Isotretinoin, an oral form of vitamin A, is a prescription medication that is taken orally for the treatment of cystic and severe acne when other treatment options are ineffective. Isotretinoin is known by many different brand names, with Accutane being the first. It was originally created by a Swiss pharmaceutical company to treat cancer. Isotretinoin is sometimes confused with other forms of topical vitamin A, but all are considered a part of the retinoid family.
THE RETINOID FAMILY
Retinoid is an umbrella term for the classification of skin care that binds to retinoic acid receptors in skin, which also includes the prescription-strength isotretinoin. There are six kinds of topical retinoids and one oral retinoid.
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A technician, educator, mentor, and business owner, Mary Nielsen has been at the forefront in medical aesthetics since its infancy in the early 1990s. She is currently vice chair and industry expert on the Oregon Board of Certified Advanced Estheticians. She is the author of the book “Fearless Beauties,” along with other aesthetic texts. She is the executive director of an aesthetic school, the founder of Fearless Beauties, and the creator of Cascade Aesthetic Alliance and Skintelligent Resources.