I have done Accutane in the past, my acne is back after I stop the pill, should I take it again?

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

It sounds like you have not been on oral isotreinoin (Accutane, old name no longer used) for an adequate treatment period. I usually treat patients for at least 6-9 months at 40mg daily on average. The time period and dose may increase or decrease depending on patient tolerability to the medicine and response to treatment. You may need to speak with your dermatologist about longer treatment times with higher doses so that your chances of relapse will be lower.