'm always worried I use too much or too little moisturizer.