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Can Accutane Cause Wrinkles?

I am currently in my fourth month of accutane (I am taking claravis) and while my acne has cleared up, my skin seems a bit dull. I have a bit of scarring but nothing too obvious since I didn't have severe acne (more like very persistent mild acne) Also I am noticing some fine lines under my eyes and my smile lines seem more prominent. Could this have anything to do with the accutane. I feel like I am a bit young to develop wrinkles (I am 20) and I constantly wear sunscreen because I am very fair

Doctor Answers 1

Accutane and wribkles

August 30th, 2011
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Accutane has actually been used to and prevent wrinkles. Much like the topical retinoids Retin A, Renova, Avage, etc, it has been conclusively shown that Accutane, an oral retinoid, can treat photoaging (sundamage). If you are noticing more lines, it may be because in the short term Accutane dries out your skin. This will not cause permanent wrinkles but may make fine lines more apparent. A good moisturizer will reverse this. Your skin will also get some of it's natural oils back after you have been off the Accutane for a while.
Jacqueline Calkin, MD


Sacramento Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

August 30th, 2011

Accutane and wribkles

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Accutane has actually been used to and prevent wrinkles. Much like the topical retinoids Retin A, Renova, Avage, etc, it has been conclusively shown that Accutane, an oral retinoid, can treat photoaging (sundamage). If you are noticing more lines, it may be because in the short term Accutane dries out your skin. This will not cause permanent wrinkles but may make fine lines more apparent. A good moisturizer will reverse this. Your skin will also get some of it's natural oils back after you have been off the Accutane for a while.


Sacramento Dermatologic Surgeon

*Treatment results may vary

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