What Do I Use to Brighten my Face After Using Accutane?

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

Decision on what to use to brighten the skin after Accutane depends on whether the irritation from Accutane has resolved.

If it has not, I would be very gentle and primarily concentrate on sunscreens and twice weekly Differin.

If the redness has resolved, I would introduce a hydroquinone 4%.  There are preparations in combination with tretinoin or alpha hydroxy acids that may speed up the fading action of the hydroquinone.

Continue using a sunscreen daily no matter what.

You can get great results correcting pigmentation with your everyday skin care. Epiquin Micro is a prescription skin lightening cream with 4% hydroquinone that we offer in our office. Epiquin will even skin tone with a bit of retinol and antioxidants Vitamin C and E with twice daily use. Another great option is a series of chemical peels for quick results to even skin tone and texure, and even give your skin a collagen boost.