Latest news with #ShoshanaMarmon
NBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
The best skin care products to use if you're on Accutane, according to experts
Accutane can be an effective solution for combating moderate to severe acne, but it comes with a unique set of instructions and some uncomfortable side effects. One reaction many Accutane users notice is dry, flaky skin, making the skin care products you use while taking Accutane important when it comes to keeping skin moisturized. I spoke to NBC Select staff and experts about what to look for when shopping for skin care products to use while on Accutane. Below, I put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance. How I picked the best products for Accutane users Shortly after starting Accutane, most patients develop dry skin, which can persist throughout the treatment course, according to my experts. 'Accutane reduces sebum production, which can lead to dryness across the body,' says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. 'While this dryness can be very uncomfortable, it is harmless and can be managed with over-the-counter moisturizers.' When shopping for skin care products to use alongside Accutane, experts recommend considering the following factors: Ingredients: While on Accutane, the skin care ingredients you choose should address the inevitable dryness with moisture-rich ingredients. 'It is important to focus on skin care ingredients that support hydration and barrier repair,' says board-certified dermatologist Shoshana Marmon. Look for products that include a variety of moisturizers like humectants to draw water to the skin, occlusives to trap moisture in and emollients to soften and restore the skin barrier. Likewise, the skin care products you use should be gentle so as not to irritate the skin or cause further dryness. This means avoiding harsh formulas including those with acids, retinol and fragrances, as they can aggravate skin sensitivity and increase dryness, says Marmon. Product type: Accutane-related dryness can affect all parts of the body including the lips, hands and feet, scalp and face. Therefore, it's important to seek soothing, hydrating products for your entire routine, from head to toe. This includes cleansers, which are oftentimes stripping as well as serums, moisturizers, lip balms, scalp serums and hand and foot creams. The best products for Accutane users in 2025 I spoke to dermatologists about their favorite skin care products for Accutane users and put together their recommendations below. I also included a few products NBC Select editors love based on their guidance. This list includes products across skin care categories, including cleansers, sunscreens and lip balms. Sunscreen is a daily necessity, especially for Accutane users since the medication can lead to photosensitivity, says Green, who recommends this formula from Aveeno. It's a chemical sunscreen that converts UV rays into heat energy and releases them from the body and has SPF 60 along with a trio of oats — oat oil, oat extract and oat flour — to keep the skin soft and moisturized, according to the brand. I use this sunscreen and love the dewy finish it gives my extremely dry skin. It doesn't leave behind a white cast when blended, which makes it a great pick for days I'm not wearing makeup. Because it has a runny consistency, I recommend shaking the bottle thoroughly before squeezing out the product. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Barry Goldman, the most classic presentation of Accutane-related dryness is on the lips in the form of dry, peeling skin. Accutane causes the skin on the lips to shed so quickly that it can cause thick, chunky flakes to come off, which can worsen and become red if you pick the skin off, says Goldman. He recommends this repair balm from Aquaphor, which has two types of moisturizers: shea butter, an emollient, and panthenol, a humectant. It also has chamomile essence, which helps soothe skin and is particularly helpful if your lips feel chapped or raw from picking, according to Aquaphor. Green recommends this cleanser from CeraVe because it's gentle enough for those experiencing dryness and sensitivity as a result of Accutane. It has hyaluronic acid and ceramides in it that cleanse the skin without disrupting its natural moisture, she says. Rather than a foaming or gel consistency, which can feel dehydrating on those with dry skin, this has a creamy texture that may help keep the skin feeling moisturized for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. It'll also help cleanse away dirt, oil and makeup sitting on top of the skin, which can clog pores. You can also use it as a body or hand wash. Former NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks is a fan of this cream from First Aid Beauty. It has colloidal oatmeal to calm itching, shea butter to maintain the skin's moisture barrier and allantoin to hydrate. 'My skin was severely dry during my time on Accutane and this was my go-to moisturizer since my skin was extra dry and sensitive while on it,' she says. 'I used this on my face and neck morning and night and couldn't go a day without it.' If you're experiencing dryness on your body, consider this Goldman-approved lotion from Cetaphil. As with most products in Cetaphil's line, this is fragrance-free and gentle enough for reactive skin types. This is one of my favorite body lotions as I'm transitioning my skin care from fall to winter. While it's not rich like a body butter, it has a lightweight, nonsticky consistency along with glycerin, panthenol and avocado oil to keep skin hydrated. I also appreciate the pump applicator because it makes things less messy to apply compared to body lotions housed in a tube you'd have to squeeze. Regularly using sunscreen is critical since Accutane can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, says Marmon, who recommends this facial sunscreen from EltaMD. This is a mineral sunscreen that won't clog your pores, so you can continue to use it after you've completed your treatment course to prevent future breakouts. It features a medley of nonproblematic ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and antioxidants, and because it's tinted, it won't leave a white cast after application, says Marmon. Serums deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients to the skin and are a good option if you're looking for potent products. For those struggling with dryness, Green is a fan of this serum from Kiehl's, which has hyaluronic acid. 'The serum is fragrance-free and formulated with minimal ingredients, making it excellent for those experiencing sensitivity,' says Green. To use, apply two to three drops after cleansing, using passing motions to press the formula into the skin. Marmon says this moisturizing gel from Clinique helps combat dryness and irritation during the treatment course. Though it has a gel consistency, which is more suited for those with oily skin or combination skin types, it's gentle, noncomedogenic and has moisture-attracting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, says Marmon. The formula is also free of any harsh ingredients like fragrance, acids or exfoliants. This scalp oil is primarily for those struggling with scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, but because it helps alleviate itchiness and dryness, it makes for a great treatment for Accutane-related dryness. It has tea tree leaf oil to clarify buildup on the scalp, and to keep the scalp moisturized, it has aloe vera juice as well as olive and jojoba oil, according to the brand. I love using this scalp oil on the day or two before I'm about to wash my hair, which is when my scalp tends to get dry, itchy and flaky. There are a few different ways to use this oil. You can apply one to three drops onto your fingers, work it into your scalp and style as needed. Or, you can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment by applying it to your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing out. NBC Select editorial intern Andriana Kourkoumelis experienced dry, flaky skin around her eyes when she was on Accutane, and this hydrating under-eye cream was a huge help. 'I normally have very dry skin and itchy eyes, so being on Accutane naturally made this worse. I used this hydrating eye cream twice daily and it kept the skin around my eyes from flaking,' she says. The eye cream hydrates, depuffs and brightens dark circles using key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, caffeine and green-tea extract, according to the brand. Plus, it's made for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin. Chapped lips to the point of inflammation is a common side effect of Accutane. Dr. Dan's Cortibalm is one of our favorite lip balms because it not only hydrates lips, but it also helps heal cracks and irritation. It has hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation, and hydrating ingredients like beeswax, petroleum jelly and mineral oil, according to the brand. NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi says that this product is highly recommended by her friends who have been on Accutane and suffer from severely cracked, dry lips. How to shop for skin care while on Accutane Experts note that Accutane-related dryness is common on all parts of the body, particularly for skin on the scalp, face, lips and body. Here are their suggestions to consider while shopping for the best products for Accutane users. Choose ingredients wisely While taking Accutane, it's important to seek gentle, hydrating formulas that are noncomedogenic or oil-free to avoid clogging pores, says Green. Some key hydrating ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and glycerin to help lock in moisture. Since Accutane disrupts the skin barrier while taking it and for several months after, you'll want to incorporate ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides to help to reinforce the skin barrier and make it less prone to irritation during the treatment course, says Goldman. To minimize skin sensitivity, you should avoid certain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid, which can be extremely irritating while on Accutane, says Goldman. Finally, skip face scrubs, dermaplaning and at-home peels until the treatment course is completed. Rather than incorporating a single hydrating product like a serum or moisturizer into your skin care routine, consider your routine as a whole. 'A gentle, hydrating cleanser, a serum enriched with hyaluronic acid, a ceramide-based moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen will increase moisturization, strengthen the skin's barrier and protect against UV exposure while avoiding irritation,' says Marmon. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Barry Goldman is a board-certified dermatologist in New York and founder of Goldman Dermatology. He is a clinical instructor at Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Shosana Marmon is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York Medical College. Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. Her areas of research include noninvasive cosmetic dermatology and aesthetics. Why trust NBC Select? Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to board-certified dermatologists and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How often should you wash your sheets? You might not like the answer
I hate to break it to you, but your bed might be kind of gross right now. Even if you're the type to shower before climbing in, every night while you sleep, you sweat and shed dead skin cells, oils and bacteria. All that builds up on your sheets and pillowcases, creating a nasty brew that can lead to skin irritation and breakouts. The unpleasant news doesn't stop there. Those dead skin cells you're shedding attract dust mites, and those nasty little guys leave behind all sorts of grime and allergens. The average American changes their sheets every 24 days, according to a Sleep Advisor survey. That's far less frequent than what health experts recommend. We spoke with Dr. Shoshana Marmon, a board-certified dermatologist, and Dr. Sakina Bajowala, an immunologist and medical director at Kaneland Allergy and Asthma, to get the lowdown on how often you should really be washing your bedding — including blankets, pillowcases, mattress covers, pillows and even your mattress. Turns out, unless you like sleeping in a petri dish, this is one chore you shouldn't put off. Here's what to know about how often you should wash your sheets, blankets and other bedding, and why it matters. Your sheets are in constant contact with your skin, so it's no surprise that both Marmon and Bajowala recommend washing them once a week. Think of it like changing clothes — you wouldn't wear the same outfit for a week without washing it; your sheets deserve the same treatment. Sleeping for eight hours a night means you're exposed to sweat, oils, dead skin, dust and more for 56 hours every week. Over time, that buildup attracts dust mites, which can lay up to 50 eggs every few weeks. The longer you wait to wash your sheets, the more you invite these microscopic pests into your bed. If you have sensitive skin, eczema, acne, psoriasis, or if you sweat a lot (or share your bed with pets), Marmon advises washing your pillowcases and sheets even more frequently. To make your laundry routine easier, it's smart to keep a few sheet sets in rotation. If you're in the market for new bed sheets, a viscose and bamboo blend is great for comfort, but if you tend to sleep hot, consider investing in a good set of cooling sheets. Because your pillowcases spend hours in direct contact with your face and hair, they're quick to collect oils, dirt and anything your hair picks up during the day. That grime doesn't just stay put — it can work its way into your pores while you sleep, potentially leading to breakouts, irritation and even eye infections. "Washing your pillowcases at least once a week is generally recommended to maintain good skin hygiene," Marmon says. And if you use hair products, sleep in makeup or skip nighttime showers, you might want to toss them in the wash more often. If you've had a recent cold, toss them in the wash tonight. If you're in a pinch, flipping your pillow mid-week can give you a slightly fresher surface until laundry day. Even if your comforter isn't in direct contact with your skin, it's still picking up oils and sweat, especially if you tend to cuddle it or skip the top sheet. Without that extra layer acting as a barrier, your comforter requires weekly washing along with your other bedding. Use a top sheet? You've bought yourself some extra time. In that case, Marmon says your comforter only needs to be washed every one to two months. If you use a duvet cover, be sure to wash it monthly — and you can go longer between cleanings for the insert. Can't remember the last time your comforter or duvet saw the inside of a washer? Play it safe and toss it in the wash this week. The answer depends on which type of mattress protector you have. If you have a vinyl mattress protector, Bajowala says to wipe it down every time you wash your sheets and let it air dry. If you have a cloth mattress protector that isn't tightly woven, she says those aren't very helpful for keeping dust mites off your mattress and instead recommends using a tightly woven allergen cover. "Dust mite covers and allergen covers are designed to be tightly woven so the space between the threads is microscopic and allergens can't get through." Those typically only need to be washed once a month. You may not think about your pillows much since they're covered by pillowcases, but you should be washing them too. Marmon recommends giving them a good cleaning every 3 to 6 months. You can extend that time if you use pillow protectors — I use these. Make sure you check the cleaning label before you toss your pillows into the washer and dryer: some, like feather pillows, may have special instructions. Since pillows can also harbor dirt, oil, sweat, dust mites and dead skin (and inevitably lose support over time), Marmon recommends replacing them altogether every 1 to 2 years. If it's past that time for you, take a look at our list of the best pillows for every type of sleeper. If you've spent any time on CleanTok (that's code for the cleaning videos on TikTok), you've probably seen creators vacuuming their mattresses. While the thought of standing on your bed vacuuming might sound crazy, it actually works to remove those dust mites and dead skin cells. (A cordless vacuum may be easier to work with here.) "Vacuuming your mattress helps eliminate dust mites, dead skin cells and allergens," says Marmon. Bajowala agrees, adding that "using a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum can remove dust mites and their particles." However, she emphasizes that you should vacuum your mattress monthly to reap the benefits and warns that vacuuming alone is insufficient. You still need to wash your bedding regularly in hot water and manage indoor humidity to ensure your bed stays clean and fresh. Bajowala recommends washing your sheets at the highest temperature the fabric can withstand. "The sterilize cycle or 130°F will get the job done," she says, when it comes to killing dust mites. That said, not all sheets can take the heat, so always check the care label first. For example, some bamboo sheets are labeled for cold water only, while silk sheets should definitely avoid hot water due to how delicate they are (which is why I've never taken the plunge on buying a set). Cotton, on the other hand, tends to be more durable and can usually handle higher temps. Still, Bajowala cautions, "Don't buy bedding that can't be washed in hot water," especially if you're sensitive to dust mites. "People with dust mite allergies shouldn't purchase those types of sheets." While there's no universal rule for how often you should wash your sheets, once a week is a good baseline, especially if you're not showering at night or you share your bed with pets. That said, small changes can help stretch the time between washes: rinse off before bed, keep furry companions off the covers and rotate your pillowcases midweek. And while more frequent washings might feel like one more thing to pile onto your already long to-do list, there is something undeniably satisfying about climbing into freshly washed sheets.
