New ‘Hollywood dose’ pill: A-listers hooked on ‘youth elixir’ that dermatologists say is anti-ageing, shrinks pores, smooths wrinkles… and even banishes rosacea

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Hollywood is known for embracing the newest beauty trends, but the latest one is different. Unlike procedures like injections or expensive surgeries, this trend is much more natural.

Sources say more and more celebrities are choosing a small pill to maintain youthful, flawless skin, opting for this method instead of cosmetic surgery or injections.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m seeing a really interesting, and frankly surprising, trend. For years, dermatologists have prescribed isotretinoin – many know it as Accutane – as a strong treatment for severe acne. Now, I’m hearing that some celebrities are taking very small, carefully measured doses, not necessarily for acne, but as part of their skincare routines. It was previously something discussed only among doctors, but it’s definitely gaining attention now.

The practice even has a cheeky nickname: ‘the Hollywood dose.’

Celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone, and Kris Jenner—who appear to defy aging or have openly discussed procedures like Jenner’s $100,000 facelift—are grabbing attention. This has led to increased public interest, with many people learning about these cosmetic treatments through social media and wanting them for themselves.

Dr. Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist and the founder of Self London, explained to the Daily Mail that ‘microdosing’ isotretinoin isn’t a new concept in dermatology, but it’s recently gained popularity after being shared on social media.

As a long-time patient, I’ve learned that dermatologists have been tailoring treatments for years, especially for tricky cases like mine – persistent adult acne, really oily skin, or when breakouts just keep coming back even after a full course of medication. They often do this by using lower doses or spacing out treatments, and it’s been a game-changer for people like me.

Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Stuart Kaplan, who created Kaplan MD Skincare, notes that using a small dose of Accutane – sometimes called ‘microdosing’ or ‘Hollywood dosing’ – is gaining popularity.

He explained the distinct differences between standard and low dosing. 

According to Kaplan, Accutane, or isotretinoin taken by mouth, is typically prescribed at a dose of 1mg per kilogram of body weight – around 80mg daily for someone weighing 175 pounds – and a standard treatment usually lasts six months.

Accutane can be taken in low doses, ranging from 10 to 40 milligrams, one to three times a week. Treatment typically lasts between six months and a year and a half, but may continue longer depending on individual needs.

Dermatologist Dr. Taylor Bullock explained the popularity of this beauty trend on Instagram, saying people likely use it because it reduces oil production, keeps pores unclogged, and gradually manages acne with minimal side effects.

Accutane, especially at higher doses, often causes significant dryness and makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Some people may experience joint pain, and changes in mood, including depression, have been reported. It is crucial that pregnant women do not take isotretinoin at any dose.

According to Mahto, isotretinoin at lower doses primarily works by decreasing oil production in the skin. This can help some people manage their acne long-term.

Celebrities aren’t just focused on clearing up a single blemish, though. As Sandra Bullock explained on Instagram, their interest in flawless skin is about achieving a broader, more polished image.

According to makeup artist Kaplan, actresses dislike oily skin because shine on the forehead is unflattering on camera, as he told the Daily Mail.

Oh my gosh, did you see the Oscars? It was insane! Everyone was clearly trying to defy aging. Like, Nicole Kidman looked amazing, practically glowing, and Gwyneth Paltrow… I almost didn’t recognize her! But honestly, the most talked-about thing was how tight Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone were trying to look. It was all anyone could talk about – they were definitely getting work done, and it was so obvious! I’m obsessed with tracking all of this, it’s fascinating!

According to Kaplan, a low dose of Accutane might help skin stay looking younger. Research suggests it can boost collagen levels and lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

My patients tell me this treatment minimizes pores and makes their skin feel smoother. With age, issues like rosacea and enlarged pores often develop, and a low dose of Accutane can effectively address both.

Patients typically notice visibly smoother, firmer skin with less oiliness. It works similarly to a stronger, full-body version of retinoid creams, taken as a pill, to help repair sun damage.

But, as with many prescription drugs, Accutane carries side effects.

As a lifestyle expert, I want to make sure you’re aware of some serious potential health concerns. The Cleveland Clinic has reported that certain factors can lead to birth defects, mental health challenges like depression and even suicidal thoughts, as well as liver damage and high cholesterol. Because these are significant issues, it’s really important to have a dermatologist monitor your health closely.

Even with lower doses of Accutane, there’s still a risk of serious birth defects if a patient gets pregnant while on the medication or for a month after stopping, according to Kaplan.

‘For this reason, I still do a pregnancy test monthly in patients who can become pregnant. 

‘I also do a blood test to check liver status every three months, at a minimum.’

Mahto stressed the seriousness as well.

Isotretinoin is a strong medication that doctors must carefully control when prescribing,” she explained. “Because it can cause serious birth defects if a pregnant woman takes it, patients need thorough counseling and regular check-ups.

Similar to medications like Ozempic, which are designed for diabetes but frequently used for weight loss, the ‘Hollywood dose’ isn’t a standard treatment – it’s a modified version.

Dr. Kaplan clarified that using a low dose of Accutane isn’t its officially approved use. Instead of the typical high doses, patients take smaller amounts less frequently, but continue treatment for a longer duration.

The doctor says this treatment works well for people of any age, from younger celebrities like Kylie Jenner, who is 28, to older ones like her mother, Kris, who is 70.

According to Kaplan, using a lower dose of Accutane is generally much easier on patients, particularly those who are older. They’re less likely to suffer from common side effects like dry skin, peeling, chapped lips, and joint pain. This makes them more likely to continue taking the medication as prescribed.

As people age, their skin often becomes a mix of dry and oily patches. They can also experience both rosacea and regular acne as adults. For these skin issues, I generally find that a low dose of Accutane works better than antibiotics or creams applied to the skin.

It appears that, no matter the age, celebrities are flocking to the Hollywood dose.

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2026-04-21 02:04