Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought...

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought to clear acne primarily through its ability to permanently reduce skin oil (sebum) production.

Isotretinoin is available in capsule form and is usually taken twice a day. Your physician will prescribe an initial dose, and this dose may increase or decrease depending on the response to treatment and side effects.

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December 29, 2025
Product used: Oratane (Isotretinoin)
Effective until major hormonal change ( ie pregnancy, menopause)
After the birth of each of my. kids, my acne aggressively returned, so I was successfully treated in my early 30’s and again in my early 40’s. I now have post menopausal acne. I’ve been on Accutane for 11 months and it’s successfully controlled/prevented new outbreaks. However, there are specific spots that continue to repeatedly surface. My dermatologist says that eventually they will resolve. She did add topical tretonin/Retina A and instructed me to spot treat those areas. It’s only been a month, so I can’t judge its effectiveness.
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December 11, 2025
Product used:
d
d
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May 18, 2025
Product used: Absorica (Isotretinoin)
Definitely helps!
Works great my acne is pretty much gone and it’s only month 3! So far only problem it definitely has been causing facial dryness around my nose and chin, my eyes are really dry and watering and I have some lower back pain but it’s nothing that I can’t keep going.
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September 12, 2024
Product used: Absorica (Isotretinoin)
Positive Review
Worked well for my condition. No side effects except for dryness.
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June 26, 2024
Product used:
none
it worked well
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April 11, 2024
Product used:
Dangerous and useless for hormonal acne
It helped somewhat while I was using it, but the acne never fully went away. Upon stopping the medication, the acne eventually came back full force.
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Francesca D
October 4, 2024
Gosh that’s good to know, thanks. My dermatologist discussed a medication to even out my androgen levels, pending a blood test. Apparently this is the hormone responsible for persistent acne. But she thought Isotretinoin would be effective, too.
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November 28, 2023
Product used:
Isotretinoin removes blackheads on nose that won't go with other products/hydrafacials. MIRACLE
Isotretinoin is the nose blackheads ELIMINATOR 👃 It really really helped removing the BLACKHEADS on my nose, before using isotretinoin I tried so much products nose strips, exfoliaters it won't work and also got couple hydrafacials but still didn't get the desired results. and most importantly is that after a hyrofacial session by couple weeks the blackheads came back on my nose because my skin is oily. Isotretinoin is the BEST thing happened to me seriously, the feeling of not having a ton of oil on my skin is awesome.17011884246882826830132912712473.jpg17011884726176556427612173808920.jpg
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September 4, 2023
Product used: Absorica (Isotretinoin)
Really think before taking
It worked for 5 years. My skin looked amazing but then I had the worst outbreak. It was the dreaded pizza face. My acne was worse than before going on Accutane. And they don’t tell you that after Accutane, acne doesn’t heal smoothly. The acne left deep deep scars. Deep pits that no cream will ever take care of. And men be careful, my ex got erectile dysfunction after using Accutane in his 20s.
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Francesca D
October 4, 2024
I head no idea this could happen. So sorry this was your experience, but thank you for sharing. I’m also looking at a longer term medication that evens out androgen levels for hormonal acne.
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January 3, 2023
Product used: Oratane (Isotretinoin)
Magical stuff but might need to take it multiple times
Oratane worked like magic for me, my extreme oily skin would dry up within days of starting this treatment, and every last tiny pimple would disappear for an almost unbelievably clear skin. However, I had to go on it multiple times over ten years due to my persistent acne, which comes back when I’m off it. I went on a longer course third time round of 1.5 years, my dermatologist thought this might work to stop it returning. Ironically, when coming off it after all that time it returned sooner than usual, almost right away. So I’m a bit at a loss.. I might have to be on it for the rest of my life. Except when I am trying to get pregnant this year, and throughout pregnancy.. so I am already unfortunately stressing about the 1 year of acne torture I’m about to ensue.
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Francesca D
October 4, 2024
Curious how you went after this post! My dermatologist recommended isotretinoin or a longer term medication to even out androgen levels. Apparently this is the hormone responsible for persistent acne (when elevated).
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November 28, 2022
Product used: Absorica (Isotretinoin)
Accutane cured my severe acne of 10+ years
I’ve had stubborn and severe acne for 10 years . Unfortunately, my acne came along when I first started college at age 18 . I tried a multitude of topical ointments such as benzoyl peroxide, Retin A , all kinds of antibiotics, AHA+ , topical tretinoin , proactiv , drinking high amounts of water , you name it. My mistake was waiting so many years before trying Accutane or (isotretinoin) . This is the best option . I wish I would’ve taken at age 18 or 19 , it would’ve saved me from all these post acne scars from trying to treat acne with all these topical lotions . Please , I really recommend trying accutane for that acne that seems to never go away. All the side effects were easily manageable. In fact , I loved that it made my skin not oily anymore whatsoever while I was in the treatment. There’s generic accutane if you don’t have insurance but trust me , it’s worth the investment instead of wasting thousands on lotions . Accutane was my cure for my severe and consistent acne. I definitely recommend starting your treatment around September or fall time that way you’re not in the sun too much. I started my treatment around the end of August.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website