Can I combine a glycolic acid peel with Isotretinoin and Retin-A cream?

I am taking Isotretinoin soft caps (10mg everyday) and Retin-A cream 0.05% to blur red spots caused by inflammatory hyperpigmentation. But after 3 months of using the products, they haven't helped much. Will combining the two with a 30% glycolic acid peel give me better results?

Answers from doctors (1)


Esta Kronberg, M.D.

Published on Mar 14, 2013

I personally think you are doing too much while you are on Accutane. The Accutane by itself will help diminish scarring for 6 months after you stop taking the oral medication. Even though you are on a low dose of Accutane, topicals can still irritate your skin. I definitely would not do a chemical peel for that same reason. In fact, the irritating topicals can make things worse.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7223_14213554561.jpg
Answered by Esta Kronberg, M.D.

I personally think you are doing too much while you are on Accutane. The Accutane by itself will help diminish scarring for 6 months after you stop taking the oral medication. Even though you are on a low dose of Accutane, topicals can still irritate your skin. I definitely would not do a chemical peel for that same reason. In fact, the irritating topicals can make things worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Acne Treatment

Acne Treatment -1 answer
I am 22 years old. My skin is oily, and due to acne I have small holes in my face. Please tell me what I can do.
See More
Acne Treatment -3 answers
I have pimples that I burst and it formed holes on my chin and on my fore head. I also have scarring. Will laser treatment treat the marks and help me achieve clear skin?
See More
Acne Treatment -2 answers
I've seen a treatment on TV where acne is basically scraped off the skin's surface. Is this a viable acne treatment? Is it safe?
See More
Acne Treatment -2 answers
I get the occasional pimple and a friend of mine said that OTC hydrocortisone cream works to reduce the pimple size and make it go away faster. Is it safe to dab a little on once in awhile for a quick fix?
See More
Acne Treatment -1 answer
I have acne all over my cheeks, chin, and forehead, but all of it looks more like a rash. I've tried oral and topical medicactions but nothing seems to be working and I've had this problem for months now. Please help!
See More
Acne Treatment -2 answers
I have had ache since I became a teenager. I am now almost 28 years old. Is is ever going to go away? I have tried everything to make go away but nothing has helped.
See More
Acne Treatment -3 answers
I have a dark spot on my face resulting from acne. How can I treat it?
See More
Acne Treatment -4 answers
I have small holes on my face that are due to previous pimples. Is there an acne treatment that would help?
See More
Acne Treatment -1 answer
What is the best over the counter medication for dark scarring, after a pimple, for african american skin tone?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Acne Treatment -2 answers
I have had acne since I was 14 years old. It has been 8 years, and I still have it. I was wondering if there's anything I can do to improve my facial skin tone and texture. I have various depressions and acne scars. Thank you.
See More
Acne Treatment -1 answer
I have a deep scars on my face and according to my skincare specialist, PRP and chemical peels will get rid of the scars. My doctor did PRP and chemical peel while I was using Accutane. She wants to do the peel again after 10 days. Is this safe? What should I do? Should I discontinue the Accutane while going through treatment? Should I find another doctor?
See More
Acne Treatment -1 answer
What is the best product to get rid of very black ance on my face which has appeared due to pricking pimples?
See More
Acne Treatment -1 answer
I have acne scars on my face, I was wondering if I should use this cream, or maybe have a chemical peel, my wedding is in 2 months...
See More
Acne Treatment -2 answers
I have a lot of acne on my face and I've tried Proactive and a bunch of other acne products (which have not worked), what other possible treatments/products could I try?
See More
Acne Treatment -2 answers
For the past month I have been getting tiny acne-like papules in a triangular area next to my nose spreading to my cheek They only appear at night and in the morning it is relatively clear. I have used steroid creams before. Is it perorial dermatiti
See More
Acne Treatment -2 answers
I have pimples with ingrown hairs in them when I started shaving. Why is that? Is there any treatment?
See More
Acne Treatment -4 answers
What should I look into for acne scars on my cheeks?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR