What is better for a long term acne management for me - low dose of Accutane or birth control? (photos)

Question

I am 30. After everything failed to permanently "cure" my now mild but persistent acne (including accutane) I am considering my options for a long term treatment and management of my skin. I am scared when I read all the side effect of both birth control pills and accutane, and wondering if there is a safe option.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Acne requires a combination approach to get long-term improvement. I recommend a combination of Cosmelan, salt facials, peels, lasers, microneedling with PRP, blue light, radiofrequency and isotretinoin. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

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

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos.  It's frustrating to still be dealing with acne at your age!  You might want to consider a few months of accutane and birth control to get the active acne under control and prevent future scarring, but after that improves, I would still recommend staying on birth control unless you are wanting to become pregnant.  There are a lot of adjunctive, or complimentary, treatment options you can also pursue.  Ask your dermatologist about a series of microneedling, perhaps some chemical peels, or other aesthetic options.  There are also some good non-prescription topicals that can keep you relatively clear, including those with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinoids in them. Best of luck and work with your dermatologist for a balance that works right for you.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.Accutane is an effective acne treatment, however, if the cause of acne is hormonal, then acne recurrence will be high after Accutane. Spironolactone is a good option to treat hormonal acne in women and is a safe long term treatment. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist to have your skin evaluated and to discuss treatment options that best suits your needs. Take care and good luck.

What is better for a long term acne management for me - low dose of Accutane or birth control? (photos)

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