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.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

At home chemical peels may be risky when on Accutane. Speak to the physician who prescribed the Accutane about more controlled type peels for your acne. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

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.

Is It Safe to Have Chemical Peel While on Accutane?

Answers (6)

Answer: Not worth the risk

Answer: Not worth the risk

Answer: You should be off Accutane for at least 1-2 years before Chemical Peel

Answer: You should be off Accutane for at least 1-2 years before Chemical Peel

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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Is It Safe to Have Chemical Peel While on Accutane?

Answers (6)

Answer: Not worth the risk

Answer: Not worth the risk

Answer: You should be off Accutane for at least 1-2 years before Chemical Peel

Answer: You should be off Accutane for at least 1-2 years before Chemical Peel

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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