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The sebaceous glands on our face enlarge when they produce too much oil. As a result, the enlarged pores attract more dirt and oil, which clogs the pores and forms a whitehead. The whitehead then reacts with the oxygen from the air and constructs a blackhead.
Blackheads are usually very stubborn and hard to get rid of. That’s why when people are on Accutane, the first question they ask is- “Will Accutane get rid of blackheads?”.
The short and simple answer is. “Yes, Accutane treatment helps to get rid of blackheads by reducing the excessive oil production on the skin.”
To know more detail in this regard, here is this article. Let’s learn something new.
Will Accutane Get Rid Of Blackheads?
An oral acne medication called Accutane, or isotretinoin, helps with acne and pimples. This treatment will get rid of blackheads and whiteheads by slowly stopping the excessive oil production from our sebaceous glands.
Moreover, it is only Accutane that treats all four causes of acne: Propionibacterium acne bacteria, excessive oil, irritation, and clogged pores, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). This medication treats excessive oil production on the skin. That’s how it helps to get rid of blackheads.
A standard treatment course of isotretinoin takes four to six months. During this time, Accutane strips the skin’s top layer and stops the overproduction of oil. Additionally, since Accutane prevents oil production, excess oil cannot clog pores. And that’s how Accutane gets rid of blackheads and whiteheads.
Board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Michele S. Green stated that Accutane is an excellent treatment for cystic acne that does not want to go away. Moreover, Dr. Michele also articulated, “Accutane would heal all of the comedones and papules that you are experiencing, as well as your blackheads.”
So, with this medication, you can treat not only acne but also blackheads. However, blackheads are also a type of mild acne. It’s important to remember that doctors are unlikely to recommend this procedure alone to treat blackheads. So, for the best outcome, you should always follow the guidelines accordingly.
Will Accutane Get Rid of Whiteheads?
When sebum, germs, and dead skin cells build up in the skin’s pores, it results in a whitehead—a round, tiny, and white bump forms on your face with this moderate kind of acne. Accutane is effective in treating all forms of acne, including whiteheads.
One of the main goals of this treatment is to limit the amount of sebum being produced, which in turn helps to prevent whiteheads from forming.
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Will Accutane Get Rid Of Acne Forever?
Accutane can be the best acne treatment, but does it get rid of acne forever? Different people have had different experiences after Accutane. Search for whether Accutane gets rid of acne forever or not. You will find mixed opinions on different resources.
After taking Accutane, some patients experienced a permanent acne cure. Other people still encounter the occasional bout of acne, but it’s not as bad as it was before taking Accutane. Isotretinoin on adults over age 18 has some experiences that have been shown below:
- Average 1 adult in 3 can expect their acne to go forever.
- Average 1 adult in 3 can expect their acne to return but not as severe as before
- Average 1 adult in 3 can expect their acne to return as before it was.
If you have hormonal acne, then it is more likely to return after Accutane. Accutane cannot control your hormones, but it can stop excessive oil production. But after the end of the course on Accutane, your hormonal acne can come back if you do not control your hormones with proper medication.
On the other hand, the Accutane medication fully destroys the sebaceous filament glands and shrinks them. So, it may take years for the body to recover from sebaceous gland destruction. In some cases, most people do not experience the return of acne after Accutane.
How To Remove Blackheads At Home?
Although Accutane can get rid of blackheads on the nose, you can remove them at home easily. Some treatments for blackheads will give you temporary relief from them. Here is how to get rid of blackheads at home without Accutane:
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants are the only solution that can get rid of blackheads permanently. You should exfoliate your skin with chemical exfoliants twice a week. Salicylic acid, Alpha hydroxy acid, and glycolic acids are some great chemical exfoliates that eliminate blackheads. Do not use chemical exfoliants more than twice a week, or it can cause irritation to the skin,
Clay Masks
Clay masks are best for oily to combination skin types that are struggling with blackheads. The clay mask sucks up all the oils from the sebaceous glands, leaving the skin oil free. Clay masks also help to shrink the sebaceous glands and clean the pores. Using clay masks three times a week before sleep can be useful for removing blackheads.
Retinol
Retinol cream or serum not only helps with acne but also removes blackheads. Using retinol will make the dirt come from the underlayer of the skin, which causes skin purging. Retinol helps the skin purge by getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads.
How Long Does It Take For Blackheads To Go Away On Accutane?
It’s common for folks to wonder how long Accutane takes to take effect. Depending on the patient’s response to the treatment, the answer might not be precisely identical for each individual.
Within just the first two to three months of the treatment, the majority of patients report seeing the expected benefits. Even if the capsules begin to work after only ten days of treatment, noticeable changes will take much longer.
Well, Accutane treatment typically lasts between 16 and 24 weeks. And, 8 weeks after treatment, your blackheads are normally cleared up.
What Is Accutane Not Good For?
Being on Accutane does not mean it will make your skin like a baby. You will still have some bumps, texture, and pores, which is normal for a human being. Here are the things that will not change even if you are on Accutane:
- Pores: Isotretinoin does not get rid of pores properly. No product in this world can get rid of pores because pores are a part of our skin. Our skin breathes through the pores, and Accutane can shrink them but not eliminate them.
- Scars: Accutane can not get rid of scars. You can try laser treatment if you want to eliminate scars from your face.
- Rosacea: Accutane can not remove rosacea, post redness from acne. Acne redness cannot be treated with Accutane; only acne can be removed.
- Hyperpigmentation: Unfortunately, hyperpigmentation can not be treated with Accutane.
FAQs
Can I consume oily foods while on Accutane?
Yes, of course, you can, and you should. Consuming fatty foods, in particular, aids in the absorption of the drug. Some sort of fat, such as nuts, cheese, avocados, meats, or fatty fish like tuna or salmon, should accompany patients’ pills twice a day.
Can I drink alcohol while on Accutane?
No, you should not drink alcohol while you are on Accutane. It can lead to severe liver infections and other diseases. Moreover, it can waste your whole treatment. To know more about this, you should check out our blog on “Can you drink alcohol on Accutane?“
Conclusion
Well, now it’s time to conclude. Finally, we can say that if you are a cystic acne patient, then Accutane will help to treat acne, including blackheads. But only for blackhead treatment, we recommend applying other home remedies, as mentioned above. Moreover, don’t forget to consult your doctor. Follow the prescription accordingly.
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Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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