The Hollywood Dose: How Your Favorite Celebs Take Accutane

While extra appointments and check-ins aren’t that big of a deal health-wise, it’s definitely something to consider if it’s too much of a commitment for you. “It can be logistically annoying,” says Dr. Belkin.

Microdosing Accutane vs. Microdosing Spironolactone

If Accutane isn’t for you, there are other medications like Spironolactone, the prescription medicine that treats high blood pressure but is used off-label as a treatment for acne in women, that might be worth exploring. In fact, Dr. Belkin sees more and more people opting for microdosing Spironolactone over Accutane when given the choice. But when trying to figure out which medication works best for you, it’s all in the type of acne you’re hoping to treat.

If your acne is more hormonal, Belkin says you might be better with microdosing Spironolactone. If you’re looking for more of a blanket acne treatment that reduces the oil glands, stick to microdosing Accutane.

Who is this for?

Despite its minimal downsides, it might not be the right treatment for everyone. Dr. Farberg says it’s more suitable for those with mild to moderate forms of acne who might not tolerate the potential side effects of a standard dose. Dr. Belkin agrees and adds that those with oily, sebaceous skin would also benefit from a low dose because Accutane can shrink oil glands, something that a lot of lasers can’t even do.

Those with moderate to more severe forms of acne or those who do not respond to other oral or topical acne treatments would be better off with the standard dose, Dr. Farberg adds. Also, if you’re not looking to be on medication for more than a year and can take the potential side effects well, then he says there’s no real need for you to think about microdosing.

As with anything skin-related, ask your dermatologist to see if you’d benefit from the Hollywood Dose. They might determine that there are better options for you and your skin. “[Microdosing Accutane] is something I don’t usually recommend, unless [it’s] a specific scenario,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “There are certainly a small percentage of people who are resistant to traditional [acne] therapy, so this is an option. For those in the limelight, we do it from time to time, but the goal is to not make it an indefinite thing. I always try to minimize systemic meds when applicable.”