Many of us have contemplated choosing Accutane or other medication to clear acne. However, what are the real facts and are there any alternative treatments that can do the job without all the nasty side effects of medication?

Let’s dive deeper into how Accutane actually works. This medication is used for moderate to severe acne or even scarring acne. It basically works by reducing oil production in the oil glands and it is said to clear skin within 3 to 4 months. Many believe that a miracle will happen quickly, but it is not the case! Important risks, to keep in mind are that Accutane severely dries out your skin, makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and can cause rashes and itching.

There is a huge laundry list of severe side effects that this drug may cause, depression being one of the most common and most severe reactions. I strongly encourage anyone thinking about this medication for a “quick fix” to do the research first.

So what are the alternatives and will they actually work?  Here is the good news…YES! The skincare industry has come a long away and is continuously making break-through treatments every year.

The gold standard treatment for acne is IPL (Intense Pulse Light). This is our favorite for acne at In Vogue Med Spa, it is the only IPL on the market with a special acne application. Talk about break through technology. Not only does these treatments calm the acne, but also reduce any redness in old acne scars.

Why treat acne with IPL? 

• A gentle treatment that addresses the bacteria, as well as the pigmentation and redness of your skin.
• It’s a fast “lunch time” service with no down time and way less side effects of oral medication.
• Improves your skin appearance and gain your confidence back with just a few treatments.

We see so many clients who suffer from hormonal or adult acne, all looking to achieve healthy beautiful skin. This alternative to medication can be done in just the same amount of time it takes to clear your skin using Accutane.

Be wise and do the research, seek out before and after pictures, and educate yourself on possible side effects. We all want to feel our best and have our best skin, but keep in mind there is a different route to getting there!