Many students, including me, struggle with acne. Whether that means cystic acne or random breakouts, it’s a frustrating part of being a teenager. You’ve probably heard of a medication called Isotretinoin, most commonly called Accutane. Accutane is a strong medication that’s not something doctors prescribe right away. It’s usually considered when other treatments haven’t worked and acne is more serious than typical breakouts. But how do you know if it’s something you could qualify for?

First, Accutane isn’t for mild breakouts. Dermatologists usually only prescribe it for severe acne, like deep cysts, painful pimples, or acne that’s leaving scars. If your acne is mild or moderate, a dermatologist will almost always recommend other options first, like prescription creams, antibiotics, or other medications.

If these other options aren’t providing enough of an improvement, that can make Accutane a more reasonable option. Because it’s a powerful drug, there are strict safety rules. Patients need regular checkups and blood tests to monitor side effects. There are also specific guidelines to prevent pregnancy during treatment because of serious risks.

The only way to know for sure if you qualify is to see a dermatologist and have an honest conversation about your skin and what you’ve already tried. But if your acne is severe, persistent, and not responding to other treatments, it might be worth asking about.