Bad breakout starting month 4 of Accutane...normal?

Question

Is this normal. Throughout my treatment I had some mild break outs. By the end of month 3 I started to see my skin changing and it was so much clearer with one or two blemishes but the breakouts had stopped completely. As soon as month 3 ended I broke out really bad. Is this normal? I am a week in month 4 and as soon as I have one fade another is right behind it. Thank you in advance.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Accutane is a go-to medication for patients with recalcitrant cystic acne. It can reduce pore size and also reduce sebum production in your skin, making it less oily; and in turn, dryer. Accutane can be used to control acne, but patients receiving the medication should be carefully monitored. In terms of skincare, always wear an appropriate sunscreen and reduce direct sun exposure. In my patients, I recommend a good ceramide moisturizer such as Elevase whenever they are on Accutane. This will keep the skin hydrated and reduce the oiliness of the skin that is associated with oil-based moisturizers.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Beth Ann Schulz-Butulis, DO, FAAD · Answer

Patients should take the isotretinoin with a fatty meal which helps absorption.  Some patients do not get better as quickly because they are dieting and avoiding fat in the diet which helps absorption.  If the medicine isn't absorbed it won't work properly.  Some patients have gluten sensitivity and eating gluten worsens acne. Hormones can play a role too.  If you have polycystic ovaries, abnormal testosterone, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia you might not improve on isotretinoin until the hormone concerns are addressed.  Lastly, patients taking lithium and some acne promoting medications may fail to respond to isotretinoin.  If you feel you are not improving, talk to your doctor who is treating your acne with isotretinoin about your concerns.

Bad breakout starting month 4 of Accutane...normal?

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Bad breakout starting month 4 of Accutane...normal?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Accutane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.