Struggling with severe acne? You've probably heard of isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane). But *how* does it actually work? Forget surface treatments; isotretinoin tackles acne at its source.
Think of your oil glands (sebaceous glands) as tiny oil factories. In acne-prone skin, they often overproduce sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Isotretinoin drastically reduces the size and activity of these glands. Less oil means less food for acne-causing bacteria (like *Cutibacterium acnes*) to thrive on.
But it doesn't stop there! Isotretinoin also helps normalize skin cell turnover, preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores in the first place. Finally, it reduces inflammation, calming down those angry, red pimples. It's a multi-pronged attack against acne, making it a powerful, albeit carefully monitored, treatment option.
Always consult with a dermatologist to see if isotretinoin is right for you and to understand potential side effects.
