Is It Ok to Use Salicylic Acid While on Accutane?

Question

I am currently on accutane. I use a green tea/salicylic acid 2% foam cleanser only once a day ( usually at the end of the day). I read that using anything else on your skin while on accutane is not good because it causes excess irritation. Should i continue the use of this cleanser? can it hinder my accutane progress?

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

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

Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, and Accutane already dries the skin. So that's why your skin can become irritated. I recommend patients use a creamier cleanser while on Accutane, like Cetaphil or Dove. The SA cleanser won't inhibit your Accutane progress, just dry your skin more and make you more uncomfortable.

Is It Ok to Use Salicylic Acid While on Accutane?

Answers (2)