Am I a good candidate for Accutane with mild acne?

Question

I am a 28 year old woman, and I have had mild acne since I was 14. It tends to focus around my cheeks and jawline, but it is not uncommon to get it on my chest and back from time to time. Am I a good candidate for Accutane? I’ve had mixed answers from derms in the past where one has said I would be a good candidate and another has said it only impacts cystic acne whereas mine is hormonal (which I believe cystic is also hormonal?) and smaller?

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

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

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Accutane is prescribed for patients with severe and recalcitrant acne. If you acne is mild and you are not currently under any acne treatment, you may be a better candidate for topical and other oral medications at this time. I recommend a consultation by a board certified dermatologist for evaluation of your skin and discussion of appropriate treatment. Best of luck.

Am I a good candidate for Accutane with mild acne?

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