How Does Accutane Work?

Accutane®, or isotretinoin, is an oral medication that shrinks the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin to reduce the amount of oil your skin is producing. Without the oil to clog pores and attract bacteria, acne—even severe or cystic acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments—can’t produce the sebum it needs to grow. Accutane® is considered the “big guns” of acne therapy, but Accutane®—if dosed correctly—can have minimal to zero side effects. At ZENA Medical, we don’t strive to get you a little bit better. Our goal is to make our patients 100% acne free.

Am I a Good Candidate?

If you have acne or have tried many products and prescriptions but still have acne, Accutane® is highly recommended. Dr. Zenovia Gabriel or one of the ZENA Medical dermatologists will take a thorough medical history to ensure you’re an ideal candidate before beginning Accutane® treatment. Because Accutane® is prescribed in pill form, it’s easy for patients—particularly teenage boys who may not be interested in cream treatments—to stick to. A low-dose of Accutane® can save patients thousands of dollars on skincare products that aren’t as effective for treating acne.