I finished 5 months of Accutane, but still have acne - should I continue?

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

​Acne requires a combination approach to get long-term improvement. I recommend a combination of Cosmelan, salt facials, peels, lasers, microneedling with PRP, blue light, radiofrequency and isotretinoin. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer​

It sounds like you may need to both have a higher dose and continue for a few more months. There are some recent studies in the dermatology literature that show that we should continue treatment for 2 full months after the last active acne breakout, which means we tend to generally under-treat and cause people to have to take a second or third course. I would work with your dermatologist to get you to a higher, more effective (but within a safe range) dose and continue treating until you are clear and beyond. Please see an expert, and best of luck!