How Can I Reduce Redness One Year+ After Accutane?

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

Accutane treatment shrinks the oil glands in the skin which drastically reduces oil production and leaves the skin more dry and susceptible to irritants.

Usually the residual redness from Accutane lasts for 2-3 months after completing treatment.  So there are a few possibilities here:

1. You may have rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, which can be treated with topical medications.  Redness from rosacea is also exacerbated by anything that heats up the face, such as:


hot showers, saunas, steam rooms

direct sunlight

hot drinks or foods

spicy foods

alcohol

exercise


For increased redness after exercise I recommend applying a cool compress of a washcloth or papertowels and cool water to help shrink the dilated blood vessels.

2. If you are using any topical medications that may irritate the skin, like retinoids (Retin A, Tazorac, Differin) or alpha hydroxy acids or scrubs, that may also irritate the skin and make it dry and red.

Please consult a board-certified dermatologist regarding this persistent redness.

If it is persistent redness from Accutane or rosacea, that can be treated with intense pulsed light, but get a diagnosis first. 

It is very important to see a board certified dermatologist to evaluate the cause of the redness/flushing and determine the appropriate treatment protocol.  Flushing can have many internal causes that need to be investigated.  Facial redness may be due to small blood vessels in the face called telangiectasias, which can be treated with a laser.  Rosacea is a condition that causes facial redness that Accutane reduces the appearance of during treatment but there is not usually a durable remission.