Will I still be able to get tan while on Accutane?

Question

I take 50mg of accutane per night and I am going away next week. I usually get dark when I'm in the sun. If I am on accutane, will I still be able to get dark as long as I apply sunscreen frequently? Also, would I be able to stop accutane for the week I am away to reduce the sun sensitivity or would I be able to still remain on it for the week and still get tan? Thanks!

Sally Booth, MD · Answer

I recommend that you discontinue the Accutane while you are away and restart it once you get back.  I would also contact your prescribing physician and inform them that you are holding the medication for a week because of vacation.  I would also strongly encourage and recommend that you use a sunscreen with UVA and UVB with an SPF factor of at least 30 and reapply it every 2-3 hours and every one hour when in the water because the Accutane makes you VERY photosensitive and even though you have gotten a dark tan in the past the risk for you getting a sunburn is very high.  I would also try to avoid direct sunlight (sitting in the shade or under an umbrella) and not focus on getting a tan.

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

Some doctors recommend discontinuing accutane in patients who are going to a sunny spot for a few days, and then restarting back again. Accutane can make you especially sensitive to the sunlight and thus at higher risk for a sunburn.

Will I still be able to get tan while on Accutane?

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Will I still be able to get tan while on Accutane?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.