Medical Review by Heidi Moawad
Summary
- Acne occurs when hair follicles under the skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples or lesions. It can affect people of all ages, though it’s more common when you’re younger.
- Prescription medications for acne include topical retinoids to unclog pores, topical and oral antibiotics to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, and isotretinoin for severe cases.
- Over-the-counter options like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective for mild to moderate acne. They help kill bacteria, reduce oil, and prevent clogged pores but require consistent use over weeks to see results.
- Medical interventions include sulfur-based products, chemical peels, and tea tree oil. Other approaches, like eating fewer high-glycemic foods and trying light-based therapies, may also support acne management.
- Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended if your acne causes discomfort, embarrassment, or scarring. Providers can create personalized treatment plans and monitor progress to help you achieve clearer skin.
There are different kinds of acne medication—but what’s best for you?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles under your skin get clogged with substances like oils or dead skin cells. This results in lesions or pimples that can be tender or painful to touch, causing daily discomfort.
It’s more common for teenagers and young people to get acne, but anyone can get it at any age. So how can you make it go away?
Fortunately, numerous treatment options for acne are available, including prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and alternative therapies. Choosing the right treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne, as well as your personal preferences and medical history. In this article, we’ll explore the different options for acne medication and explain when to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Prescription medications
For individuals with moderate to severe acne or those who don’t respond to OTC treatments, prescription medications can provide effective solutions. Below are some commonly prescribed options:
- Topical retinoids: These include medications like tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. Retinoids work to treat acne by speeding up the natural rate at which your skin cells and hair follicles shed, which unclogs your pores and makes new pimples less likely to form.
- Topical antibiotics: Clindamycin and erythromycin are commonly prescribed to kill acne-causing bacteria. Clindamycin is sometimes combined with retinoids, and may also be combined with other treatments like benzoyl peroxide. It’s generally preferred over erythromycin, which has occasionally been reported to cause antibiotic resistance.
- Oral antibiotics: Oral antibiotics can help treat moderate to severe acne by stopping the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Tetracyclines, like doxycycline, minocycline, and sarecycline, are often preferred because they also reduce swelling. If tetracyclines don’t work or cause side effects, other antibiotics, like macrolides or penicillins, can be used instead.
- Oral contraceptives: Certain birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin can help regulate hormones that contribute to acne in women. Learn more about your options for birth control here.
- Isotretinoin: A powerful oral retinoid, isotretinoin is often reserved for severe acne that carries a risk of scarring. It targets all major causes of acne but requires close monitoring due to potential side effects—like muscle pain, dry skin, visual changes, and more.
The type of acne medication that your healthcare provider prescribes to you will be based on your individual needs and health history. They may also recommend combining certain treatments—but do not experiment with mixing and matching acne medications yourself.
Over-the-counter medications
Several OTC products can also be effective for mild to moderate acne, although severe cases tend to require prescription medication. Popular OTC options include:
- Benzoyl peroxide: A popular ingredient in many acne creams and washes, benzoyl peroxide helps kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and remove excess oil. It is sometimes combined with topical antibiotics.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is often used as an alternative to topical retinoids in cases where they aren’t effective. It works by helping to prevent your pores from clogging—and although it can cause some skin irritation, it is typically considered a mild treatment method.
OTC products are a good starting point for treating mild acne—but you may need to use them consistently for weeks before you start to see meaningful results.
Other Interventions
The methods listed above represent the most common approaches to dealing with acne, but everyone is different and you may need to explore other options. Here are some alternatives that are backed up by evidence:
- Sulfur: Leaving some sulfur-based products on your skin can help kill bacteria that contributes to acne. When used in emollient foams, sulfur-based treatments also have less of a smell than when used in lotions, creams, and cleansers.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs like glycolic acid are often used in chemical peels, which are applied to the skin with cotton buds or a brush. The peel is then removed after a few minutes. Consistently using these peels over several months has been shown to reduce acne in some cases.
- Tea tree oil: This natural oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It has been shown to help reduce the number of inflammatory lesions in people with acne, although research does not conclusively show it to be an effective treatment for acne except in minor cases.
Other approaches to acne management
Not all ways of preventing or treating acne involve taking medication. There are also certain lifestyle or behavior modifications that may help.
- Dietary changes: There is still plenty of debate in the scientific community about how changing your diet can impact acne, but some research suggests that eating foods with a high glycemic index may be associated with acne outbreaks. Reducing these foods in your diet to focus on fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats might reduce this risk—and it certainly can’t hurt your overall health.
- Light therapy: Some devices use laser or light-based therapies to target bacteria and inflammation. This approach can be used on its own, or as part of a more comprehensive plan for dealing with acne flare ups.
Consulting a healthcare provider
Acne isn’t dangerous, but it can be embarrassing and affect your confidence. It can also be itchy and uncomfortable—even painful in some cases.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, talking to a healthcare professional is strongly recommended. A qualified healthcare practitioner will be able to:
- Look at your skin and learn more about the underlying causes of your acne.
- Recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to your skin type and severity.
- Monitor your progress and adjust your regimen as needed.
Remember, the sooner you make a plan to deal with acne, the sooner you can get it under control and enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin.
Find the right plan to help you treat acne with Lemonaid Health
Acne is a manageable condition with many treatment options available, ranging from prescription medications to OTC products and natural remedies. Understanding your options and how they work can help you make informed decisions about your care with appropriate medical support.
If you’re struggling to find an effective solution, consulting a healthcare provider can help point you in the right direction. With the right combination of treatments, you can achieve clearer skin and improved confidence.
Lemonaid Health offers convenient, online consultations with qualified healthcare providers who can answer your questions about acne and recommend personalized treatments. Get started today and take the first step toward healthier skin.
