Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 11/11/2004

Question
Hi Dr Fisher
Would like your advice for oily skin? I'm 54 y/o, no health problems. Sensible diet, no fatty foods, etc. I use Dial soap to wash my face, or whatever is available at office. I don't use any type of facial products. My skin gets oily enough that I have to wash it 2-3 times a day or my eyes burn, I guess from the oil on my eye lids. I take Minocycline daily to prevent acne flair-ups; seldom have problems with acne. Have had this for ages; assumed that as I got older it wouldn't be so bad, but.... I tried Clinac(?) which supposedly absorbs oil; couldn't really see much improvement, but only used it couple of weeks. Would like something to control it, not absorb it.  Are there any special soaps that might help? Thanks so much.
Don

Answer
There are not many medications that deal specificially with Oily skin.  Clinac OC which you have used is applied to the face 3-5 times per day to help control the oil.  Any topical that is a gel also helps dry the the skin like prescription Differin Gel or Retin A Gel.  There is one oral medication that is excellent in the treatmnet of oily skin and that is accutane.  I have some women on accutane 20mg three time a week to control oil and that is the only medication that will help them.  Accutane does have side effects and you cannot get pregnant while on this medication because of birth defects.  I had two women patients yesterday that came in and were on low does accutane.  They were very pleased with the results.