Acne Treatments
Sometimes, a consistent skincare routine may not be enough. If over-the-counter products don't improve your acne, you should visit your doctor for next steps. This page will give you a brief overview of the different categories of acne treatment options.
1
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are treatments applied directly to your skin. These are usually the first choice for mild to moderate acne. They include topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, or topical retinoids. Usually, these are applied every night or twice a day, depending on the treatment.
2
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are pills taken by mouth. These medications work to decrease the level of bacteria on the skin and are often used for weeks to months to see results.
3
Oral Contraception
Oral contraception aka birth control pills may be helpful for people assigned female at birth with acne related to hormone cycles.
4
Isotretinoin aka Accutane
Isotretinoin is an oral treatment for severe acne, but it can have some side effects (e.g., dryness, vision changes, and mood changes) so it's important to speak to a doctor before starting this medication.