More than 3 months on Accutane and Breaking out huge pimples and cystic acne like crazy. Is this normal?

Question

I'm 20, this is the second time I'm taking accutane. I took it first when I was 17 for 6 months 30g dosage. It worked great for a while.. Now I'm taking it again, 40g dosage. And from the start I didn't feel a change I mean my face was clearing up a bit even before the accutane coz I used so many things on it, a cleanser and all that stuff from obagi. And now it's been 3 months my face didn't dry up at all and I'm breaking out like crazy and i think they are leaving scars and I feel like crying.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Remember that Accutane works underneath the skin, so many papules, pustules, and acne cysts are pushed to the surface while the under pores are changing. This can be frustrating, but all of that was under the skin and going to surface at some point in time; it's just happening all at once from the Accutane. Accutane doesn't cause scarring, but acne does. Many people don't realize how bad their scarring was under all the existing acne and start to see it as the Accutane clears it up. This isn't from the Accutane, but the scarring is from the acne that was already occurring. Your face doesn't have to be dry for Accutane to work. Hang in there. And discuss your concerns with your treating physician. As well as how to address your scarring in the long-run. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

More than 3 months on Accutane and Breaking out huge pimples and cystic acne like crazy. Is this normal?

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More than 3 months on Accutane and Breaking out huge pimples and cystic acne like crazy. Is this normal?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Accutane

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