Can You Use Topical Acne Medications While on Isotretinoin?

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...

During and 1 month after Accutane for acne, it is important that patients avoid anything that has potential to burden the liver, including oral Tylenol, alcohol, consumption, most vitamin and supplements. In addition, baseline and monthly (at least for first few months) liver function test,...

I'm unsure why you were sedentary during your treatment course. This is absolutely not necessary. Did someone tell you that it was? If your acne is going to return, it will return regardless of exercise, and then, yes, you may need another course of Accutane or another form of treatment. But...

Skipping an entire month will mean you will need to be on your course longer than your initial 6 month estimate. Accutane courses need to be consistent to work, so missing a whole month is going to require some recalculation from your doctor and a longer time on the medication from you. Please...

A typical course of Roaccutane is 5 months.  It can take 3 to 4 months to have full control so do not be discouraged.  Make sure you visit your dermatologist monthly for assessment and blood tests. 

I would avoid use of all irritating products on the face during treatment with Accutane. Patients are very susceptible to dryness and irritation, and the epidermis is sensitive to injury--avoid waxing as you so noted above. Use of astringents, harsh soaps, alcohol, as well as depilatories on the...