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My experience taking Accutane, and what I've learned from it.
Accutane itself has been a game changer when it comes to skin texture, pigmentation, and acne. However it is not to say that Accutane should be taken by everyone, as it is a highly potent concentration of Vitamin A, and it can be severely detrimental to the user if precautions aren't taken, and used improperly. In this guide I will address the pros and cons of taking it, how to reduce side effects, and other bullshit.
What is Accutane? What can it do for me?
IntroductionAccutane itself has been a game changer when it comes to skin texture, pigmentation, and acne. However it is not to say that Accutane should be taken by everyone, as it is a highly potent concentration of Vitamin A, and it can be severely detrimental to the user if precautions aren't taken, and used improperly. In this guide I will address the pros and cons of taking it, how to reduce side effects, and other bullshit.
What is Accutane? What can it do for me?
Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is an acne prescription medication that is typically used to treat severe acne, or acne that has not responded to other treatments (ex. Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Adapalene, etc). Accutane is usually taken anywhere from 5-8 months, and depending on the duration and dosage of the treatment, is usually how many side effects a person can experience, and the severity of them.
How does Accutane work?
Accutane works by shrinking the oil glands on your skin (including your scalp). The shrinking of the oil glands suppresses the production of sebum which reduces the acne inflammation and eventually terminates it.
What are the side effects?
-Decreased levels of Growth Hormone and Testosterone levels in those taking them. Source
-Dryness (Chapped Lips, Dry Skin, Dandruff, etc). Source
-Temporary hair-loss, also known as Tellogen Effluvium, was reported in 3.2%-5.7% of patients taking Accutane (Dosage Dependent). Source
-Musculoskeletal Effects, such as joint pain. Source
-High Cholesterol, elevated Lipid levels, and worsened liver function. (Temporary, however get blood work done monthly). Source
THERE ARE MANY MORE SIDE EFFECTS, IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IT VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON, AND DOSAGE PLAYS A KEY ROLE.
MAKE SURE TO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
MAKE SURE TO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
How to diminish side effects?
-Reduce sunlight exposure.
-Stay hydrated.
-Use fragrance-free moisturizers.
-No chemical peels / exfoliants.
-Avoid hot water.
-Don't take Vitamin Supplements (Your liver will thank you for it).
-Wash hair less frequently.
-SPF 50+ everyday.
-Pray to God that you don't get any harsh side effects. (Cope)
Do I regret taking it? What advice can I give everybody?
It made my skin perfect. I struggled with hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and (obviously) acne inflammation. However, I experienced dryness, joint pain, high cholesterol levels (seeing the blood work results every month made me want to rope), hair thinning (still hasn't recovered), and now I don't produce any oil so it's crucial I moisturize.
I don't recommend taking it if you have mild but persistent acne, I would just thug it out it's not worth the effects. However if you have really bad acne then you definitely should. This short guide took me 2-3 hours of research so if you have any more questions about it I can try my best to answer with whatever knowledge I have.
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Works Cited
Barbieri, John S. βIsotretinoin for Treatment of Acne.β JAMA Dermatology (Chicago, Ill.), 2023, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.2065.
Tan, Jerry, et al. βOral Isotretinoin.β Dermatologic Clinics, vol. 34, no. 2, 2016, pp. 175β84, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2015.11.002.
Yuliya Lytvyn, PhD, et al. βComparing the Frequency of Isotretinoin-Induced Hair Loss at 0.5-Mg/kg/d Versus β₯0.5-Mg/kg/d Dosing in Acne Patients: A Systematic reviewCapsule Summary.β JAAD International, vol. 6, 2022, pp. 125β42.
βCholesterol and Liver Screening Now Even More Important to Accutane Patients.β Health & Medicine Week, NewsRX LLC, 2006, p. 240β.