Isotretinoin: The truth about safety, side effects, and skin care

Misinformation about this medication is common. Here you’ll find the science-backed facts.

Isotretinoin patient safety

Isotretinoin is strong medicine. It has the potential to cause some serious side effects. That’s why dermatologists carefully evaluate each patient. Learn important information about isotretinoin and patient safety.

Isotretinoin FAQs

Treatment with isotretinoin often results in prolonged clearance of acne, which can be permanent for some patients. Learn how dermatologists use isotretinoin to help treat acne, as well as the benefits and risks of the medication.

Isotretinoin: Benefits and risks

Isotretinoin treats many patients safely and effectively. However, it is not right for everyone. You should discuss the benefits and risks with your dermatologist. Learn about the benefits and risks of using isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin: Overview

When other treatments fail to improve severe acne, isotretinoin may be an option. Get the facts.

FDA Implements AADA’s iPLEDGE recommendations

Changes alleviate administrative burdens for dermatologists and their patients WASHINGTON (Dec. 5, 2023) — The FDA agreed to require important American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) recommended changes to the iPLEDGE program that will alleviate administrative burdens for dermatologists. ... "Because of the AAD’s relentless advocacy over two years, the FDA has

American Academy of Dermatology Association statement on FDA iPLEDGE changes reducing burdens on both prescribers and patients

Statement from Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, President, American Academy of Dermatology ROSEMONT, Ill. (Feb. 10, 2026) — The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds the Food and Drug Administration for approving significant changes to the iPLEDGE Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. These changes will reduce substantial administrative

How dermatologists treat acne

Learn how dermatologists can help you treat acne, pimples, whiteheads, zits, and blackheads.

What can clear severe acne?

People who have severe acne tend to have many breakouts, which can cover their face, chest, and back. Severe acne can also appear along the jawline and neck. Learn how dermatologists can help you treat severe acne.

Microdermabrasion: Preparation

To protect your health and find out what results you want, a dermatologist always offers a consultation before performing microdermabrasion. Asking questions will help you know what to expect so that you can make an informed decision about microdermabrasion.

Acne can affect more than your skin

Read about how acne can contribute to depression and other mental health issues.

Chemical peels: Preparation

To protect your health and find out what results you want, a dermatologist always offers a consultation before performing a chemical peel.

Laser hair removal: Preparation

To protect your health and find out what results you want, a dermatologist always offers a consultation before performing laser hair removal.

Hair removal: How to wax

Learn about dermatologists recommend when using wax to remove hair.

Acne: Diagnosis and treatment

To clear acne, stop new breakouts, and prevent acne scars, dermatologists tailor each treatment plan.

Rosacea: Treatment

The goals of treatment are to reduce (or eliminate) signs of rosacea, ease your discomfort, and prevent rosacea from worsening.

Microdermabrasion FAQs

Microdermabrasion is very popular. Find answers to some frequently asked questions about the procedure.

Moisturizer: Why you may need it if you have acne

Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy, so a moisturizer may be the last thing you’d think of trying. A moisturizer, however, may be just what you need. Learn how using moisturizer can help with acne.

How to clear acne due to gender-affirming testosterone therapy

If acne appears during gender-affirming therapy, you can treat it without stopping therapy.

Retinol or retinoid?

Retinoids and retinol can be found in most skin care aisles, but do you really understand the difference and how to use each? Learn how board-certified dermatologists can help you decide if retinoids are right for your skin.

Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?

So many things change during pregnancy, and your acne treatment may need to be one of them. Here’s what you should know about using acne treatment while you’re pregnant.

Microneedling can fade scars, uneven skin tone, and more

By using tiny needles to puncture the skin, this treatment can fade scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and more.

American Academy of Dermatology issues updated guidelines for the management of acne

Both newly approved and well-established treatments recommended ROSEMONT, Ill. (Jan. 31, 2024) — Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million Americans each year, with symptoms usually beginning in puberty. Acne affects 85% of adolescents and can also often begin or continue in

Lasers and lights: How well do they treat rosacea?

Learn options for laser or light treatments to help relieve your rosacea.

New treatments for HIV and other STIs provide hope for better quality of life

Dermatologist discusses emerging treatments in LGBTQ+ healthcare SAN DIEGO (March 8, 2024) — LGBTQ+ individuals have unique skin care needs, including concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STI), like HIV, as well as acne and hair growth and removal, especially relating to hormone replacement therapy. With over 14 million U.S. adults

Think that DIY acne trick is helping? Here’s what dermatologists want you to know

Board-certified dermatologist provides tips for clearer skin ahead of Acne Awareness Month ROSEMONT, Ill. (May 27, 2025) — Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting nearly 85% of people at some point in their lives. With people increasingly turning to social media for skin care advice, at-home

Transform your skin health: diet and lifestyle take center stage at 2025 AAD Annual Meeting

ORLANDO, FL (March 7, 2025) — The 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting will take place March 7-11 in Orlando. The meeting will feature nearly 300 educational sessions with more than 1,700 speakers discussing the latest research on skin, hair, and nails, including topics on how diet and lifestyle

Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care

You want to take care of your baby, but it can be confusing to determine which skin care products to use during pregnancy.

Is that stubborn acne really acne?

If you have acne that just won’t go away, you may want to take a closer look at your skin. It’s possible that you don’t have acne. Other skin conditions can look a lot like acne. A dermatologist can diagnose if stubborn acne on the skin is actually acne.

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