These 20 Accutane alternatives are just as effective as the real thing but without the side effects. Most people deal with a little acne every once in a while but if you have severe acne, chances are your dermatologist has mentioned accutane before. This incredibly effective medication works for cystic acne that is not responsive to other medications.
Despite the relief this medication offers, there are concerns about the many side effects that we will discuss. As a result, many people are seeking other solutions to acne that are equally as effective with mild to zero side effects. But before we explain what these drugs and ointments are, it’s essential for you to understand how Accutane works.
How Accutane Works For Acne
Accutane or isotretinoin is an oral retinoid that treats acne by reducing sebaceous glands (oil-producing), which mitigates the likelihood of clogged pores. Many sufferers of acne have oily skin, and Accutane is one of the major solutions to this problem. As a result, it’s the most effective treatment for acne resistant to other medications.
Does Accutane Have Side Effects?
Despite the effectiveness of Accutane, it does have some side effects you may need to consider. For instance, pregnant women aren’t advised to take accutane because it can lead to birth defects and sometimes fetal death.
Below are some of the side effects of accutane;
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dehydrated skin
- Eczema
- Hearing impairments
- Tinnitus
- Allergies
- Hair loss
- Joint pain
According to different studies, only one in a thousand patients suffer serious side effects. Nevertheless, you also have to worry about other common ones such as itching, eczema, dry nasal passages, and others. Due to the number of side effects, many people prefer accutane alternatives for a better experience.
What Can You Use Instead of Accutane?
Depending on how severe your acne is, you can fix it with different methods- lifestyle changes, antibiotics, topical gels, and other methods. Below are some effective alternatives to accutane for cystic acne;
1. Consider Some Lifestyle Changes
Since excess oil is the major cause of acne, preventing your face from being greasy is a step in the right direction. You’ve probably heard this a billion times before but it works for mild acne.
Some tips that will help are;
- Keep your bed sheets and pillowcases clean.
- Wash your face 2-3 times a day with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
- Use non-comedogenic skin care and makeup products.
- Stay away from oil-based products as well as those full of alcohol.
- Don’t touch your face often.
2. Try Other Mild Topical Retinoids
Since accutane is a high-strength retinoid, there are others that are as effective with minimal side effects;
- Adapalene: Adapalene is also called Differin gel and is one of the most effective of the 20 Accutane alternatives. This gel was first approved for use in 2016 and has been found to have fewer issues with users. Nevertheless, it also leads to irritated skin with eczema.
- Tazarotene: Tazarotene is another effective retinoid that treats psoriasis and acne. Also called Tazorac, it exists in both gel and cream form. According to different users, you may experience some stinging when you use this product but it isn’t meant to be excessive.
- Trifarotene: Trifarotene is a retinoid that can be used by both adults and kids (>9 years). Aside from acne, it is also effective for sunburn, itching, and other irritations. It works by unclogging your pores by replacing old skin cells with new ones while reducing inflammation.
- Tretinoin: Tretinoin creams are sold under different brand names such as Avita, Retin-A, Altreno, Atralin. This ointment exists in both cream and gel forms and is often advised for nighttime use. It usually takes between 2-3 weeks to get positive effects when using this topical cream.
3. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are another great alternative to Accutane because they destroy the bacteria in your pores- Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermis are the major acne-causing bacteria. This option is excellent for people dealing with severe acne and, depending on the brand, can be budget-friendly. Antibiotics for acne exist in either pill or cream form, so you can choose based on your preference.
Below are some of the major antibiotics prescribed for acne;
- Azithromycin & Erythromycin: These antibiotics are macrolides- antibacterials that are effective against gram positive and gram negative bacterias. They are usually infused in topical treatment for acne.
- Minocycline & Doxycycline: These are antibiotics called tetracyclines, and they are the most common antibacterial for acne. They are just as effective- you will likely see an improvement within 4-6 weeks of treatment.
- Dapsone: Dapsone belongs to a class of antibiotics called Sulfones. This Accutane alternative is a recent, more expensive, equally effective option. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-infectives used for skin issues as well as leprosy. Depending on the severity of your acne, you can start to see improvement after 12 weeks.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is another acne-preventing antibiotic that is also used to treat other soft tissue and skin infections. However, there are some concerns about allergic reactions, so your dermatologist may ask about your allergies before suggesting this antibiotic.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide has antibacterial properties that destroy and prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. It also reduces oil production and facilitates the shedding of dead skin cells by exfoliation. Even though benzoyl peroxide is an antibiotic like the others mentioned in the previous section, it has minimal side effects.
This antiseptic topical gel is mostly prescribed for mild to moderate acne and rosacea. Most users report dry and peeling skin after weeks of using Benzoyl Peroxide. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry about inflammation and other severe symptoms.
5. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is excellent for acne because it rids the skin of dead cells and decreases inflammation and redness. This product is usually prescribed in combination with other acne treatments for the most effective. It exists in cream, solution, or gel form and can be applied with your hands or clean pads.
Depending on what your skin needs, your dermatologist may suggest cleansers with salicylic acid alongside other medications. It’s essential to keep your fingers clean when applying any lotion or cream to your face.
6. Hormonal Drug Therapy
Hormonal drugs may sound like a terrible idea, especially if you’re a woman who struggles with hormonal imbalance. However, it is a great way to reduce sebum production and acne consequently. The theory behind using hormonal therapy is to lower the level of androgens in your system by taking both estrogen and progesterone.
Androgens are sex hormones that activate when you hit puberty. Hence, they are a crucial part of body’s development and reproductive system. Unfortunately, androgen hormones lead to excessive sebum production, which causes acne. By taking hormonal medication with both estrogen and progesterone, you can reduce the secretion of androgens. Take note of pills that contain only progesterone because they can make your acne worse.
7. Light & Laser Treatments
Prescription medications and ointments may not always be enough to treat your acne. Hence, light and laser treatments are your next bet.
Below are a few options to choose from;
8. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for acne. However, it is an invasive method. This procedure uses light to remove the top layer of your skin, which gets rid of dead skin cells in the process. As a result, you get smooth skin with zero acne and other skin issues. Unfortunately, this procedure has a lot of cons that you might need to consider.
For one, it’s a painful procedure, and depending on your tolerance, it might be unbearable. Also, the effects are short-lived- if your acne is caused by other factors, it will come back. Finally, it is an expensive procedure- PDT costs upwards of $100, and you may need up to 5 sessions for the required effect. This procedure may not be ideal if you’re working with a budget.
9. Smooth Beam
Smooth Beam is undoubtedly one of the most versatile acne treatments available. It’s great for reversing active breakouts and acne scars and stimulating collagen production. This procedure uses a diode laser in 2-4 sessions for the most effective result.
10. Sebacia
Sebacia entails massaging microscopic silicone beads into the pores. Each bead is coated with elemental gold and a Q-switched laser, which upon activation, reduces sebum production. It also destroys acne-causing bacteria simultaneously. After your treatment, the beads will leave the pores without manual extraction.
This procedure is incredibly effective and lasts for at least a year before you will need any maintenance.
11. Isolaz
Isolaz combines two methods to rid the skin of acne- it cleans out the pores using suctioning and uses laser light to kill bacteria. It’s a gentle procedure that offers immediate, long-lasting results. This is a great alternative for cystic acne compared to other laser treatments that might be irritating to the skin.
12. Vbeam
Vbeam is a non-invasive treatment that works specifically for reddish, inflamed breakouts. It is a pulse-dye laser used alongside other acne therapies to treat hyperpigmentation, active pimples, and acne scarring. For instance, Vbeam may be used alongside Sebacia and Smoothbeam laser treatments for better results.
Because it is so specific, it doesn’t work for every acne case.
- Medical Procedures
In cases where none of the methods above work, your dermatologist might recommend other procedures;
- Drainage & Extraction
The large cyst under your skin mostly contains fluids filled with dirt, pus, and dead skin. During this procedure, your doctor will drain it all out to reduce the risk of infection. After they are done, they will likely inject the area with antibiotics or steroids to reduce scarring and subsequent infection.
- Chemical Peels
For patients with less sensitive skin and mild acne, chemical peels and microdermabrasion is an excellent Accutane alternative. This procedure gets rid of the top layer of your skin alongside whiteheads and blackheads. Thus, leaving your skin healthier and smoother.
Accutane Alternatives FAQ
Does Accutane Have Side Effects?
You may notice side effects when you use Accutane, such as dry skin, red patches, and sensitivity to sunlight. However, most of these side effects clear up in a few hours after using Accutane. Serious side effects such as vision loss or toxicity rarely happen. Consult a doctor immediately if your symptoms don’t get better after 24 hours.
Can Pregnant Women Use Accutane?
Accutane isn’t safe for pregnant women because it could cause different birth defects such as craniofacial, CNS, and cardiac malformations.
Instead, topical creams and gels containing benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid are better. Consult your doctor first before beginning any treatment for your acne.
What Are Some Home Remedies For Acne?
Home remedies that are effective for acne include;
- Apple Cider Vinegar and water solution
- Zinc Supplements
- Spot treat with Tea tree oil
- Moisturize with Aloe Vera gel
- Green tea on the skin
Be observant as you try these remedies to ascertain whether they are right for you.
Is There a Safer Alternative to Accutane?
Safe accutane alternatives include topical retinoids such as Differin and Retin-A. These retinoids are applied directly on the skin and are mild compared to accutane. They have less side effects and are just as effective. Of course, pills such as antibiotics are also safe but topical ointments are less stressful.
Are There Effective Over-the-counter Alternatives to Accutane?
One of the most effective over-the-counter accutane alternatives is Benzoyl Peroxide. It’s inexpensive and exists in face washes, creams, gels, and body washes. Plus, it’s effective, especially if you have mild acne.
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The Bottom Line
Accutane is an excellent solution for acne. However, it may not be for you. There are different reports of different serious side effects that you can avoid by choosing one of the many alternatives to accutane. Topical retinoids, antibiotics, laser treatments, and chemical peels are some of the many options you can choose from.
In addition, consider home remedies for acne that requires only natural ingredients with minimal side effects. Don’t forget to consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or using any medication that may interact with