Ever since its introduction in 1982, Accutane has helped millions of people suffering from severe acne. Accutane works by shrinking the oil glands, or sebaceous glands, on the skin, which decreases the production of the oil or sebum, which is know to contribute to the formation of acne. By limiting the production of the oil acne breakouts are also kept under control. Unlike most common treatment using antibiotic for severe acne, more patients use Accutane for a period of just four to six months to get rid of acne. After the treatment period, most patients’ pimples rarely reappear.

Roche Holding AG, the maker of the prescription acne treatment drug, decided to stop marketing Accutane in the United States as of June 2009, 7 year after the company’s patent on the drug expired and generic versions of the drug hit the market.

Generic versions of Accutane are just as effective as the original drug because they use the same active ingredient isotretinoin, which is a derivative of vitamin A. Generic Accutane still requires a prescription from a doctor and, unfortunately, still produce the same side effects as the original Accutane.

Accutane’sside effects are well known. One of the most devastating side effects of Accutane is that of causing severe birth defects, including mental retardation and physical malformations. Other common side effects includedry or cracked lips, itchy and dry skin, dry nose, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and joint and muscle pain. Less common side effects includebowel inflammation and pain, chest pain, decreased night vision, decreased tolerance to contact lenses, depression, fatigue, headache, rash, stomach and intestinal discomfort, sunburn-sensitive skin, thinning hair, urinary discomfort, vision problems, nausea, and vomiting.

Luckily for the many people looking for a powerful and effective acne treatment, there are natural alternatives that will product the same results as Accutane without the side effects.

The active ingredient isotretinoin in Accutane is a made from vitamin A. Vitamin A is found in two forms - Retinoids (preformed Vitamin A or Retinol) from animal sources and includes retinol from foods such as fish liver oils, egg yolk, liver, and fortified foods such as milk or margarine, and Carotenoids from plants and beta-carotene found in foods such as deep-yellow and green vegetables.

However, in high doses vitamin A can be toxic to the body. The natural forms of vitamin A, more specifically the carotene, which the body is able to convert to vitamin A, is not toxic, no matter the amount. Thus, in seems that a natural alternative to taking Accutane to get rid of acne is to get enough of vitamin A from a balanced diet and to us self-care.

Reduce excess oil secretion: By getting enough vitamin A in the body, the secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands will be reduced. Get natural beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, from foods such as liver, oily fish, carrots, sweet potatoes, whole eggs, and broccoli.

Promote shedding of skin: Using peels or exfoliates to help the skin shed dead skin faster to lessen the change of the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the skin’s pores, which could lead to acne breakouts.

Reduce the spread of bacterial infection: Use an astringent such as apple cider vinegar to disinfect the skin to reduce and inhibit bacteria from growing on the face. This will reduce the risk of skin inflammation and the chance of pimples or acne.

Stop the spread of bacterial infection: Keep the skin clear by using an astringent to disinfect the skin to reduces the growth of bacteria on the face. Keep dirty hands off the face and affected areas.

Enhance Fat Metabolism: Too much free fatty acids in the body can irritate the skin and provoke acne breakouts. Eating less of the foods containing hydrolyzed fats will increase the body’s fat metabolism. Drinking green tea or oolong tea will also help with speeding up fat metabolism. Essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are found in foods such as salmon and olive oil, will aid the gastrointestinal tract to get rid of toxins that may lead to inflammation, and reduce the chance of acne breakouts.

Decrease inflammation: Build up a strong immune system to reduce inflammation. To strengthen the immune system, reduce stress with activities such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough quality sleeping. A diet supplemented with B-Complex, zinc and vitamins C and E similarly can also improve the effectiveness of the immune system.

Just like Accutane, which takes four to six months to be effective, a natural alternative to Accutane for treating severe acne will also take time to reproducing the drug’s dramatic results. By following these simple steps, anyone can get rid of acne and have clear skin and, increase their over all health without being exposed to the risk that comes from using Accutane.

Here is a video of Dr. Robin Gehris talking about the pros and cons of Accutane.