Low-dose oral isotretinoin (i.e. Accutane) for photoaging?
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free skin care · Fri Apr 16, 2010 5:06 am

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has been using low-dose oral isotretinoin (i.e. Accutane) for photoaging purposes.

For some time I've been thinking that I'd also like my overall skin to look better. I have some sunspots in my legs, chest that I'd like to get rid of and I'd like to prevent sagging of the skin and wrinkling.

I thought about buying a 10000 tubes of Retin-A but I obviously thought that the idea was crazy, I would not have the discipline to put it on every night and that I was concerned about safety (putting Retin-A in your face and/or your back is quite different from all over!)

I also had a failed run with Obagi Sad

I used it for... 6-8 weeks. My skin was always hurting, dry and NL folds actually started appearing! Maybe it would have all improved after but I couldn't take it anymore.

So... I had been reading about using oral istotretinoin for photoaging. I was scared of the side effects, etc, etc but I took the plunge!!

There are some controlled studies published in peer-reviewed journals on the effect of isotretinoin on photoaging. And patients did not experience side effects and had good results. I will be referencing these articles later today.

So anyways, I've been taking oral isotretinoin for over a month and I'm actually quite pleased with the results so far! I'm sure it's too early for any real antiwrinkle effect to be apparent but my face looks smoother and my tone is more even. A friend of mine actually asked me what I was doing to my skin that it looked so nice Smile

I don't think I have noticed any particular chance on my body skin though (at least yet).

As a side effect I have dry, cracked lips and my eyes feel drier as well (I have naturally dry eyes). They don't feel horribly dry but I've had to put drops here some days.

I plan on taking it for 3 months (that's the time they followed the patients for in most studies) and then just probably continue with Retin A.

Anyone else using it??

free skin care · Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:23 am

Josee wrote:

I was wondering if anyone has been using low-dose oral isotretinoin (i.e. Accutane) for photoaging purposes.

For some time I've been thinking that I'd also like my overall skin to look better. I have some sunspots in my legs, chest that I'd like to get rid of and I'd like to prevent sagging of the skin and wrinkling.

Josee - even with a 'study' for photoaging purposes, this seems like a pretty desperate thing to do for correcting photoaging. There are sooo many side effects to consider - it's really quite a scary thought.

After reading about your reasons for trying this, CPs would be the perfect product for you to try (and much safer). Sorry - JMO

BTW- I do see that you have a few products that you use on your product line that do not have 'studies' backing them up (argireline??)
(Josee's former signature: . Current regime: VitC+E+Ferulic+Argireline, RetinA, Dr.Hauschka clay mask and EpidermxII weekly, ocassional use of AHA and BHA, Jojoba esters as moisturizer

And you're currently using hydroquinone - 4%!! Are you not aware of the controversies surrounding that product??
Current regime: Isotretinoin 20mg every other day, hydroquinone 4% once or twice/day, random moisturizers and sunscreen

free skin care · Sun May 09, 2010 4:43 pm

Here is a study where they use low dose accutane and retin-a together.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16281880

It is in reference to acne, but it does show that the two can be used together.

free skin care · Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:25 pm

Hello Everyone,
I've been taking a low-dose of isotretinoin for about 1 and 1/2 weeks -- 20mg on Mon., Wed., and Fri.

So far: My face is far less oily during the day and when I first wake up. Also, like Annie, my pores appear to be "tighter." No break outs and skin feels softer to the touch. Lips are a little dry, but I'm using Aquaphor to remedy the situation.

I'm still using some of the Obagi Nuderm products: Clear (for hyperpigmentation) and Exfoderm Forte (for texture). But I am abstaining from topical retin a as I think this would be too much.

That's my update for now! I'll be going in to have my levels checked in October.

If you have uber-oily skin, this is a great way to balance it out. Check with your derm.

free skin care · Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:03 am

Josee wrote:

I miss my accutane days so much! My skin never looked clearer,with my pores oh so small...

I should try to get pregnant soon so sadly no more Accutane for me Smile

Josee, I am so happy to see you post again! Good luck on trying to get pregnant!

BTW, just a question for all of you using the Accutane. I see the pores smaller, no breakouts, less oil, but what about the photoaging that the Accutane is supposed to help with? Anyone have any results in that respect?

free skin care · Sat Sep 11, 2010 7:23 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

I just want to say how thrilled I am to see you back! Smile

and best wishes on getting pregnant!

Thanks! I'm working A LOT and it's been so hard to get back on the work schedule! I wish they gave sabbaticals every 2 years Very Happy

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