Dr. Parvin Shafa | October 27, 2025
You’ve tried everything. Countless face washes, expensive treatments, months of antibiotics – and still, your acne persists. Now you’re considering Accutane, but you want to know: will this finally be the end of your acne struggles?
At OC MedDerm (IrvineSkin) in Irvine, CA, we often see patients who have reached this exact point — ready for real, lasting results after years of frustration.
Let’s cut through the hype and give you the straight facts about what Accutane can and can’t do for your skin.
Accutane (isotretinoin) is basically vitamin A on steroids. It’s the heaviest hitter we have in dermatology for stubborn acne. While other treatments just manage symptoms, Accutane actually shrinks your oil glands – sometimes by up to 90%.
Here’s what makes it different: most acne treatments only work while you’re using them. Stop the pills or creams, and your acne comes back. Accutane rewires how your skin behaves, often for years after you finish taking it.
That’s why dermatologists call it the “nuclear option” for acne. It’s not your first choice, but when nothing else works, it’s often your best shot at clear skin.
Here’s what the research actually shows: most patients stay clear for years, but it’s not 100% permanent for everyone.
Recent studies following thousands of patients found that about 77% maintain their results long-term. That means roughly 1 in 4 patients will see some acne return – but here’s the kicker: even when acne comes back, it’s usually much milder than before treatment.
When dermatologists talk about “relapse,” they don’t mean the occasional pimple. They mean acne severe enough that you’d want treatment again. Most patients who technically “relapse” still have dramatically better skin than they started with.
The timing matters too. If acne is going to return, it typically happens within the first year or two after treatment. After that, your chances of staying clear keep improving.
Teenagers have higher relapse rates than adults. Your hormones are still going crazy during your teens and early twenties, which can work against the treatment. But don’t let this discourage you – younger patients still get excellent results, they just might need a touch-up course later.
This is crucial. Patients who get at least 220mg per kilogram of body weight have much better long-term results. For most people, this means 4-6 months of treatment. Stopping early because your skin looks good is a mistake that often leads to relapse.
Interestingly, having really severe acne doesn’t doom you to worse results. But certain types of acne – particularly those with lots of blackheads and whiteheads – might be more likely to return.
Month 1-2: Your skin might get worse before it gets better. This “purging” phase is normal but frustrating.
Month 2-4: You’ll start seeing real improvement. The painful cysts start disappearing first.
Month 4-6: Most patients see dramatic clearing. Some continue treatment until their skin is completely clear.
After treatment: Many patients are shocked at how simple their skincare routine becomes. No more 10-step regimens or harsh products.
Years later, successful patients often say their biggest skincare concern is remembering to use sunscreen and moisturizer. That’s it.
Let’s be honest – Accutane isn’t easy. Nearly everyone gets dry lips. Your skin will be drier than usual. Some people get joint aches or mood changes.
The pregnancy risk is serious. If you can get pregnant, you’ll need two forms of birth control and monthly pregnancy tests. No exceptions.
But here’s what patients tell us: the temporary side effects are worth it for the long-term results. Most side effects disappear when you stop the medication.
You might be if you have:
You’re probably not a candidate if you:
Want to maximize your chances of staying clear? Here’s what works:
During treatment:
After treatment:
About 15-20% of patients benefit from a second course of Accutane. This isn’t failure – it’s just biology. Some people need that extra push to achieve lasting results.
Second courses are often even more successful than first ones. Many patients who do two rounds achieve the permanent-feeling results they were hoping for initially.
We’ve guided hundreds of patients through Accutane treatment. What we’ve learned is that success isn’t just about the medication – it’s about proper patient selection, appropriate dosing, and setting realistic expectations.
Most of our patients are thrilled with their results. Even those who experience some minor breakouts years later tell us it was worth it. The confidence boost and improved quality of life often last long after treatment ends.
We don’t rush anyone into Accutane, but we also don’t make patients suffer through years of ineffective treatments when this option is available.
Will Accutane permanently cure your acne? For many patients, yes – or close enough that the difference doesn’t matter. For others, it provides years of clear skin with maybe some minor touch-ups needed later.
What it almost always does is dramatically improve your skin and quality of life. Even in the minority of patients who need retreatment, they typically maintain significant improvement over their starting point.
Is it worth the side effects and monitoring? That’s personal, but most patients tell us absolutely. The temporary inconvenience of treatment is small compared to years of struggling with severe acne.
If you’re tired of battling stubborn acne and want to know if Accutane could be right for you, let’s talk. Our dermatology team at Irvine Skin has extensive experience with isotretinoin treatment and can help you understand what to expect.
We’ll evaluate your specific situation, discuss all your options, and create a treatment plan that makes sense for your lifestyle and goals. Don’t let another year go by dealing with acne that could be effectively treated.
Schedule your acne consultation today and take the first step toward clear er skin. During your visit, we’ll assess whether Accutane is appropriate for your situation and answer all your questions about the treatment process. Call us at +1(949) 551-1113 or book online to get started. Your clearer skin journey begins with a single appointment.
Accutane can lead to long-term or even permanent improvement for most patients, but not everyone stays completely clear forever. Around 75–80% remain acne-free for years, while others may experience mild breakouts that are easier to manage.
Relapse usually happens due to hormonal fluctuations, stopping treatment too early, or receiving a lower cumulative dose. Teens tend to have a slightly higher relapse rate because their hormones are still active.
Complete the full recommended dose (usually 4–6 months), take the medication with food for better absorption, and maintain a gentle skincare routine after treatment. Regular follow-ups with your dermatologist can also help maintain results.
Yes. About 15–20% of patients may benefit from a second course. It’s a common approach and often even more effective than the first round. Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin before recommending it.
For most patients, clear skin lasts many years after finishing treatment. If acne returns, it usually happens within the first 1–2 years, and the breakouts are much milder than before treatment.
Book a consultation at OC Medderm | Irvineskin Today for Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology in Irvine & Orange County, CA.
We are experts in Acne, Pinch blepharoplasty, Ear lobe repair, Xanthelasma repair, Syringomas removal, mole removal, Keloid removal, Body and face piecing or piercing repair or removal, lump and bumps removal, Acne scar removal, Spider vein treatment, fungal infection, Co2 resurfacing, Warts and more.
You can schedule an appointment or call us now for all the dermatology treatments. We are located at 113 Waterworks Way 100, Irvine, Orange County CA, We Are Dedicated to Providing the Best & Transparent Dermatology Care for your skin.
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