Occasional Breakout While on Accutane

It sounds like the medication is working if your skin is mostly clear.  Accutane patients tend to see an improvement within 2 months of starting therapy.  Breakouts may still occur, but pimples are less deep and go away faster.  Sometimes, patients continue to get occasional new pimples after 4 or 5 months of therapy.  Rest assured, your skin may continue to improve for several months after completing the medication.  For patients with substantial breakouts, I would consider an extended course of accutane.  Good luck.

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 is not unusual to continue to get breakouts while you are on Accutane.  Remember, you will be on this drug for 5-6 months.  It continues to work for a month after you stop taking it.  2 1/2 months into it you are not seeing its full effect.  In my experience, some patients respond quickly and others don't respond until the last months of therapy.  Be patient!