Is It Safe to Have Chemical Peel While on Accutane?

Question

I purchased a Chemical peel off eBay but I was using Accutane about a month or 2 ago. I only took 10 pills of it, does that make any difference?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Aldo
Accutane effects the ability of the skin to heal.  Chemical peels work because of the capacity of the skin to heal and improve the epithelial covering.  Following Accutane skin is very likely to scar rather than heal without scarring.  
Just because something can be purchased on the internet, it does not mean that it is safe or legal.  Chemical peels can permanently disfigure and scar the face and body even if you have not taken Accutane.  
Please leave chemical peels to the professionals.  Don't take the risk of destroying yourself.

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

You must be off Accutane at LEAST one whole year before undergoing a chemical peel for your skin. Accutane can significantly affect the ability of your skin to repair itself and heal properly after an injury (which is what a chemical peel is - a controlled injury). The same goes for laser resurfacing or dermabrasion as well!

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

I would not recommend a facial peel so soon after accutane, even if you only took it for a couple of weeks. Wait a minimum of 6 months.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

If you do a chemical peel when you are on accutane you will greatly increase your chances for scarring. Your pilosebaceous units are greatly affected by accutane and this effects there ability to resurface your skin and hence can lead to an increase in scarring.

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

The effect of Accutane on pilosebaceous glands is profound. Since they help to resurface the skin after peeling, the healing can be delayed, resulting in permanent scars. I would not buy medical supplies anywhere if you are not a trained physician, anytime. I have seen people (even off Accutane) scar themselves with peels at home.

Is It Safe to Have Chemical Peel While on Accutane?

Answers (5)

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