Sarah Inloes, Certified Advanced Esthetician and Owner of Take It Off Tattoo Removal & Alt Spa explains why it’s not the best idea!

Last week, one of our tattooers next door at Pink Panther Tattoo text me one night with the message: “Just had a client ask me if they can get tattooed on Accutane, I know the skin is more fragile but I’ve never heard of it being a contraindication, do you know anything about that?” My first initial response was “Oh man, I can’t imagine wanting to get tattooed on Accutane!”, because it makes your skin sooo sensitive, but it was a great question, and inspired this blog post! When clients are undergoing Accutane treatment, they have highly sensitized skin, and doing any treatments besides hydrating or calming facials is a no-go until at least 6 months after they’ve finished their round. I had honestly never thought about the tattoo connection, but as more people are getting tattooed, and more people are seeing dermatologists, it’s a great topic to cover so we’re making sure we’re taking great care of our clients. So spoiler alert, NO, you shouldn’t get tattooed while on Accutane, but let’s delve into the why of it all!

Accutane is a medication that is often used to treat severe acne. It is typically administered orally in the form of capsules or tablets. The medication is taken with food, usually once or twice a day, as directed by a healthcare provider. The dosage of Accutane can vary depending on the individual's weight, severity of acne, and other factors. In general, the medication is prescribed for a period of several months, typically ranging from 15 to 20 weeks. It is known to be a powerful medication that can cause a range of side effects, including dry skin, itching, and sensitivity to sunlight. One of the more serious potential side effects of Accutane is delayed wound healing, which can increase the risk of infection and scarring. Getting a tattoo is essentially creating an open wound on the skin, and the healing process is critical to the final result. In this blog post, we will discuss why you shouldn't get tattooed when you're on Accutane.

What is Accutane?

Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is a medication derived from vitamin A that is used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. Accutane is a type of retinoid that works by reducing the production of oil in the skin, shrinking oil glands, and reducing inflammation. While Accutane can be highly effective in treating severe acne, it can also cause a range of side effects, some of which can be serious.

Here's how Accutane works to treat acne:

Reducing Oil Production: Accutane targets the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and contribute to the development of acne. By reducing the production of sebum, Accutane helps to unclog pores and prevent the formation of new acne lesions.
Shrinking Oil Glands: Accutane also works to shrink the size of oil glands, which can help to further reduce oil production and prevent the development of new acne lesions.
Reducing Inflammation: In addition to reducing oil production, Accutane also has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce the redness, swelling, and tenderness associated with acne lesions.
Preventing Bacterial Growth: Accutane can also help to prevent the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and is associated with the development of acne.

What does your skin feel like when you're on Accutane?

When you're on Accutane, your skin may feel different than it did before starting the medication. Accutane works by reducing the production of oil in the skin, which can lead to a number of changes in the way your skin feels. Here are some common ways that your skin may feel when you're on Accutane:

Dry: One of the most common side effects of Accutane is dry skin. Because the medication reduces the production of oil in the skin, your skin may feel dry and flaky, especially in areas that are prone to acne, such as the face, chest, and back.
Tight: As a result of the dryness, your skin may also feel tight or stretched. This can be uncomfortable and may make it difficult to move your face or body without feeling some degree of discomfort.
Sensitive: Some people may experience increased sensitivity to the sun or other environmental factors when taking Accutane. This can make your skin feel more sensitive or delicate than usual, and may make it more prone to irritation or redness.
Rough: In addition to feeling dry, your skin may also feel rough or textured when you're on Accutane. This is because the medication can cause the top layer of skin to become thicker and more compact, which can create a rough or bumpy texture.
Itchy: Some people may experience itching or irritation when taking Accutane, especially if their skin is already sensitive or prone to dryness.

Why you shouldn't get tattooed when you're on Accutane

Getting a tattoo is essentially creating an open wound on the skin, and the healing process is critical to the final result. If you are taking Accutane, your skin may be more prone to complications during the tattoo healing process, which can increase the risk of infection and affect the final appearance of the tattoo. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't get tattooed when you're on Accutane:

Delayed wound healing: Accutane can cause delayed wound healing, which can increase the risk of infection and affect the final appearance of the tattoo. When you get a tattoo, the skin is punctured repeatedly with a needle to deposit ink into the skin. The skin then needs to heal, and the process of healing involves the formation of scabs and the growth of new skin cells. If your skin is slow to heal due to Accutane, the scabs may take longer to form, and the growth of new skin cells may be delayed.
Increased risk of infection: Accutane can weaken the immune system, which can increase the risk of infection. When you get a tattoo, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. If your immune system is weakened due to Accutane, you may be more prone to infection.
Scarring: Accutane can cause scarring, which can affect the final appearance of the tattoo. When you get a tattoo, scarring can occur if the skin is damaged during the process. If your skin is prone to scarring due to Accutane, you may be at a higher risk of scarring during the tattoo process.
Skin sensitivity: Accutane can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can affect the final appearance of the tattoo. When you get a tattoo, it is important to protect the area from sunlight to prevent fading and discoloration. If your skin is sensitive to sunlight due to Accutane, you may be more prone to fading and discoloration.
Mental health: Accutane has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in some patients (though with more research it seems that there has been some correlation, but no clear causation). Getting a tattoo can be a stressful experience, and if you are already experiencing mental health problems due to Accutane, getting a tattoo may exacerbate these problems.

Here's what you need to know about how long to wait after finishing Accutane before getting a tattoo

The recommended waiting period after completing Accutane is typically 6-12 months. This is because Accutane can cause changes in the skin that may affect the way it responds to tattooing. Specifically, Accutane can cause the skin to become thinner, more fragile, and more prone to scarring. This can make it more difficult for the skin to heal properly after getting a tattoo, and may increase the risk of complications such as infection or scarring.

Waiting 6-12 months after completing Accutane allows the skin to fully recover from the effects of the medication, which can help to reduce the risk of complications during the tattooing process. During this time, it is important to take good care of your skin and to follow your doctor's instructions for post-Accutane care. This may include avoiding exposure to the sun, using gentle skincare products, and avoiding activities that could cause skin irritation or damage.

LED light therapy to address inflammation and promote healing

Treatments you can get while on Accutane:

While on Accutane, it is important to avoid any treatments that may irritate or damage the skin. This means that certain types of facials, tattoos, piercings, or other body modifications, may not be suitable for individuals on Accutane.

However, there are some facial treatments that can be beneficial for individuals on Accutane, as long as they are performed by a trained and experienced esthetician. Here are some of the best facials to consider while on Accutane:

Hydrating facial: Accutane can cause the skin to become dry and dehydrated, so a hydrating facial can be a great option. This type of facial typically involves a gentle cleansing, followed by the application of hydrating masks, serums, and moisturizers to help restore moisture and nourishment to the skin.
Calming facial: Accutane can also cause the skin to become sensitive and prone to irritation, so a calming facial can help to soothe and calm the skin. This type of facial may include gentle cleansing, a calming mask, and soothing serums or moisturizers.
LED light therapy facial: LED light therapy can be a great option for individuals on Accutane, as it is gentle and non-invasive. This type of facial involves the use of different colored lights to help treat various skin concerns, such as acne, redness, and inflammation.

So! In conclusion, while it may be tempting to get a tattoo while on Accutane, it is important to prioritize the health and well-being of your skin. Accutane can significantly impact the skin's sensitivity, dryness, and ability to heal, which can increase the risk of complications and infections during the tattooing process. Waiting until you have finished your Accutane treatment and your skin has fully recovered will help to ensure that your tattoo experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible, and will help to reduce the risk of any adverse reactions or complications. If you have any questions or concerns about getting a tattoo while on Accutane, be sure to speak with your dermatologist or healthcare provider for guidance and advice.

Why you shouldn't get tattooed while on Accutane