Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underAccutane q&a

I completed a 5 month course of Roaccutane (60mg a day) in August. Acne After Accutane?

PeckJan 9, 2013
I completed a 5 month course of Roaccutane (60mg a day) in August. The results were astonishing. Over the last 6-8 weeks my acne has slowly been returning. I've heard this isn't unusual, and it's still only at a moderate level, but like many acne sufferers the fear of substantial relapse is an ever-present one. Any advice on what approaches I should take in skin maintenance would be greatly appreciated. I don't mind the odd spot returning, but understandably don't want it coming back like before

Answers (1)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Dina D. Strachan, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Answered on Jan 10, 2013
Answer

More Accutane Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Dina D. Strachan, MD

1. Although I am unaware of any interactions between isotretinoin and the supplements you named, you definately want to be careful not to take anything that contains vit A while on this drug.  Isotretinoin in a retinoid, a group of drugs that are related to vitamin A.  Taking this...

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Dina D. Strachan, MD

Do not get waxed anywhere on the body while on Accutane as this may results in erosions on the skin.  Also avoid laser and light treatments, as well as depilatory at this time.  Acceptable options for hair removal are threading, plucking, and shaving. 

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD

Skin is very sensitive after Accutane therapy.  The redness will gradually fade but if you would like quicker fading, you can consider IPL treatments.  If done carefully, IPL could be started soon after finishing your course of Accutane.  Older literature states that...

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Dina D. Strachan, MD

Accutane is a drying, exfoliating medication so one should avoid glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, retinoids and scrubs when taking it. Use of these ingredients while on Accutane will likely result in irritation. Instead use a moisturizing cleanser that does not exfoliate.

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam)

Accutane has a very short half-life meaning it's out of your system within a day. This is why some doctors will allow you to do laser treatments while undergoing an Accutane regimen, as long as the people doing your treatments are very experienced. 20mg a day is a very low dosage anyway. I don't...

+1 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam)

My first question is whether or not you are taking your Accutane with food. Accutane is much better absorbed (and therefore works better), and more comfortable for your stomach, if you take it with food. This is key!

+1 answers
See all Accutane Q&A
See more Accutane Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE ACCUTANE GUIDE →