Does Accutane Make Your Skin Peel?

Question

I'm a 15 yr old female and I'm currently taking accutane 20mg per day. This is my second week and I am having dry lips, but that's expected. What I've also been noticing is that my face constantly "sheds" skin, or peeling skin. Also I have been using a pretty drying face wash so that probably causes the peeling/flaking skin. Just to be sure, I stopped using the face wash and started using a PH balanced wash for my face. Does Accutane makes your skin peel alone? Thanks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Doctors often refer to the dryness that occurs with isotretinoin and retinoids like Retin-A as the retinoid reaction. Although normal, the dryness can lead to a feeling of discomfort that can ultimately compromise your compliance. Retinoid reaction includes:
DrynessRednessItchingBurningDiscomfortIn my office in Beverly Hills, I prescribe Accutane quite a bit for cystic acne and inflammatory scarring. Patients are advised to moisturize frequently with a non-oily moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster, which we use in our office. Applied liberally on the face, the ceramides are soothing and relieve discomfort when possible. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Dryness and light peeling are two of the biggest complaints with Accutane, but both can be addressed quite easily. I advise my patients to clean their faces gently, always, and avoid scrubs, washcloths, sponges, etc., as these are intensely aggravating and make skin much worse, whether you are on Accutane or not. You need to use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Aquanil or Dove, and gently clean your face. Then apply a good moisturizer and sunscreen. Dr. Dan's Cortibalm is available for the lips (online and from pharmacies) - it's few dollars and so great for Accutane patients.

Does Accutane Make Your Skin Peel?

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Does Accutane Make Your Skin Peel?

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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