nio
Iron
- Joined
- May 14, 2026
- Posts
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How does Isotretinoin work?
It kills (not really “kill,” more like cell atrophy) sebocytes (the cells that produce sebum) which are the main cause of acne. It’s very hard to have acne without sebocytes as sebum is what clogs your pores allowing bacteria to form. It basically rids acne from its origin.
-Study
Other benefits on skin
It increases collagen production causing better skin elasticity and having a positive effect on photoaging skin.
-Study
Misconceptions about Isotretinoin
-“But saar, it has so many side effects.”
This is true at standard dosages, but can EASILY be avoided with correct dosing. Do not take large amounts of Isotretinoin within a short time frame, but rather spread it out. Cumulative dose has been shown to be one of the most important factors when taking Isotretinoin. You’ll experience the same skin benefits with minimal side effects if you take a low dose over a longer span of time. Note that you'll have a higher chance of relapse if you do get off though as compared to a high dose over a short time.
For example:
3000mg over 1 month = Clear skin, skin benefits, but a lot of side effects (most likely to not relapse if you get off)
3000mg over 6 months = Same clear skin and skin benefits, but minimal side effects (more likely to relapse if you get off)
-Study 1, Study 2, Study 3
-“But saar, it’ll stunt my growth if I take it during puberty”
Studies have shown that Isotretinoin decreases HGH, IGF-1, testosterone, etc. in pubescent boys, but this will only slow your growth velocity and will not stunt your final adult height. Long bones like the ones involved in growth experience catch-up growth, so you’ll be fine.
-Study 1, Study 2, Study 3, Study 4
It kills (not really “kill,” more like cell atrophy) sebocytes (the cells that produce sebum) which are the main cause of acne. It’s very hard to have acne without sebocytes as sebum is what clogs your pores allowing bacteria to form. It basically rids acne from its origin.
-Study
Other benefits on skin
It increases collagen production causing better skin elasticity and having a positive effect on photoaging skin.
-Study
Misconceptions about Isotretinoin
-“But saar, it has so many side effects.”
This is true at standard dosages, but can EASILY be avoided with correct dosing. Do not take large amounts of Isotretinoin within a short time frame, but rather spread it out. Cumulative dose has been shown to be one of the most important factors when taking Isotretinoin. You’ll experience the same skin benefits with minimal side effects if you take a low dose over a longer span of time. Note that you'll have a higher chance of relapse if you do get off though as compared to a high dose over a short time.
For example:
3000mg over 1 month = Clear skin, skin benefits, but a lot of side effects (most likely to not relapse if you get off)
3000mg over 6 months = Same clear skin and skin benefits, but minimal side effects (more likely to relapse if you get off)
-Study 1, Study 2, Study 3
-“But saar, it’ll stunt my growth if I take it during puberty”
Studies have shown that Isotretinoin decreases HGH, IGF-1, testosterone, etc. in pubescent boys, but this will only slow your growth velocity and will not stunt your final adult height. Long bones like the ones involved in growth experience catch-up growth, so you’ll be fine.
-Study 1, Study 2, Study 3, Study 4
