Accutane (isotretinoin 20mg) is a powerful prescription medication used primarily for treating severe or stubborn acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments. While highly effective, it comes with a range of precautions and side effects. Making Accutane work at its best while minimizing risks requires careful attention to lifestyle, skincare, and medication habits. This guide covers everything you need to know to maximize Accutane’s effectiveness and ensure a smoother treatment journey.
Follow Your Prescribed Dosage Carefully
Accutane is usually dosed based on body weight, typically around 0.5 to 1 mg per kg per day, over a 15–20 week course. Your dermatologist may start you on a lower dose to reduce side effects and increase it gradually.
Tips:
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Don’t increase the dose without consulting your doctor.
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Stick to your treatment plan consistently—even if acne seems to get worse before it gets better.
Take Accutane With a Fatty Meal
Isotretinoin is a fat-soluble drug, which means it is best absorbed when taken with dietary fat. Studies show that taking Accutane with a high-fat meal can significantly increase its absorption and efficacy. You can also buy accutane online from dosepharmacy.
Good options include:
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Avocados
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Nuts and seeds
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Whole eggs
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Full-fat dairy
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Olive oil or coconut oil-based meals
Avoid taking the pill on an empty stomach or with very low-fat foods.
Avoid Vitamin A Supplements
Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A, and taking additional vitamin A can lead to toxicity. Excess vitamin A can increase the risk of side effects like liver problems, dry skin, and vision issues.
What to avoid:
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Multivitamins with vitamin A
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Retinol-based supplements
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Cod liver oil capsules
Always check the labels of supplements and inform your doctor about everything you’re taking.
Stick to a Gentle Skincare Routine
Accutane significantly reduces oil production and thins the outer layer of the skin, making it dry, sensitive, and more prone to irritation. Harsh or active skincare products can worsen side effects and cause further inflammation.
Recommended skincare tips:
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Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
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Moisturize twice a day with a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer (look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin).
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Avoid exfoliating scrubs, AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids during treatment.
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Use a lip balm and healing ointment for cracked lips and nose dryness.
Never Skip Sunscreen
Skin on Accutane becomes highly photosensitive. Sun exposure can cause severe burns, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
Best practices:
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Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
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Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing when outdoors.
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Reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours if you’re exposed to the sun.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can worsen dry skin, nosebleeds, and fatigue. Keeping your body hydrated helps maintain skin elasticity and may ease dryness caused by Accutane.
Aim for:
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At least 8 glasses (2 liters) of water per day.
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Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating.
Monitor Your Mental Health
Accutane has been linked (though not conclusively) to mood changes in some users, including depression and anxiety. It’s crucial to keep track of your mental well-being and communicate openly with your healthcare provider.
Look out for:
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Mood swings
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Loss of interest in daily activities
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Sleep disturbances
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Increased anxiety or irritability
Let your doctor know immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Avoid Waxing and Laser Treatments
Accutane slows down skin regeneration, which makes it more vulnerable to injury. Waxing, chemical peels, and laser treatments can lead to scarring and skin damage during and even months after finishing treatment.
Alternative:
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Stick to shaving or trimming for hair removal.
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Wait at least 6 months after your last Accutane dose before resuming any cosmetic procedures.
Be Patient and Trust the Process
Many users experience an “initial purge” within the first month, where acne appears to worsen before improving. This is normal and a sign that the medication is starting to work.
What to remember:
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Full results typically show after 3–6 months.
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Don’t give up early or skip doses due to the purge.
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Communicate with your dermatologist for adjustments or support during this period.
Avoid Alcohol (Or Minimize It)
Accutane can affect liver enzymes and increase triglyceride levels. Alcohol does the same. Combining both can put excess stress on the liver and increase side effect risks.
What to do:
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If you drink, do so in moderation and discuss it with your doctor.
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Routine blood tests during treatment will help monitor liver function and lipid levels.
Don’t Pick or Squeeze Pimples
Picking or squeezing can cause scarring, especially when your skin is thinned and healing slower due to Accutane.
Tips:
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Keep hands off your face.
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Use hydrocolloid patches for any inflamed pimples.
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Let the medication do the work over time.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Regular dermatologist visits are essential for:
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Monitoring side effects
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Adjusting dosages
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Reviewing blood tests (liver function, cholesterol, pregnancy tests for women)
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Ensuring safe and effective progress
Birth Control Is Mandatory for Women
Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic (can cause severe birth defects). Women of childbearing age must use two forms of birth control and undergo monthly pregnancy tests during treatment.
Approved methods include:
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Hormonal contraceptives (pill, patch, IUD)
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Barrier methods (condoms)
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Abstinence
Failure to follow this protocol can result in treatment denial.
Eat a Balanced Diet
While no food “cures” acne, eating a nutritious, anti-inflammatory diet can support your skin’s healing during Accutane treatment.
Include:
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Omega-3 rich foods (salmon, flaxseed)
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Leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits
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Whole grains and lean proteins
Avoid:
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Sugary snacks
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Dairy (if it worsens your acne)
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Greasy fast food
Final Thoughts
Accutane is one of the most powerful acne treatments available today, often delivering life-changing results. But it’s not a quick fix or without risks. Making Accutane more effective involves more than just taking a pill—it’s about building the right habits around it. From staying hydrated and avoiding sun exposure to gentle skincare and regular follow-ups, your dedication to self-care will determine your success.
With patience, discipline, and guidance from your dermatologist, Accutane can be the turning point in your journey to clearer, healthier skin.