Accutane
(Isotretinoin)
20 mg
capsule
Accutane is a common medication
prescribed by doctors and dermatologists for severe and nodular acne that does
not respond well to other forms of treatment. It is a potent drug that has a
high success rate in treating acne.
Effects:
Accutane works by drastically
decreasing the size and sebum (oil) production of the skin sebaceous glands.
Excess sebum causes oily skin that can lead to clogged pores and decrease the
natural shedding of dead skin cells. Excess oil and dead skin cells can stick
together, creating plugs in pores that can become inflamed because of bacterial
growth, causing acne.
Benefits:
Accutane and other Isotretinoin
drugs help to normalize the keratinatization or shedding of dead skin cells
from the skin surface. This helps reduce clogged pores and acne, minimize
pigmented blemishes and acne scar and even out skin complexion. Accutane also
helps reduce inflammation that causes skin redness and raised bumps in acne
break outs. As sebum output is dramatically reduced, the bacterium that causes
acne, P. acnes is also reduced in the skin.
Skin
Changes:
Accutane is an aggressive form of
acne treatment and it is only recommended if other treatments do not work. It
is not prescribed for minor or occasional acne because it can cause some
unfavorable side effects such as dry skin. Because the sebaceous glands in the
skin are altered by Accutane to decrease sebum output, this can cause excessive
dryness in the skin. Moisture and natural oil production is important to keep
the skin hydrated and plumped.