Can I Get a Chemical Peel Before Accutane?

Question

I am 29-years-old and I have melasma on my cheeks and upper lip and I absolutley hate it, especially on my upper lip. I also am suffering from acne and would like to try Accutane. I know Accutane is usually a six month treatment and I would have to wait quite a while after for a chemical peel. My question is can I get a chemical peel to help the melasma before I start the Accutane, and if so how long between the two?

A. David Rahimi, MD · Answer

Yes- try a few very light Glycolic peels. I usually start my patients with %20, then $25%, %30 and maybe even %50 glycolic peels. Please do it in a doctors office. In addition you should use SPF 30 and a bleaching cream (2% Hydroquinone). These treatments are safe even while on Accutane.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

One of the best peels for melasma is the Vi Peel which has a small amount of phenol and ingredient that is very helpful for treating unwanted dark marks. Let your skin recover for at least 2 weeks before starting isotretioin (Accutane). It would be best to get the peel in a board-certified dermatologist's office if you are considering getting Accutane after. Good luck!

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Superficial Peeling agents, when not overly aggressive, are fine to use during Isotretinoin (Accutane) treatment-- my preferred or your condition being Jessner's Solution or Salicylic Acid.  Make sure the peels are performed by in a Board Certified Physicians office by an experienced practitioner.

	Deeper peeling with medium depth peeling agents-- combination peels, often using TCA or phenol- should be allowed to fully heal prior to starting Isotretinoin, normally about 2 weeks.

Can I Get a Chemical Peel Before Accutane?

Answers (3)