Rosehip oil is a plant oil that is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also high in vitamin A. This can be a concern for those on a course of Accutane, as this treatment involves oral consumption of very high levels of vitamin A. So can you use rosehip oil while on Accutane? The short answer is yes, but you need to do so carefully.
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What is Accutane?
Accutane is an oral acne medication that is known as isotretinoin.
It is exceptionally high in vitamin A.
Each course of Accutane can last anywhere from 6 to 8 months, or even longer. The high amount of vitamin A reduces sebum production by shrinking the skin’s oil glands.
This dries out the skin and prevents pores from clogging with sebum.
Therefore, it prevents acne breakouts and inflammation from occurring.
There are many side effects that commonly occur in people who are consuming Accutane. These range from severe skin dryness to joint pain.
What Is Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil comes from the rose hip plant. It is a skincare oil that can be used topically.
It is rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and can repair the skin’s barrier.
The skin’s barrier is made up of lipids and other substances such as ceramides to help protect the skin against environmental stressors.
When applied to the skin, rosehip oil can penetrate the epidermis and soften skin cells.
As an antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals and protects the skin from damage from UV rays and other pollutants.
It also has a number of fatty acids, and is high in linoleic acid.
Linoleic acid has been shown to be reduced in patients suffering from acne and other inflammatory conditions.
This suggests that topical application of oils high in linoleic acid may improve acne and redness.
In addition, this fatty acid can prevent transepidermal water loss in the skin.
This is especially important in maintaining the water content in the skin. This helps to increase hydration, maintain the skin’s barrier, and reduce inflammation.
Another important part of rosehip oil is that it is high in Vitamin A.
What is Vitamin A?
Topical Vitamin A
The topical form of vitamin A is called retinol.
When applied to the skin, it has an exfoliating effect. It increases the cell turnover by increasing the rate at which dead skin cells are shed.
This helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and reduce the look of fine lines.
This helps the skin to look brighter, more even, and smoother.
Vitamin A can be found in a variety of skin care products and it is also naturally derived in certain plant oils.
As we age, the skin loses elastin and collagen. Not only is this caused by natural aging, but it is also caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays and other types of pollution.
When applied topically, vitamin A binds to retinol receptors on the surface of the skin and actually changes the way that cellular processes work.
It can reduce damage cause by UV rays and other contributors to aging.
Oral Vitamin A
Vitamin A is fat soluble and can be taken orally. Vitamins are available over the counter.
It is incredibly important to pay attention to how much vitamin A you are consuming, as it can lead to vitamin A toxicity, which can damage the liver and other bodily organs.
It may also increase cholesterol levels in the body which need to be monitored to ensure that no adverse effects are seen.
When consumed in safe amounts, it can help prevent and reduce DNA damage by acting as an antioxidant. It also plays a role in keeping the immune system healthy.
Using Rosehip Oil and Accutane At The Same Time
While both the topical and oral treatments with vitamin A can produce positive effects on the skin, it is best to take caution when applying vitamin A both topically and taking Accutane.
The reason for this is because Accutane already causes severe dryness and irritation in the skin.
When applying a topical vitamin A to the skin, this may also contribute to side effects such as skin dryness.
You do not want to take vitamin A both topically and orally if your skin is not used to it.
After a few weeks into your course of Accutane, you can slowly introduce the oil into your routine and monitor the skin to ensure that there are no adverse side effects.
If excess drying occurs, you can stop use of your topical rosehip oil and see if your skin improves.
You do not want your skin and body to become overwhelmed by using too much of it.
It is best to use topical vitamin A once per day, or even just a few times a week, rather than morning and night. This will help ensure that your skin does not have adverse side effects.