How does Accutane work?

What is Accutane?

Many people will know the misery of suffering from severe acne at some point in their lives, and whilst most people consider this skin condition to be one that afflicts teenagers it can actually strike when you are older than this and for a variety of reasons. Amongst the treatments that are available to treat acne is Accutane, which is a form of Vitamin A and is used in the treatment of severe acne where sufferers have not responded to other forms of treatment that have been tried.

There are a number of ways in which Accutane works in order to alleviate the symptoms of severe acne and to promote renewal and healing of the skin. One of the main ways in which this medication works is through the reduction of oil secretions from the oil glands in the skin. The oil that is produced is called sebum, and Accutane reduces this by reducing the oil glands, which are called sebaceous glands.

This treatment also reduces the build up of cells, which is what can lead to blackheads or whiteheads on the skin. It works to reduce inflammation that can accompany this skin condition, which can help to improve the appearance of the skin. Accutane also helps to kill off acne bacteria from deep in the skin.

Once the full course of Accutane has been completed the skin should start producing sebum normally again. However, whilst the sebaceous glands will start to get bigger they will not reach their original size again. This treatment is said to reduce lesions linked to severe nodular acne by up to 90 percent in a relatively short period of time.