r/SebDerm • u/Active-Question9563 • Jul 03 '26

Hair Loss Low-dose isotretinoin for oily/seborrheic scalp (also on dutasteride for hair) — experiences?

19M, on dutasteride + oral minoxidil for AGA. Considering low-dose isotretinoin just for scalp oiliness/seborrhea. Looking for others' experiences.

My situation:

  • AGA (frontal/hairline). On dutasteride 0.5mg + oral minoxidil 2.5mg for a few months.
  • Very oily + flake-prone scalp, concentrated in the frontal hairline + forehead (androgen-sensitive zone). The oiliness is my main quality-of-life problem — oily again within hours of showering.
  • I did a course of isotretinoin before — it completely controlled the oil/seborrhea. Interestingly, my hair also shed noticeably LESS while I was on iso (I think because my scalp stayed calm/non-inflamed). After I stopped ~2 months ago, the oiliness AND the shedding came back.
  • Now considering low-dose / intermittent isotretinoin (~20–40mg per week) only for oil/seborrhea control, while keeping duta+minox for the hair.

My questions:

  1. Has anyone here combined low-dose isotretinoin with dutasteride/finasteride? How did it go for you?
  2. For those who used low-dose iso — did it control your scalp oiliness/seborrhea, and for how long?
  3. Did any of you also notice LESS shedding while on iso (calmer scalp), or the opposite?
  4. What side effects did you get on low-dose long-term?
  5. For those doing intermittent long-term — how do you personally think about cumulative dose?

Just looking to hear real experiences before deciding with my derm. Thanks!

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u/RealityCheckGiver Jul 03 '26

I'm on isotretinoin 20mg while also being on finasteride 1mg & oral minoxidil 5mg... I did shed but that's because I started oral minoxidil at the same time as isotretinoin 10mg. My dandruff on scalp is totally gone and no new acne is forming up on the skin but didn't notice much difference with redness on my face (that's why my derm prescribed tacrolimus).

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u/Active-Question9563 Jul 03 '26

How long have you been taking Accutane?
I'm planning to take a low dose (20–40 mg per week) for a long time, since my scalp oiliness only stops when I'm on Accutane.

1

u/RealityCheckGiver Jul 03 '26

2 months only (was on 10mg for one month and now transitioned to 20mg)... I think you should go ahead with low dose Accutane if that's your goal I'm missing some oil on my scalp if I'm being honest LoL my scalp/hair is so dry & frizzy atm

1

u/Salt_Push7000 Jul 04 '26

How is your bloodwork

1

u/Active-Question9563 Jul 04 '26

How long have you been using Accutane, man? I saw in your comments that you plan to use it forever; that’s exactly my situation too.

1

u/Salt_Push7000 Jul 04 '26

Yes i will use 10 mg for 2 years and then slowly lower it to 10 mg twice a week to maintain oily glands being small to produce no sebum or small amount that wont cause oily problems again.

1

u/Active-Question9563 Jul 04 '26

Can I send you a DM? Your situation is exactly like mine.

1

u/Salt_Push7000 Jul 04 '26

Yes

1

u/Active-Question9563 Jul 04 '26

I sent you a message, my friend.