An Accutane Alternative: How to Clear Acne for Good
If you are dealing with frequent acne breakouts, chances are you have heard of isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, Roaccutane, or Epuris. With countless anti-acne avenues to go down, it can be extremely difficult to choose what’s right for you and your skin. But if you’re thinking of Accutane then it probably means you’ve already gone down a lot of those anti-acne roads, to little success. From every external lotion and potion to various rounds of antibiotics and the birth control pill, it can all be very frustrating. You’re not alone.
I had been struggling with severe acne for over five years when I desperately went on Accutane. I felt like I had tried everything to clear my skin without success and was exhausted. After half a year on Accutane, my acne became slightly more manageable, but my skin was never clear—I still wasn’t free from breakouts. The medication may have helped suppress the symptoms, but it didn’t address the root cause or triggers. And as Accutane is meant to be a last resort, you need to cut through the noise and empower yourself to make the best decision for your skin. It wasn’t until I discovered a different approach to my skin troubles that I found long- lasting results with holistic acne treatment.
Check Caralyn’s Full acne story here
A bit about Accutane
Accutane/isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A used to treat severe chronic acne by triggering cells to turn over more rapidly, thus speeding up the skin’s healing process, while also reducing sebum production. Less sebum means fewer clogged pores, which in turn means fewer breakouts. Accutane can only be prescribed under the supervision of a dermatologist for very good reason: the rapid cellular division Accutane encourages is not just isolated to skin cells, it can also affect all cells of the body, hence its link to issues such as liver and pregnancy defects.
One course of Accutane treatment is typically four to six months long and includes regular doctor visits and bloodwork to ensure the physical and emotional wellbeing of the patient. Alcohol consumption is minimized, and birth control is mandatory due to possible birth defects associated with Accutane’s use. Further, the skin itself becomes extra-sensitive in response to the extreme changes in its natural oil barrier, causing issues such as severe dry skin, cracked lips, dermatitis, scaly and red rash-like symptoms especially in areas around the mouth, eyes, and nose. This means that irritating treatments like waxing must be avoided, and preventative measures like sunscreen are necessary.
While studies have shown that Accutane has high effectiveness in the treatment of severe acne, resulting in a lifelong “cure” for about half the people who take it, it also comes with a myriad of potential side effects, from those mentioned above to low moods and depression. Further, although a course of Accutane is recommended for a six-month period, many patients face acne relapse afterward and opt to continue taking the drug at a lower dose to help keep symptoms at bay.
My Accutane Experience & What To Know About Accutane Before Starting
WHOLE-BODY HELP
Chronic acne can be complex and have multiple triggers and root causes. Taking a medication may help suppress symptoms but, unfortunately, does not address the root cause. Before resorting taking medication, why not consider adopting a holistic approach to your acne that addresses the root cause of acne breakouts to beat acne for good? Bringing the body back into balance and harmony takes about the same amount of time as a round of Accutane but is minimally invasive and promotes overall health and wellness.
Enlist experts: The first step is to recognize that you can be your own best advocate, so reclaim self-trust and reach out to a community of experts who can support your journey. Doctors, naturopaths, holistic nutritionists, therapists, and skin coaches can help you address all areas of your wellbeing and health, which will ultimately translate to the frequency and severity of acne breakouts. There’s an app for that
Begin by tracking your breakouts, menstrual cycle, digestion, sleep, mood, stressors, and any other symptoms you are noticing. This is especially important if you have been experiencing breakouts for longer than six months, have recently stopped taking a hormonal contraceptive, and/or are dealing with other hormonal symptoms. When you keep track of what your body is feeling and showing over a period of time, you are in a better place to have a meaningful conversation with your community of experts.
Nutritious knowledge Address nutrient deficiencies and nourish the body and skin from the inside out through targeted nutrition practices and supplementation. Focus on real whole foods and choose organic where possible.
Full body check Reduce inflammation by restoring gut health and encouraging dailybowel movements. Work with a practitioner to balance blood sugar and restore a healthy metabolism to reduce overall stress. And begin at home by prioritizing quality sleep.
Balanced skin Find an acne-safe skincare routine you have confidence in to control excess sebum, and work with a practitioner to re-balance testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone levels, if applicable.
Daily detox Support detoxification for glowing skin, especially if you have recently come off a form of hormonal contraception or long-term medication like antibiotics. Supporting detox pathways like the liver helps to rid excess hormones and toxins from the body to calm the skin.
Stop wasting time on treatments that don’t address the root causes of your acne. Reclaim your self-trust and look to a whole-body approach to end the acne cycle. A holistic approach is more than just a way to clear your skin; it also addresses your mindset, as the way you feel about your skin is just as important as the food you’re eating or the products you’re slathering on.
My hope is that anyone struggling with acne can read this and make a choice with all their options on the table. While Accutane may be the right option for some, if it doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, know that you have other options. If you’re interested in a root-cause approach, consider working with an acne nutritionist and/or holistic acne coach.
Big love,
Caralyn
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