Skincare plays a big role in everyone’s daily routine. As time goes on, many different skincare products are being released, and skincare trends continue to grow in popularity. Hygiene has always been important to most, but developing a skincare routine has been incredibly trendy for high school students in recent years.

Skin has a significant role during this stage of students’ lives and it is a good time for them to learn how to take care of themselves when it comes to personal hygiene habits. Acne is especially common for teens during puberty. While using nice skin products and developing a good routine can work well for some, for others it’s not always enough.

As of 1982 an oral prescription medication called Isotretinoin, more commonly known as Accutane, was released. Today it is a common treatment many people use to help get rid of severe acne.

Accutane works by preventing clogged pores, reducing oil production, decreasing the growth of skin bacteria, and having anti-inflammatory effects. Acne tends to get worse when treatment is first started, but then typically starts to improve after taking the medicine for 7-10 days. Like most medicines, Accutane does have its fair share of side effects, including but not exclusive to, chapped lips, dry skin and itchiness, nosebleeds, and joint/muscle pain. Junior Bella Isern has been on Accutane twice within the last 4 years.

“I went to my Dermatologist and I started using a cream and a different type of medicine but it just wasn’t really doing the job,” Isern said.

Like Isern, many teens start with basic products and then graduate to high-grade pharmaceuticals. It’s a process. Most of the time parents will take their kids to see a Dermatologist, but not everyone has the ability to do that. So, what other options do teens have if they don’t have access to Accutane or a Dermatologist?

There are over-the-counter options, such as benzoyl peroxide cream, hyaluronic acid serum, Cerave cleansers, pimple patches, and much more. Most of these products can be found in local stores such as Target, CVS, and even Kroger.

Although struggling with Acne in high school can feel embarrassing and overwhelming, there is always going to be a solution out there. Senior Burke Mooney turned to Accutane as a possible solution to his struggles.

“There were some downsides like it drying out my skin, causing changes in my mood, and bringing me back pain,” Mooney said. “The process turned out to be a good decision because it cured my acne for good.”