Isotretonoin advice

[Yuiio]

Hi. I’m 19 and just starting my second round of isotretonoin. My acne came back 1 and a half years after stopping my first round. It heightened mental health issues to the point I isolated myself for months from everyone. I really want this round to work so does anyone have advice? I also need to lower cholesterol (despite not being over weight and eating reasonably healthily) and so any advice on that would also be helpful.

[Dragon8]

HiWithout knowing your current dosage, the severity of your condition and the mental health issues you are experiencing I can’t be specific with my suggestions

So, generally speaking I would lower your dosage to reduce the side effects while still clearing the acne. For example-if you were previously taking 20 mg a day you could try 15 mg. I wish all the best

[Ola54]

I tried antibiotics along with Differin. I was sceptical about the treatment at the beginning but I started to notice less acne after 6 weeks and after 4 months it had cleared up. I had just red marks left but that was easy to cover up with a little makeup and my skin was very smooth.

I started with 8 weeks of minocycline antibiotics and then the doctor changed it to 8 weeks of lymecycline antibiotics (as this apparently interferes less with other medication you might take).

I highly recommend trying a course of antibiotics plus the Differin cream. The Differin cream is very nice to use. Just have to ensure you wear SPF during the day as it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight. I didn't bother as I had treatment in winter time so not much sun.

I almost went on isotretinoin but was glad to have found this "nicer" treatment.

I hope this helps and good luck!