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Darkening of Skin while on Accutane

I am an African American woman on accutane. I have noticed that my face is gradually becoming darker than the rest of my body. I'm in my 3rd week and already my face is about 3 shades darker than the rest of my body. Is this normal? I have not had any other side effects aside from the normal lip chapping.


This discussion is related to Accutane and Pigmentation/Genital Bumps.
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Avatar universal
This is normal from what my dermatologist, she said your skin goes back to normal after treatment. I did notice it more once k ran out of my cerave sa cleanser which helps with exfoliating. I think I’m gonna give it a go and see if it helps at least a little. I would also recommend even if you aren’t going outside find a moisturizer that has spf so it because second nature to putting it on. Sun rays come through windows too. Hope this helps anyone going the same thing.
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Avatar universal
Every single black user of accutane has their skin getting significantly darker but yet it's not "documented". I've followed people on YouTube, who were on the treatment and they all go/went through it. I personally know three cases, myself included but yet dermatologists pretend they don't know or barely know about it. It just shows how unimportant we are.
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3 Comments
I hope someone starts documenting that so people can be forewarned!
Unfortunately, this is a very common response to medical issues expressed by African Americans. I’m glad this forum exists so that people don’t think they’re going crazy. I did two rounds and both times I had the same issue. Thankfully after I finished the treatment, my skin returned to its normal shade. Hopefully that happens for everyone else.
It’s bad enough to suffer with acne. Who then wants to be black looking like you’re in blackface on top of it.
Is it it advisable to take Vitamin C & Zinc while on Accutane to bring back the complexition ?
Avatar universal
My son is on accutane(14). This is his 3rd month. His face has turn so dark, a few shades darker. All his acne has cleared up but his skin color looks sad because  it is so dark and dry looking. He has went from dark brown to dark black. What can I do??????
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1 Comments
Well I have take two rounds of it in a 5 year span. Both times my face got incredibly dark and my lips were bright pink. What I can say is that both times after treatment, my skin returned to its normal state.
However during, I just had to suffer through it.
5613387 tn?1371098371
Do not believe on strangers, you should consult skin care professional doctor.
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1 Comments
ok, thanks.  doctors do not care about this.  people are searching for answers because the doctor has given no answer.
Avatar universal
Hi I AM ON MY THIRD MONTH OF ACCNETANE AND I NOTICED MY SKIN HAS BECOME VERY DARK CLOSE TO A DARK CHOCOLATE BROWN AND MY LIPS HAVE BECOME RELATIVELY PINK, IS THERE ANY TREATMENT I COULD USE TO GET MY NORMAL COLOUR BACK?
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6 Comments
Same, how’s your skin now?
Same here , 2 months on Accutane . And I’m experiencing the same , how is your skin now?
Same here , 2 months on Accutane . And I’m experiencing the same , how is your skin now?
I initiated this thread. I did two rounds within five years. Both times my skin was extremely dark. However afterwards, my skin returned to its normal color.
African American; I’m 3 weeks in and I’ve gotten at least 2 shades darker and dull looking. I wear makeup to cover the spots I have from the acne and my makeup doesn’t even match anymore. I wasn’t told about the darkening before hand, however my skin is clearing up. I do hope after the treatment my skin complexion returns. So far no other complications.
Hey, How is your skin now ?  I ma 4 Weeks to the medication I am experiencing the same
Avatar universal
Hi guys I also seem to be experiencing the same problem of skin darkening.. How is your skin now, and what did u use?
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Without treatment, this usually takes about 6 months to resolve and for the skin color to go back to its normal color.  Topical treatments with acids and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option but pros and cons should be discussed with a doctor first.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations, and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.
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Avatar universal
I promise to keep you posted. I met with my doctor but he wasn't really able to give me any info on the matter. I'm figuring that oftentimes people complain of their skin looking sunburned and that as a Black woman who is rather brown that the darkening is similar to what would be considered sunburn but I am not sure. I don't go out in the sun often and when I do I am sure to wear sunscreen (50spf) However I would like to know if the darkening stays permanent are there options available to lighten my face later so that it matches the rest of my body. I was considering having laser resurfacing six months after my course of accutane to help reduce and or remove some ice pick, boxcar and rolling acne scars I have. Do you think the resurfacing will lighten my complexion as well?
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
The Mayo Clinic reports there have been reports of skin discoloration of either lightening or darkening, and facial redness after use of Accutane , but the incidence of occurrence of these side effects is unknown. What you are having are side effects of the drug Accutane and when you are taking Accutane, you should avoid going out in the sun.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.



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