Acne Treatments, Over the Counter Products, and Prescription Medications
By Angela Palmer, About.com Guide
Understanding Acne Treatment
If you have acne, you'll have a lot of questions. What treatments are available? Is there a cure? Understanding how acne is treated will help you care for your skin.
- Treatment Options
- Treatment Myths
- What is the Best Acne Treatment?
- Acne in Skin of Color
- Treating Back and Body Acne
- Top 5 Treatment Mistakes
- Why Isn't My Treatment Working?
- What Are Spot Treatments?
- Do You Need a Prescription Treatment?
- Are You Sharing Prescription Medications?
OTC Treatments
Not all cases of acne warrant a trip to the dermatologist. You may be able to successfully clear your acne using over-the-counter products.
- Over-the-Counter Treatments for Mild Acne
- Are OTC Treatments Right for Me?
- Choosing an OTC Acne Treatment
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Salicylic Acid
- Sulfur
- Acne Spot Treatments for Under $20
- Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Proactiv?
- Bargain Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers
- Salicylic Acid Cleansers for Under $10
- Will Medicated Makeup Clear Acne?
- Does Tea Tree Oil Clear Acne?
- Can I Use Toothpaste on Pimples?
Prescription Topicals
If your acne is moderate to severe, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments, you should talk to your doctor. Many topical acne medication are available with a prescription.
- Topical Prescription Acne Medications
- Acanya
- Aczone (Dapsone)
- Azelaic Acid
- BenzaClin
- Benzamycin
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Clindamycin, Topical
- Differin (Adapalene)
- Duac (Benzoy Peroxide and Clindamycin)
- Epiduo
- Erythromycin
- Retin-A (Tretinoin)
- Tazorac (Tazarotene)
- Topical Antibiotics
- Topical Retinoids
- Ziana
Oral Medications
Tough cases of acne might need to be treated with oral medication. These medications may be used alone, or in addition to topical treatments.
- Minocycline
- Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)
- Solodyn (Extended Release Minocycline)
- Spironolactone
- Tetracycline
Professional Procedures
In addition to topical products and oral medications, your skin may benefit from professional procedures performed at your doctor's office, day spa, or medi-spa.
Treatment Tips
While consistency is the best medicine for acne, a few tips and tricks can help you get the most from your treatments.
- Breakout 911: Healing Pimples Fast
- Retin A is Making Me Peel. Help!
- Avoid Dryness By Drying Your Skin
- Don't Just Spot-Treat
- Cheap Tip for Controlling Oil
- Save Money at the Skin Care Aisle
- Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide
- Acne Treatment Tips for Brown Skin
- Clear Acne Before Your Wedding
Finding Help
You don't have to treat acne alone. Your skin care professionals are here to help.
- Diagnosing Acne
- When to See a Doctor
- How to Choose the Right Dermatologist
- Should You Go Back to the Dermatologist?
- Being Honest with Your Doctor
- What your Dermatologist Really Wants You To Know
- Should You See an Esthetician or Dermatologist?
- What is an Esthetician?
- The Medical Spa
Preserving Your Self-Esteem
Don't let acne get you down. Remember, you aren't alone. You can keep your self-confidence despite having acne.
