How long do I have to wait to get a chemical peel after use of Accutane?

We use many different types of combination peels on the skin after Accutane. Lighter peels usually suffice to help reduce acne breakouts and improve complexion. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

I typically do salicylic acid peels while patients are on accutane, it helps improve the results.  If you have scarring post isotretinoin, I would consider laser treatment to improve the scars.  Best, Dr. Emer.

The "accutane" has a profound effect on controlling cystic acne.  It also has a number of side effects.  We think it makes a permanent change in the sebaceous glands in the skin which is one of the ways it improves acne.  It also seems to slow skin healing for at least a period of time after the treatment.  Studies of this are not really that good.  Clinically, it is best to be highly cautious about this.  A peel that might heal quickly in normal skin, anecdotally has the potential to scar after recent isotretinoin treatment.  For this reason, clinicians generally recommend waiting 12 to 24 months before having a procedure that relies on normal skin healing for a result.

Accutane increases skin sensitivity and makes skin more prone to scarring and pigmentation. I would suggest you to wait at least 4 months after your last application to undergo any other treatments. Make sure you inform your provider that you used Accutane and when was the last time you have used it. Good luck!

Five months is a perfect time to start chemical
peels if that is what you are seeking. Remember to let the person administering
the peel know that you were on Accutane so he/she can start you at a low
strength and work up to a stronger strength.