Post accutane maintenance. What should I do?

Question

Hello, I recently finished my 8 month course of accutane 5 days ago where I reached 240 mg/kg cumulative dose. Skin looks good, still dry. Anyways, I have two questions: When do you think I could start using power peel multi-acid resurfacing pads and how often should I use?What is the best way to address small pimples and clogged pores? I'm thinking using some on the spot benzoyl peroxide treatment at night would be a good way to target specific spots without drying my entire face up too much.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

The dryness will resolve in eight weeks. Topicals can be used as tolerated for minor residual acne.It is a concern that you are still breaking out after 8 months with such a high cumulative does.?re pads wait for 8 weeks minimum before using anything drying or abrasive.cProcedures need to wait 6 months.

Post accutane maintenance. What should I do?

Answers (2)