Everything It Takes to Get Rid of Acne: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Taking Accutane
Accutane is a strong pharmaceutical drug designed to get rid of difficult-to-treat acne. For those struggling with painful cystic acne, nodular acne, or other forms of inflammatory acne, the drug can prevent a lot of pain and scarring but like most pharmaceutical drugs it isn’t without its risks and side effects. Consumers who are considering this product should read on to find out what they need to know before asking their doctors for a prescription.
The Side Effects
The primary side effect people experience when taking Accutane is dry skin. Those who want to give Accutane a shot may want to check out the Renee Rouleau Blog to learn about how they can change their skincare routines to make up for the fact that this drug tends to dry out the skin and lips. Anyone taking Accutane should switch to stronger moisturizers, for example, and should always wear sunscreen when heading outside since it also makes people more susceptible to sunburns.
The Effectiveness
Accutane is 85% effective at reducing the severity of inflammatory acne. That doesn’t mean people who take it will never get another zit. It does mean that most people who take Accutane will see a substantial reduction in the number of painful cystic, nodular, or pustular acne outbreaks they experience and in the severity of outbreaks.
Those who are just dealing with whiteheads and blackheads may find that taking Accutane isn’t worth the hassle and side effects. There are plenty of effective topical treatments for treating non-inflammatory acne.
The Other Options
Even dermatologists only recommend Accutane when patients have already exhausted their other options. It’s a big commitment that requires blood work, monthly pregnancy tests, switching to new skincare routines, and ensuring that patients don’t miss a single dose. Most people who struggle with acne will see similar results from topical treatments.
Try starting with a normal skincare routine then adding additional products as needed to decrease outbreaks. Products like benzoyl peroxide lotions are great at targeting acne caused by bacteria, while salicylic acid chemical peels are perfect for reducing blemishes and acne scars.
Most people find adequate relief using over-the-counter products suggested by a professional esthetician. Even those who decide that a visit to the dermatologist is in order typically try other prescription medications before being prescribed Accutane.
Accutane and Pregnancy
The reason women must get monthly pregnancy tests when they take Accutane is that the drug is known to cause serious birth defects. Anyone who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid this drug, and women who don’t intend to become pregnant should always use birth control.
Acne and Hormonal Imbalances
There are many underlying problems that can increase the frequency and severity of acne breakouts. It’s a good idea for those who have already tried comprehensive over-the-counter skin care routines to speak with a doctor to request a hormone panel. If someone has a hormone imbalance, something as simple as oral contraceptives may be able to solve the problem without the need for stronger medications.
The Bottom Line
Accutane is a great drug for people struggling with severe, painful inflammatory acne. The drug does have some side effects, though, and it’s not ideal for everyone, especially pregnant women. The best place to start when dealing with acne outbreaks isn’t to ask for an Accutane prescription but to speak with an esthetician about less-radical options.
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