Acne Treatment

There are safe and effective acne treatments can bring acne under control.  The key to getting rid of acne lesions and preventing new ones from forming lies in knowing the following:

• Effective treatment takes time. On average, six to eight weeks are needed to see initial results. Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing. If acne does not improve in six to eight weeks, treatment may need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of acne.
• What works for one person may not work for another. What is an appropriate treatment for one person may not clear another’s acne because many factors affect resolution, including the cause(s) of the acne, a person’s skin type and the kind of acne lesions present.
• A dermatologist’s help may be required. With so many factors affecting clearance, and with a multitude of treatment options available (some only by prescription), a dermatologist’s help can make a difference. Before prescribing treatment, dermatologists consider several factors, including the severity of the acne, types of lesions present, co-existing conditions, the presence of scars, as well as the patient’s age, gender, skin type, lifestyle, and motivation.

There are a variety of acne medications ranging from “mild” to “strong.” Mild acne medications are available over-the-counter (meaning you do not need a prescription). Stronger acne medications require a prescription from your doctor.

Over-the-counter Medications

Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in over-the-counter medications. It is a mild antibiotic that kills the P. acnes bacteria. Sulfur and salicylic acid have some mild ability to break down whiteheads and blackheads.

Prescription Medications

Topical retinoids (Differin, Epiduo, Retin A Micro) are among the most effective and commonly used prescription acne medications. Topical retinoids are unique in their ability to unclog swollen pores.

A topical retinoid may be used alone for mild acne, but many dermatologists recommend “combination therapy”, prescribing a topical retinoid for use with benzoyl peroxide or an antibiotic. They may also be recommended for long-term use, even after the acne is under control, to keep the skin clear.

Oral retinoids (Accutane, Sotret) may be prescribed for people with severe acne who are at risk of developing acne scars, or who have not responded to combination therapy with topical retinoids.

Antibiotics

Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin (ClindaGel) and erythromycin, are applied to the skin to kill the P. acnes bacteria that leads to inflammation.

Oral antibiotics, which include tetracycline, doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx), and minocycline (Dynacin, Solodyn), can reach bacteria in the deep layers of the dermis. They are also used for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives (Ortho Tri-Cyclen,  Ortho Evra, Yaz) reduce sebum production, and are prescribed for women who experience hormonally triggered acne.

Laser and Light Therapies

Unlike other therapies that address only bacterial symptoms, laser and light acne treatments targets the source of acne – overactive oil glands. The Smoothbeam laser applies gentle pulses over the treatment area. The energy penetrates deep enough to normalize oil glands and decrease their capacity to create acne. The laser also stimulates the skin to rebuild and replenish your own natural collagen and fill in the acne scars.

In this therapy there are 4 to 6 treatments done once monthly, each takes about 20 minutes. Mild redness is seen immediately after treatment but subsides within a few hours and makeup may be applied immediately.

Additional Resources

Acne Treatment (American Academy of Dermatology)