Acne Treatments, Over the Counter Products, and Prescription Medications
By Angela Palmer, About.com Guide to Acne
Can you do anything to improve your acne? You bet! Plenty of acne treatment products and medications are available that can help clear your skin.
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?
- 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
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Salicylic Acid
- Acne Spot Treatments for Under $20
- Sulfur
- 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.
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.
- Oral Medications for Severe Acne
- Antibiotics
- Isotretinoin
- Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)
- Spironolactone
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
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
- Being Honest with Your Doctor
- What your Dermatologist Really Wants You To Know
- Should I See an Esthetician or Dermatologist?
- What is an Esthetician?
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.
