Is it normal for Accutane to make my face red?

Question

Is it normal for Accutane to make my face red? It is much more sensitive than normal, but only slightly drier. The texture seems a little worse too, almost pebbly. I’m on 20mg day, a pretty low dose. It’s only been 2 weeks that I’m on it. Should I stop using my skinceuticals vitamin c serum that I’ve been using for many years?

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

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Accutane can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, as well as cause dryness, which in turn may make your face more prone to being red. For the first month or so, you may have flaring of acne, however, that typically improves with time. Vitamin C serum may be beneficial to your skin so I recommend to continue as long as your skin does not get irritated with use. I would also recommend to follow up with your board certified dermatologist for continuing evaluation of your skin and discussion of appropriate treatment. Best of luck.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Yes, redness and sensitivity from Accutane is quite normal. You need to make sure you're using a good, thick moisturizer. I actually encourage people to use their Vitamin C while taking Accutane because it makes you more susceptible to sun and Vitamin C increases the protectant factors of your sunscreen. So stick with what you're doing, just add in good moisturizers. And by those I mean ones that come in a tube or jar. Not a pump. You want something thick!"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Is it normal for Accutane to make my face red?

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