Acne.org Products
Oral Retinoid
Efficacy
87%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Use with EXTREME CAUTION: Causes severe birth defects and fetal death.
Oral Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
The nuclear option. It works reliably and provides long-term remission of acne, and even severe acne, in about ⅔ of people who properly take an adequate dosage. However, it permanently and irreversibly changes the skin and the body forever and users may experience long-term side effects for the rest of their lives. It’ll nuke it, but there is no going back.
Oral Retinoid
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Isotretinoin (Accutane®)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 13, 2012
Cons:
Dry itchyskin peeling lips. I use Dials antibacterial soap (the white bar). Then i use Witch Hazel (dickinsons) and Eucerin face lotion (small amounts on dry areas) for little bumps i use Clearsil adult cream (that stuff is awesome)
Take my adviceit really helps
October 31, 2012
Pros:
-Permanently cleared SEVERE back acne
-Significantly improved facial/chest acne (not permanent)
-Increased confidence
-Overall far less oil production (perk: no oily face, didn't have to wash hair very often!)
Cons:
-SEVERE hair loss (mostly all grown back, but hair seems permanently less thick, less texture, and more prone to damage)
-Headaches
-Vision Problems (impaired night vision)
-Nosebleeds
-SEVERELY dry eyes (used gel moisture eyedrops daily to make it tolerable)
-dry lips/skin (manageable, actually liked the dry skin effect, no oil!)
-Joint pains, lower back pain
-Dry hands/body (LOTION!)
-Raised cholesterol (almost had to discontinue due to this)
-effects not permanent f
READ MY REVIEW FROM AN ACCUTANE PRO Bottom line: If you suffer from severe acne, TAKE ACCUTANE ONE TIME ONLY. It is totally worth it. But if you break out again after, do not take more rounds (minus a few isolated cases). Anything that is going to be cured will do so after the 1st round. I speak from experience, I've been on accutane 3 times. I have suffered from SEVERE ACNE since I was 15 (now a 22 y/o female). Both my parents had severe acne and both had taken accutane. MY SKIN IS TOTALLY CLEAR TODAY... here's a brief of my story and insights: I tried everything before I resorted to accutane when I was 16. I had moderate facial acne and SEVERE back acne. For my first round, I 60mg/day (I was 110 lbs) for 6 mos. Completely cleared my skin and PERMANENTLY CURED MY SEVERE BACK ACNE. But within 2 years after my face broke out again. Took another round of accutane. Cleared skin again (remember my severe back acne was completely cleared after the 1st course). Broke out again within a year. Took a 3rd round in college. Clear skin again, but this time broke out after within 6 mos. At this point, I tried SPIRONOLACTONE instead. LADIES, if the first course of accutane doesn't clear you completely for good, TRY SPIRONOLACTONE next. This has been a WONDER DRUG. Please note, IT IS VERY SLOW ACTING. Be patient. Many people start spiro, stop after 3 or so months and say it didn't work and resort to accutane again. IT TOOK LONGER THAN THAT FOR ME and does for most people, up to a full year! Also works better taken in combo w/ birth control pill, & don't miss doses. I'VE BEEN ON SPIRO FOR 1 YEAR NOW, just in the past couple mos. it has completely cleared my skin. Here is what I do now daily for COMPLETELY CLEAR SKIN: 200mg spiro
Microgestin Fe 1/20 BC pill Wash: Neutrogena 'Clear Pore' Face Wash (am/pm) Treat: Neutrogena On-the-Spot treatment (use over WHOLE face, am
October 21, 2012
Pros:
Only product to make any difference
Cleared under the skin whiteheads
Clears redness
Clears pimples
Prevents and clears cysts
Cons:
Horrible Dryness
Adaptation period to side effects
Rare side effect Risks
Strain on liver when drinking alcohol with this drug
Products I've been on (And yes I used them all for a minimum of 12 weeks to ensure full time for effectiveness)
-Proactiv
-Glycolic Acids
Salicylic Acids
-Benzoyl Peroxides (Multiple Brands including dan's)
-Sulfur Products (Multiple Brands)
-Facial Masks
-Doxycyclene
-Tetracyclene
-Minocyclene
-Metrogel
-Apple Cider Vinegar
-Zinc Pills (As well as ALL kinds of vitamin supplements)
-Retinol
-Diet Changes (Cutting out dairy etc.)
-Clindoxyl
-Homemade Remedies (Many types)
-OTC Products (Neutrogena, Nivea, Clear Pores, Acne Bootcamp) I consider myself to have persistent moderate acne. Also my face is easily reddened by working out/temp changes/eating etc. I've have 3 cysts surgically removed but cysts aren't a huge problem for me. Body acne also has never been an issue. Not one of these products or lifestyle changes have had any effect on my face over the last 7 years. I had assumed there was absolutely no way out. I should also mention a walk-in doctor put me on accutane 6 years ago but took me off it after month 2 for no reason (He gave me no explanation). My current derm explained that he "forgot" to do mandatory bloodwork so got scared and took me off. (Complete moron)
I'm currently going into month 4 of Isotretinoin.
Month 1 was 40mg/day. Month 2 and 3 were 40mg a day and 80mg every other day. Months 4 and 5 will be 80mg/day to achieve the 120mg/kg cumulative dosing. Knowing how to use this product and what not to use with it as well as preparing properly for the side effects has made a huge difference compared to my first round. This site helped me immensely. I am 100% clear, I feel like a million bucks and I have my life back. The redness is even almost all gone. I could not recommend this product more. Of course I was lucky not to have most side effects but the dryness sucks. I recommend Jojoba Oil mixed with Cerave for a moisturizer and only water to wash with otherwise. Also vasel
October 16, 2012
Pros:
It works beautifully!
Cons:
I had no serious negative side effects--just dry lips and occasional flushing.
This is my second post-Accutane update. I left a positive review one month after my 6.5 month course of Claravis. Now, 6 months after my course, I am still very happy with my results. I had a few minor breakouts approximately 6 weeks after stopping the treatment, but they were just small inflammatory pimples, not cysts. I am thrilled to report that I have not had one single cyst since November 2011 (my second month of taking Claravis). My dermatologist prescribed me Renova (tretinoin) to deal with the minor breakouts and now my skin is completely clear most of the time! I still get a few tiny spots around my period, but they are usually so small I don't even feel the need to cover them with concealer. At 28 (soon to be 29!) my skin looks better than it ever has in my life. Not only am I acne-free, my complexion looks smooth and creamy since taking Claravis. No more angry red skin tone! I am so thankful for this medication and SO happy I decided to take the leap and try it after years of debating. It is a serious drug, so find the best dermatologist in your area and let him or her know all your questions and concerns. If you are in the care of a professional medical expert and if you follow the guidelines to the letter, this is a safe medication. I cannot express what having clear skin has done for me psychologically. Perhaps most importantly, it has given me the confidence to begin working through my deep-seated body image issues. As I approach 30, I feel in many ways that I am finally starting to live. I wish this could have happened for me sooner, but late is better than never (as the cliche goes--but hey, it's true!). If you are struggling with the crippling effects of acne, my heart goes out to you. I hope you can one day have the kind of healing I have been fortunate enough to find.
September 19, 2012
Pros:
- cleared acne wherein other products (be it topical, antibiotics, steam extraction etc) failed!!!
Cons:
Whatever you usually hear about this product happens!
Initial breakout (lasts one-two months)
Dry dry dry lips
Dry dry dry eyes
Dry dry dry skin
Headaches (first month)
Thirsty all the time
May elevate cholesterol levels (normal)
Tiredness on first few months
I wanted to give my fair share, as I've used this site to check out whats best for me. I want people to understand that this drug has worked for me and am eccstatic that im finishing the treatment. I first had acne when I was in college in a tropical country in 2002 (normal for most) it wasn't too bad or embarassing. This continued with the odd one two or three at a time. At that time, my dermatologist prescribed me benzoyl peroxide cetaphil, and some other topicals. I would go for the occasional facial (steam and extraction of comedones) this would work for a month, with no spots, then would somehow return. Anyway, when I moved to London in 2007, it stopped, and loved my skin. Maybe it was because of the not so tropical climate. This lasted for 4 years. As soon as it hit January 2011, my acne flared up massively (not normal for an adult). It lasted until June 2012. I would say I got a new spot everyday. This doesnt sound bad, but by the end of the week ud have 7, and if they didnt go down, or ud pop them, ud have hundreds if they didnt fade. At one point, i literally counted 100 (active and blemishes). So i did look like a pepperoni pizza. I went on holidays hating the sun, and would love the dark coz i got uberly conscious. I went to my gp, and had me coming back and forth trying out everything (zineryt, adapalene, erythromycin, isotrex, mino... Many more) until one day he saw that nothing was working, and referred me
To a dermatologist who put me on roaccutane!
First month-20mg/day-no change very dry everything (use carmex for lips, and cetaphil moisturizing for skin, any eyedrops for eyes)
Second month-40mg/day-breakout galore, worse than pre accutane, i didn't go out for social gatherings.
Third month-60mg/day-started clearing up very slowly, although spots would come up occasionally
Fourth month-60mg/day-started to work
End of fourth month-clear, scars fading.
For all these years, this pill has kept me spot free. (i hope
September 16, 2012
Pros:
Completely cleared up my chronic acne. Changed my life & I love having clear skin!
Cons:
Minimal side effects (dry skin & lips)
I would def recommend accutane for anyone who has had enough of living with the burden of acne. Only we who have had it can understand how deeply this can affect your life. It changed my life, let it change yours!
September 15, 2012
Pros:
COMPLETELY CLEARED MY ACNE.
I have not had a pimple in months.
Cons:
slight eczema
dry lips
have to stay out of the sun
ipledge system is a bit of a pain
very expensive without insurance ($700 per month)
I am 16 now and have been struggling with acne since i was 12. At first i broke out on my upper back and shoulders and i was not too concerned because a shirt can cover that but then it spread to my chest when i was 13 and i went to a dermatologist. I went on about 6 months of different antibiotics and the dermatologist said it was time for accutance but being so young my mom thought it would be best to not try accutance because the system of ipledge and all the risks seemed to be alot. So i switched dermatologists and went on almost every antibiotic and topical cream on the market. you name it and ive tried it. It helped my acne a bit but it was still very red and severe. Finally when i was 15 we all agreed to try accutance and it worked wonders on my skin. I went on a 6 month course and it took about 2 months too see results. I have been off the medicine for about a month now and my skin is PERFECT. There may be risks taking accutance but so far the worst thing i have had is slight eczema but that can be easily be controlled with a topical cream. I have some slight scarring but that will fade over time. I LOVE MY PERFECT SKIN. now all i use is a benezol peroxide soap to prevent breakouts
September 12, 2012
Pros:
Cleared skin on face and back
Skin and hair no longer greasy
Can be a permanent solution to acne
Cons:
Dry scalp and skin
Cracked lips
Dry nose
Sun sensitivity
Initial breakout
I'm in my late 20s and have been suffering from acne for many years. Although it wasn't severe, it was persistent and didn't respond to any of the treatment I got from my doctor. I was starting to lose hope after all the months (even years) of antibiotics, and my acne was getting worse not better. I stopped letting my boyfriend see me without makeup and wouldn't go swimming or to the gym any more because of my terrible skin on my face and upper back. I got referred to a dermatologist and was started on isotretinoin 5 months ago. After a couple of weeks on it, I had an initial breakout which I had been warned about. It wasn't pleasant - my cheeks (which had been relatively clear compared to my forehead, chin and jawline) broke out in a big way and looked pretty awful. It lasted about 2 weeks or so, then my acne gradually started to clear up. The only side effects I've had are the general drying out of my skin and scalp (but I don't have to wash my hair every day like I used to!) and sensitivity to the sun. Even with factor 50 sunscreen, I have to be *really* careful going out when the sun's out. I definitely recommend avoiding going on holiday somewhere sunny while you're on this (and for 6 months after) as you'll just burn. At around 2 months I started to notice that I wasn't getting any new spots like I usually do, and then at about 3 months there was a definite improvement. I'm now at 5 months and I've had no new spots for weeks and my existing acne has gone - I still have scars but NO SPOTS!! I have another month to go to reach the accumulative dose that I need, then hopefully they won't return. The improvement was definitely gradual for me, there was no sudden change so don't start this and expect your skin to be perfect a few days in. I would say it's definitely worth it. My side effects have been minimal and my skin is so so much better. My confidence is so much higher than it was, and I don't just s
August 10, 2012
Pros:
-It actually works!
-Easy to take
-Clears skin
Cons:
-Dry lips
-Minor joint pain
Hey folks, So chances are...if you're reading these words right now you were in the same situation I was 6 months ago. If you're looking into Accutane then you've come to the right place to get an unbiased summary. I'll start off with what you want to know, it works. It works well...it works to the degree where I've forgotten what my bad skin looked like. It's amazing! However, that being said I was extremely cognitive of what the side effects were. I took the dice, rolled it and won. You need to understand that you won't see results overnight, it takes time and patience. I had a few side effects. They included: dry lips,minor joint pain (but I do work out everyday) and a sore back ( again, I work out often so who knows if Accutane was a catalyst to this pain). As per my alcohol intake, I did drink and made sure my blood work was fine. The blood work was a bit annoying but you need to remind yourself how badly you want clear skin. Bottom line.
It works, try it if you've tried everything else!
March 18, 2012
Pros:
-acne clearing already
-smoother skin
-so easy
-nicer hair (explanation below)
-lost 10 lbs from less appetite (sweet!)
Cons:
-chapped lips
-eczema on hands
-iPledge is a hassle
I am a 19 year old caucasian female who has struggled with acne since I was 12. It's gotten worse on and off since then and sometimes been completely clear but I started college last fall and my acne got completely out of control. I had tried literally everything: Duac, Differin, Minocyclene (antibiotic), Atralin, washes, creams, lotions, etc. and nothing worked. I went to three derms who all suggested accutane. I didn't have deep cyctic acne but more like many small bumps on my forehead and cheeks that never really went away.
The iPledge program is a real bummer, mostly just because you have to wait a month to start taking the pills. But it's so worth it!
I've been on accutane for three weeks now and although I wasn't expecting it to work at all for eight weeks my skin already looks worlds better! Most of the little bumps have gone away and my face isn't so red and inflamed. At this point I'm getting more white heads, but they are pretty sparse and go away quickly and that's what my derm told me to expect for the first few months.
To moisturize, I use buckets of vaseline on my lips (don't use chapstick because that actually dries out your lips), and CeraVe PM moisturizer on my face morning and night. I use CeraVe or Cetaphil cleanser, which is really gentle.
So far I haven't experienced any severe side effects other than minor dryness, but I'm keeping track of anything that could be a symptom just to be safe. One good thing about the dryness is that I don't have to wash my hair every other day! It never gets oily and I can make a blow out last for 5 or 6 days! Hope that lasts after I stop Accutane!
Bottom line is Accutane is definitely a personal choice and I'm sure it's better for some people than others but why not try something that has worked wonders for many. I feel so good!
*About the high cost, my insurance is super high deductible so essentially we pay out-of-pocket prices until we hit a certain amount and the insurance kick
Pros:
It has completely renewed my skin! I broke out really bad the first week, but now i actuallyfeel beautiful!! I have battledacne for over 10yrs its been horriblebut by Gods grace i have gottenthroughrough times, almost suicidal.