I am on isotretinoin also and although my skin wasn't HORRIBLE to start, just persistent and a few cysts here and there, my initial breakout was atrocious. It started my second week and I'm still in the midst of it in week 4, but it has greatly reduced. Currently I have about 3 active pimples and the rest are healing. It seemed many times like I was at the end of it, but then I'd have another flare up or get another cyst. But after each flare my skin was a bit better. So patience is the key, it will probably last a couple of weeks. It will also seem like forever. The best thing I did was to pop only the white heads and only Gently, don't pick. I washed twice a day with gentle cleanser and occasionally exfoliated, and as for moisturizer I think I had my best success with jojoba oil. Keep in mind that your skin is purging out all of the junk at once that would have come out over time, so let it run its course , sit at home and watch movies , read books and wait for it to be over.

IT can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If it has become really severe, your derm can prescribe antibiotics or lower your dosage. The first few months are the worst but many people experience relief after that.