Which acne treatments are right for you: prescription or over-the-counter?

There are many acne treatments available depending on the type and severity of acne you are suffering from. Whether it is a topical solution applied directly to the skin or a systemic therapy that works internally, it is important to understand what options are available to determine which treatment is right for you.

Over-The-Counter Acne Treatments

Mild-to-moderate acne can be treated with over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and/or salicylic acid, such as Proactiv. Try at-home treatments first before acne has a chance to progress. If visible improvement of the skin is not seen in six-to-eight weeks of home treatment, it may be time to see a dermatologist.

Benzoyl Peroxide

As one of the most common acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide is found in cleansers, lotions, and creams. By killing the Propionibacteria acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts, benzoyl peroxide also helps unclog pores and reduces inflammation of the skin.

Salicylic Acid

By correcting the abnormal shedding of skin cells, salicylic acid helps to reduce the number of pore blockages, which then prevents breakouts. Salicylic acid works particularly well for individuals with many blackheads or whiteheads. It is found in acne cleansers, lotions, and treatment pads.

Glycolic Acid

Alpha hydroxy acids are organic acids popular in cosmetics because of their beneficial effects on the appearance of skin. Glycolic acid is derived from fruit and can improve problem-prone skin. When used with salicylic acid, studies show that the two ingredients can be extremely beneficial in acne treatement.

Sulfur and Resorcinol

While still unclear as to how it works, sulfur has been used for more than 50 years to treat acne. Resorcinol helps prevent comedones by removing buildup of dead skin cells. Often found together in acne products, these ingredients reduce excess oil.

Alcohol and Acetone

For those with oily skin, alcohol is an antimicrobial that reduces acne-causing bacteria while acetone removes excess oil from the skin. Found mostly in toners, astringents, and cleansers, these two ingredients work together to help cleanse excess oil from the skin and reduce the amount of pore blockages.

Prescription Acne Medications

While prescription acne treatments are indeed effective, they are mostly designed for moderate-to-severe cases and can be quite expensive. You will need to consult with a dermatologist to evaluate your skin and determine what solution, if any, would be right for you.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a prescription cream or gel for mild-to-moderate acne. Thought to reduce Propionibacteria acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts, azelaic acid also helps to normalize the shedding of dead skin cells and decrease inflammation. It also helps improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the discoloration left after an acne lesion has healed.

Topical Retinoids

Derived from synthetic vitamin A, topical retinoids rapidly exfoliate the skin to keep pores unclogged and prevent comedones. For moderate-to-severe acne, retinoids also reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, which makes it a popular choice for adult acne sufferers.

Topical Antibiotics

Prescribed for moderate-to-severe acne, topical antibiotics inhibit the growth of bacteria, help reduce inflammation and decrease the amount of blocked pores.

Topical Combination Therapy

These medications contain combinations of topical antibiotics with other acne-fighting ingredients to kill acne-causing bacteria, normalize the shedding of dead skin cells, keep pores clear, and reduce the number of comedones. Less antibiotic is needed compared to using topical antibiotics alone.

Oral Contraceptive Pills

Also known as birth control pills, oral contraceptives can effectively treat acne in some women. However, these are not used as a primary solution, but rather prescribed after other treatment options have been tried, or if a woman plans to use birth control pills as a form of birth control anyway.

Part of the challenge in finding the right acne treatment is to discover the product regimen that works for you. You may need to experiment with several treatment options before finding one that ultimately works, but do try one solution at a time, so you can effectively determine whether the products work. If, after several weeks, your efforts are not improving your skin, do not hesitate to contact your dermatologist.