Acne Medications

Acne medications are used to address several problems that play a role in causing acne. Doctors usually recommend topical (placed directly on the skin) acne medications for people with mild signs of acne. Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral acne medications, alone or in combination. The dermatologist may prescribe Accutane if other acne medications have not successfully treated the condition.

 

Acne Medications: An Overview

Acne medications are used to address several problems that are possible causes of acne, such as:
 
  • Abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles
  • Increased oil production
  • Bacteria
  • Inflammation.
     
Depending on the extent of the person's acne, the doctor will recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications or prescription acne medicines. Prescription acne medications may be topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using multiple topical acne medications or combining oral and topical acne medications.
 

Acne Medications: OTC Topical Medications

Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical acne medication for people with mild signs of acne. Topical acne medications are applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.
 
Common topical OTC acne medications include:
 
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Resorcinol
  • Salicylic acid
  • Sulfur.
     
Each of these acne medications works a little differently. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and may also reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads (see Types of Acne). Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Topical OTC acne medications are available in many forms, such as:
 
  • Gels
  • Lotions
  • Creams
  • Soaps
  • Pads.
     
In some patients, OTC acne medications may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Some people find that the side effects lessen or go away with continued use of the medicine. Severe or prolonged side effects should be reported to the doctor.
 
OTC topical acne medications are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly. Patients must keep in mind that it can take eight weeks or more before they notice their skin looks and feels better.
 
(Acne Medications Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD