My Skin is very red, dry, flaking, and peeling while on Accutane, what can I do?

Question

Ive been on accutane which is low dose 10mg a day for mild acne and stopped right now for few days and ive appiled more topical tretinoin for redness next day my skin is very sensitive and red ,flaking im currently using hydrocortisone cream for my irritated skin my cheeks looks like rosacea very irritated plz help me i cant tolerate

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

Paul Charlson, MBBS · Answer

Skin sensitivity with oral Isotretion is common.I suggest avoiding soaps scrubs and the sun.I use a non comedogenic emollient such as cetaphil. Vaseline for the lips.The side effects are worth enduring for the effects.Sometimes a short period of a mild steroid cream can help such as 2 weeks of hydrocortisone 1 percent

My Skin is very red, dry, flaking, and peeling while on Accutane, what can I do?

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My Skin is very red, dry, flaking, and peeling while on Accutane, what can I do?

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.