Acne is graded according to severity and type. The most common types of acne are comedomal, pustular and cystic. Nodular cystic acne is the most severe type of acne and can lead to scarring in many cases. Each type of acne requires a different type of treatment and can be treated with medication or without.

Acne can persist into adulthood for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is hormones such as menopause or polycystic ovarian syndrome, or more commonly acne in the 30s as a result of ceasing the combined contraceptive pill. The usual reason is genetics, or inadequate treatment of teenage acne.

Acne is no longer thought of as a teenage disease. In many cases it persists into adulthood and is considered a chronic disease now. That is why it is important to have a long term treatment plan for those with chronic acne and acne scarring. 

In Australia the common treatment pathway for acne is to start with topical prescription retinoids such as tretinoin .05 or adapalene. For pustular acne an topical antibiotic such as clindamycin would ne used. Skincare for acne is also important using ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide.

As Teenagers  become hormonal, the change in hormones can lead to break outs In the skin. As a teenager it is important to not over clean or strip the skin. A gentle foaming cleanser is a good start followed by a niacinamide containing light moisturizer. It is best to go for non-comedogenic products. Diet is important in teenage acne, avoiding large amounts of skim dairy and processed sugar. Mineral make up is recommended for teenage acne, and only in small amounts. At Skindepth we treat teenage acne with skin extractions, peels and other skin treatments in combination with a take home skin care plan.

Acne can be treated with simple measures such as attention to diet and avoidance of triggers for acne. At Skindepth we commonly treat acne without medication. We employ a combination of tailored skin care with skin treatments such as hydroxy acid peels, LED light, extractions and lasers. Skin care at home is an integral part of the treatment.

A 'course' is calculated from your weight, so it is tailored
to the individual. We calculate how many milligrams you are required to take to get a therapeutic effect. Depending on the amount you take per day, will determine how
long it takes you to reach this
cumulative dose.

For example: if you take 10mg daily, it might take you roughly two years or sometimes more depending on your weight, to finish the course, however if you increased to 20mg, this time is halved, and even more so if you increase to 30mg or 40mg.

Oral vitamin A works by reducing the amount of oil being produced by the skin, therefore general dryness is the most common side effect. Here are a few tips to help with these common side effects:

Dry lips: we recommend keeping a lip balm on you at
all times, we like the 'dermal' lip balm or Avene 'cold cream' lip balm.

Dry eyes: over the counter lubricating eye drops can be used, such as Systane
or Poly­ Tears.

Dry nose: You may find that you get a dry irritated nose
which can make you prone to nose bleeds, over the counter FLO Nozoil can be used, otherwise a bit of Vaseline on a cotton bud can be applied up the nose to help moisturise.

All over body dryness: It is important for anyone to keep their whole body moisturised, this means reducing the time and temperature of your showers (water is very drying!) and using a soap substitute as well as a moisturiser after the shower. We like all products by Aveeno and QV.

Headache- not a common side effect but has been noted to occur at times on the medication, especially on higher doses.

Oral Vitamin A must be taken with food, usually the 'fattiest' meal of the day which is dinner for most people, this will avoid any stomach upset.

If we have a time frame of an event like you’re wedding
or you're starting a family, we need to fast track the course and people will increase the dose (if tolerable) This may mean seeing the dermatologist more regularly than 4 months as we need to monitor you more closely.

In some circumstances, we can stop the treatment before reaching the cumulative dose, the only risk of doing this is that you have an increased chance that the acne will reoccur down the track.

There's absolutely no harm in taking a low dose long term, as mentioned above, it will just take you much longer to reach that cumulative dose and you can't get pregnant while on the medication.

Yes, that is fine. We recommend you don't increase too quickly at the start due to a risk of a flare but once you have completed the first few months of being on 10mg, you may increase.

If you feel like the side effects are unmanageable, you can decrease backdown, but please keep a record of these doses as it will help us calculate your dose to date when you come in for your appointments.

Yes you may take vitamins while on the medication, anything you're unsure of please ask us.

Follow the instructions with how to introduce
the vitamin A, this slow introduction will lower the chances of a flare. Be kind to the skin, give it time. Unfortunately, you won't see any improvement overnight, all treatments take a few months to have an effect. Your
Dermatologist may prescribe a short course of antibiotics if they think you’re at risk of an initial flare.Our Dermal Clinicians are also always available to see you to discuss skincare or cosmetic treatments such as LED light and extractions which can help speed up the process.

As stated above, patience is key. Everyone's results vary, some may notice an improvement after one month, and others may take 4-6 months.

Skincare whilst on oral vitamin A should be gentle, let the medication do all the work and nurture the skin with a cream cleanser such as Avene gentle
cleanser and a moisturiser such as Avene Skin Recovery (both available at our online store)

Do1s and Don'ts:

DO keep the skin moisturised. We know you may be used to trying to dry out the acne, however the medication will take care of this so it's important to keep the skin barrier intact and hydrated.

DO wear your sunscreen. This is very important! Vitamin A makes you more sun-sensitive,
therefore a sunscreen should be worn every day. Gone are the days of greasy sunscreens for the face, try the beautiful La Roche Posay

Ultra light or Anti-shine (both available on our website)

DON'T use any topical acne products such as benzyl
peroxide that you may have used previously, these will be too drying and irritating on the skin.

DON'T use any topical Vitamin A containing products, commonly known as retinol, you are taking this orally so we don't want an overdose.

'Active1 skincare can be used, the only two things to avoid are the Vitamin A (retinol) and Glycolic acid.

You will be safe to start trying for a family one month after stopping the medication.

You will be safe to start trying for a family one month after stopping the medication.

If you experience any changes in your mood, please book an appointment to speak to one of the Dermatologists.

If you have been on Doxycycline, you need to have stopped this 4 weeks prior to starting the oral vitamin A.

You will be required to attend a follow up appointment every 4 months while on the medication.