I'm on my first week of Accutane, and my face is still extremely oily...

Question

Im taking 30mg and on my 5th day/first week.. Im wondering if i'm doing something wrong because my face is extremely oily and i'm still breaking out. I drink my tablets everyday around about the same time like 20 minutes difference maybe... Should I be worried or its normal ?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Doctors often refer to the dryness that occurs with isotretinoin and retinoids like Retin-A as the retinoid reaction. Although normal, the dryness can lead to a feeling of discomfort that can ultimately compromise your compliance. Retinoid reaction includes:
DrynessRednessItchingBurningDiscomfortIn my office in Beverly Hills, I prescribe Accutane quite a bit for cystic acne and inflammatory scarring. Patients are advised to moisturize frequently with a non-oily moisturizer such as Elevase Moisture Booster, which we use in our office. Applied liberally on the face, the ceramides are soothing and relieve discomfort when possible. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

The dryness from Accutane starts immediately and usually lasts the entire course of treatment.And you are only in the first week?  Yes, you will still break out, however, a word of caution...some of what you see as breaking out might be the Accutane beginning to work on the smaller lesions you see.  They appear more red and irritated from the treatment.Hold tight and tell your doctor your concerns.You'll love your face at the end!

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