how long after finishing a course of accutane should you wait before using mederma on acne scars?

by Mathilde Nader MD 9 min read

Full Answer

How to take care of my skin after Accutane?

A: Skin care after Accutane. This medication stays in your blood for up to one month after your last dose. You will notice that some of the effects, such as dryness, will fade during that time. Wait and see what your skin does before you start using different products. If you find that your skin becomes unacceptably oily,...

How long does Accutane stay in your system?

Congratulations on finishing a course of Accutane! This medication stays in your blood for up to one month after your last dose. You will notice that some of the effects, such as dryness, will fade during that time. Wait and see what your skin does before you start using different products.

Can I use retinoids after Accutane treatment?

If you find that your skin becomes unacceptably oily, consider a glycolic or salicylic wash. As my colleague mentions, some people use topical retinoids after Accutane for minor acne breakout after treatment. Congratulations on finishing a course of Accutane!

Can I use glycolic wash after Accutane treatment?

Wait and see what your skin does before you start using different products. If you find that your skin becomes unacceptably oily, consider a glycolic or salicylic wash. As my colleague mentions, some people use topical retinoids after Accutane for minor acne breakout after treatment. Congratulations on finishing a course of Accutane!

When can I treat acne scars after Accutane?

Exaggerated cicatrization related to oral isotretinoin was reported in the 1980s and 1990s. Currently, dermabrasion for acne scar revision is only recommended 6 to 12 months after the completion of oral isotretinoin treatment.

Can you use Mederma on your face for acne scars?

Q: Can Mederma heal acne scars? A: Yes, Mederma can heal acne scars but not the acne. Also, it reduces the appearance of scars by reducing the colour and texture of scars. It is important to note that there is no product that can make scars disappear completely.

What to do if you get acne after Accutane?

If you are unfortunate enough to relapse after therapy, the use of an oral antibiotic for a short duration (8 weeks) combined with sustained retinoid therapy can sometimes calm down the breakout and help us avoid repeating a course of isotretinoin.

How long does mederma take to remove acne scars?

Generally, Mederma® Advanced users start to see noticeable improvement after about 4 weeks of daily usage, with optimum improvement in 8 weeks.

Does Mederma work on acne dark spots?

The gel works well if you have had hypertrophy, accident scars, blemishes and spots on the skin. While the gel should not be used as a daily beauty cream, it does lighten dark spots, old and new scars.

Which Mederma is best for face?

Best Overall: Mederma Advanced Scar Gel According to the brand, it has been clinically proven to "improve the overall appearance, color, and texture" of both old and new scars.

When do you start retinol after Accutane?

1-2 monthsAnswer: Accutane and Retin-A I typically restart topical tretinoin 1-2 months after a patient completes the Accutane treatment, if desired. Applying a pea-sized amount to the affected areas of the face every other night is a good way to start, increasing to nightly application as tolerated.

What are the chances of acne coming back after Accutane?

Background: Relapse rates in patients with acne after treatment with oral isotretinoin vary between 10% and 60% depending on the dosage regimen used, the length of follow-up, and the characteristics of the study population.

Does Accutane get rid of acne scars?

This medication is usually prescribed for patients with moderate to severe acne who don't respond to any other kind of medicine, and for patients who have acne and a tendency to develop acne scars. Accutane / Roaccutane is generally very effective in preventing extensive scarring.

Does Mederma get rid of scars?

Mederma Advanced Scar Gel This scar cream is supposed to work well for any type of scar — including those from burns, cuts, surgery, or acne — whether the scar is new or old. Reviewers tout the moisturizing, healing properties of the cream and say it's easy to use. Those with sensitive skin also praise the product.

Can Mederma cause breakouts?

Formula – Mederma is a water-based, non-greasy gel, which the manufacturer states should not cause further acne breakouts or clogged pores. (Of course, it's always smart to patch-test a new product before you apply it to your whole face!)

Does Mederma remove old scars?

The Mederma website state that the cream is effective for both new and old scars due to acne, surgeries, burns, and cuts. The main active ingredient in Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is allantoin, which helps moisturize and hydrate the skin cells to reduce the appearance of scars.

How long after accutane can I use retinol?

Using a topical retinoid preparation after finishing Accutane does help to prolong and maintain Accutane results. Since the skin is dry and sensitive at the end of the course of Accutane, I usually have my patients start Retin A or Differin two months after taking the last dose of Accutane, initially using it twice a week at night time and slowly building up to every night. It's true that within several months of stopping Accutane the skin does regain its oil production, although usually not to the same degree as previously. The topical retinoids help limit that plus they work to prevent and reverse some of the sun damage. Just remember to use an oil-free broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

How long does Accutane stay in your system?

Congratulations on finishing a course of Accutane! This medication stays in your blood for up to one month after your last dose. You will notice that some of the effects, such as dryness, will fade during that time. Wait and see what your skin does before you start using different products. If you find that your skin becomes unacceptably oily, consider a glycolic or salicylic wash. As my colleague mentions, some people use topical retinoids after Accutane for minor acne breakout after treatment.