When does Accutane start working?

What Is Accutane?

If you’re thinking about starting Accutane, you probably have one big question:

How long before Accutane starts working? Or maybe you’re wondering, how long does it take for Accutane to clear your skin?

Accutane or Isotretinoin is a powerful medication used to treat acne. Its real name is isotretinoin, but most people just call it Accutane.

Dermatologists typically prescribe Accutane to people who have moderate to severe acne, like nodular acne. This kind of acne is deep, painful, and doesn’t go away with regular creams or pills, but it is also sometimes prescribed for other forms of acne that don’t respond to other treatments or if the acne is particularly distressing for the individual.

Accutane prescription is different from other acne medications because it doesn’t just treat the top of your skin. It works deep inside your body. It shrinks your oil glands, so your skin makes less oil. Less oil means fewer clogged pores and less acne.

It’s strong and serious, but for many people, it really works when nothing else has helped.

How Accutane Works

Accutane (also called isotretinoin) is a strong acne treatment that works deep below your skin.

Here’s what it does:

Shrinks your oil glands so your skin makes less oil.
(Too much oil can clog your pores and cause breakouts.)

Keeps pores from getting clogged, which helps stop new pimples from forming.

Calms inflammation, so red, swollen spots start to go away.

Dermatologists typically recommend Accutane therapy for people who have already tried other acne treatments without success. It’s a powerful medication, but it can be effective when other options haven’t worked.

When Does Accutane Start Working?

If you’re starting Accutane, you might wonder, “How long does it take for Accutane to work?” That’s a common question — and the answer is: it takes time.

Here’s a general timeline:

Week 1–2: At first, you might not see much improvement. In fact, some people experience more breakouts during the first few weeks. This is known as a "purge," and it’s a common reaction. You can read more about it here. It doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working, it’s just part of the process.

Week 4–6: Over time, your skin may begin to show signs of improvement and feel healthier.

Week 8–12: You’ll probably notice fewer breakouts, reduced redness, and your skin will start to feel smoother.

After 4–6 months: By the time treatment ends, most people have significantly clearer skin.

Everyone’s skin is different, so how fast Accutane starts working can vary. But the important thing is to stick with it and follow your dermatologist’s plan.

Here’s Dr. Aaron Farberg’s insights on How long does it take for Accutane to kick in?

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Aaron Farberg, MD

Is telehealth Accutane legit? The answer is yes. Yes, it is legit. It’s something that we as dermatologists have been doing for years. Now you’re able to actually get it through our telemedicine program at Clear Health.

How long does Accutane take to work? It depends upon what you mean by take to work. If it means to get rid of all your acne, well, especially if you’re doing microdosing, it’s going to be a longer period of time. You’re going to continue to use it. If you’re doing the full dose of Accutane, you’re going to wait until you get to the end of it. Sometimes I even have patients that have a pimple in their last month. I’ll say, great, let’s keep going for another month. Do I still need iPledge for telehealth Accutane? For any legitimate real telehealth dermatologist version providing Accutane, such as ours, 100%, you need to be following iPledge. That’s the law of the land. That’s what we do. It’s the right thing to do. So yes whether it’s microdosed or not, you have to follow the ipledge.

What to Expect During the Course of Treatment

Taking Accutane is not like using regular acne creams. It’s a full treatment plan that usually lasts 4 to 6 months. Here’s what to expect:

Dry skin and lips: Almost everyone gets dry skin or chapped lips. Keep lotion and lip balm nearby!

Skin gets more sensitive: You’ll need to wear sunscreen every day. Accutane makes your skin burn more easily.

Monthly check-ins: Your dermatologist will check your progress and do blood tests to make sure your body is handling the medicine well.

Side effects: Some people feel tired, get dry eyes, or feel moody. Always tell your dermatologist how you’re feeling.

Even though there can be potential side effects, many people finish their Accutane treatment with clear skin and no long-term problems. Just be sure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions closely.

Why You Need to Prevent Pregnancy on Accutane

Accutane (Isotretinoin) can cause serious birth defects. That means if you get pregnant while taking Accutane, the baby could be born with problems. That’s why there are strict rules for anyone who can get pregnant.

Here’s what you need to know:

Before starting Accutane, you must take two negative pregnancy tests.
You’ll need to enroll in theiPLEDGE program, which makes sure patients understand the risks.
You must use two forms of birth control while on Accutane and for at least 1 month after stopping it.
You’ll take monthly pregnancy tests to stay safe.

These steps are crucial. They help prevent pregnancy and protect you and your future family.

Ready to get started with Accutane?

Clear Health™ is your one-stop shop for everything you need. From your Accutane prescription and lab work, to iPLEDGE enrollment and fast medication delivery. No long waits, no confusing steps. Just expert care made easy.

Need a lower dose that could potentially minimize the side effects? Read more about the Micro-dose Protocol