This is an important video if you’re taking antibiotics or the pill to treat your acne.

Oral contraceptives generally contain an estrogen (most commonly ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin. In their early formulations, oral contraceptives contained over 100 mg of estrogen. In these and higher doses, estrogens themselves can suppress sebum production. Estrogens also act on the liver to increase the synthesis of sex hormone-binding globulin that binds testosterone and lowers the circulating levels of free testosterone. In addition, oral contraceptives inhibit the ovarian production of androgens by suppressing ovulation. This, in turn, decreases serum androgen levels and reduces sebum production. The concentrations of estrogen in oral contraceptives have decreased over the years from 150 to 35 mg, and in the most recent forms, to 20 mg, in order to reduce the side effects associated with estrogen. (more…)

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is available as capsules in the following strengths: 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 milligrams. The recommended dose depends on your body weight. Usually you take a pill with food twice a day for a total of 15 to 20 weeks. (In Europe, patients are often given lower dosages for longer periods of time.) Initially, your doctor may decide to start you off on a low dose so that you can get used to any side effects and then the dosage can be increased.

Often there is an observable improvement over the first month that continues over the course of treatment. In the vast majority of isotretinoin (Accutane) users, complexions smooth out, marks fade, and acne improves dramatically. Some lesions may still remain after you have stopped treatment, but many individuals notice that their acne continues to improve even in the weeks after treatment has stopped. (more…)