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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
You should continue your Accutane therapy for 5-6 months. It is not recommended to stop taking any medication until your doctor says its okay. Staying on the medication for one more month will not hurt you, but stopping medication prior to its physician recommended date is very risky.
Consult with your prescribing physician. You shouldn't stop Accutane until you've completed a full regimen. What we find is that many people stop taking it when the acne clears up, which means they never actually take enough of the medication to fully combat acne in the long run. A normal course of Accutane is 8000-16000mg. Consult your physician before you stop as you may just be stopping the current acne, and not stopping the long-term problems. "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."
