Acne getting worse on 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

3 weeks is very early in the course of accutane. In its initial stages, it is not unusual to have worsening of your acne. Though I do not know how bad your acne is, sometimes, in severe cases, physicians will choose to coincidentally start accutane with small doses of prednisone to help moderate this flare. Overall, accutane is a process where acne improves over the entire course of medication. By no means is it a medication that makes acne disappear immediately. I encourage you to be patient and stick with it. Although your face and skin will be dry, sensitive and irritated during the course of treatment your acne will be improved and really should be entirely clear by the end of the course. 

Thank you for your question. It is common to have breakouts when starting any acne treatment, especially Accutane. In my experience, breakouts can last for a few weeks, but in some individuals, breakouts can be severe and persist for several months. I understand the breakouts are discouraging, but please be patient with the treatment because acne tends to get worse before it gets better. I highly recommend you consult with your prescribing physician regarding your questions and concerns about treatment and expectations. Take care and good luck.