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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
In most of my patients, I have them begin a daily topical retinoid regimen a month after they have completed accutane. This regimen helps keep the pores clear and reduce blemishes and acne scars. As always, ask your board certified dermatologist what is the best regimen for you.
Many of my patients cannot tolerate a topical tretinoin while on Accutane due to dry skin (especially during a Chicago winter!) I typically restart topical tretinoin 1-2 months after a patient completes the Accutane treatment, if desired. Applying a pea-sized amount to the affected areas of the face every other night is a good way to start, increasing to nightly application as tolerated.
You can begin anytime. In fact, I keep my patients on the mildest forms of Retinioids ( Atralin, Differin cream 0.1 or Retin A 0.04 microgel) while they are on Accutane. Adding a nice moisturizer such as Cerave PM, makes this regimen quite tolerable. There is some evidence that using a Retinoid while on Accutane will help clear blackheads and whiteheads.
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...
Missing 10 days of the medication or less should not have much of an affect on your overall course. Stick with it and see how it's going towards the end and then assess if you need another month or so of the medication. You do not have to "start over" but you may need another month's worth of...
While it's understandable why you want to finish earlier, remember that the higher the dosage the more inclined you will be to have worse side effects (dryness, nosebleeds, etc.) Many people try to do this and hate the side effects so much they end up not actually finishing the course out by...