ABSTRACT
Retinoids are structural and functional analogs of vitamin A. They regulate gene transcription via intracellular nuclear receptors and have many effects on cell differentiation and proliferation, together with the immune system and embryonic developments. Physicians may evaluate the benefits and risks of cutaneous aesthetic procedures in the setting of retinoid treatment, and for some patients and some conditions, an informed decision may lead to earlier and potentially more effective interventions. Aggressive procedures such as mechanical dermabrasion, fully ablative laser resurfacing, and deep peels, where there are small reports of adverse effects, are rarely performed in practice, particularly in darker skin types, and are not recommended in the setting of isotretinoin use. Many trials in the literature report favorable outcomes for patients taking systemic isotretinoin while undergoing chemical peeling. Laser interventions represent the most studied procedural category in patients taking isotretinoin.
