Oily Skin After Accutane: Addressing Your Concerns

Accutane or isotretinoin is usually considered the ‘ultimate solution’ for severe acne caused by excessively oily skin. It is a derivative of vitamin A that is generally prescribed to treat acne-prone and oily skin. 

Research claims that Accutane is highly effective in treating or declining acne by minimizing its significant causes. It is potent and efficient; however, it might also show side effects. 

Many people also ask if oily skin can return after Accutane. Let’s find the answer!

How Does Accutane Work?

One of the leading causes of oily skin is clogged skin pores caused by dust, bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells. The buildup of excess oil in the clogged pores can cause acne as oil assists the bacteria to live and grow their colonies. Thus, the main goal for people with oily skin is to combat bacterial growth in clogged pores.

Accutane works by reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands, resulting in less oil production. Bacteria find a less favorable environment to live in, helping skin prevent acne and extreme skin oiliness. Moreover, Accutane also boosts cell turnover rate and prevents skin inflammation.

Can Accutane Permanently Shrink Sebaceous Glands?

Accutane reduces the pores and shrinks the sebaceous glands to reduce oil production and fight inflammation, thus helping treat acne. Isotretinoin also assists the oil glands in self-destructing.

Generally, the Accutane course duration is six months, during which you may experience reduced oil production in skin cells. However, skin oil production may get back to normal limits at the end of the treatment.

Can Accutane Show Side Effects?

Usually, Accutane is considered a safe drug posing no serious complications; however, almost every patient suffers from mild to moderate associated health problems. Sebum is essential for healthy skin due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps hydrate the skin and stabilizes pH, thus acting as a powerful protector.

Accutane is directly involved in reducing the activity of sebaceous glands that can lead to dry skin pores. However, extreme sebum reduction in skin cells is the main reason behind the acute side effects of Accutane. Resultantly, the patients may experience some signs such as:

• Xeroderma or dry skin
• Cracked lips
• Dry eye syndrome
• Eczema 
• Arthralgia

Research shows that the activity of sebaceous glands might resume after stopping the Accutane treatment with less severity.

Can Oily Skin Return After Accutane?

Accutane can help get rid of oily skin but not permanently as some factors may aggravate sebum production. Even after the end of Accutane treatment, the most common cause of oily skin may be hormonal Imbalance. Sebum can be produced by two main hormones named, testosterone and cortisol (stress hormone). The upsurge of these hormones can lead to acne and intense oily skin.

A study suggests that doctors should focus on treating endocrinological problems in female patients besides Accutane treatment. This practice can be proved more beneficial for curing oily skin and acne problems.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering Accutane treatment for your oily skin, I suggest you discuss all the pros and cons with your dermatologist. Remember, no treatment can give you permanent relief from oily skin; however, Accutane is a suitable option for getting long-term results.