What is the treatment of acne?

Author: Easton Treutel PhD  |  Last update: Monday, May 5, 2025

Usually the first choice for treating acne is a tetracycline (minocycline, doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin). A macrolide might be an option for people who can't take tetracyclines, including pregnant women and children under 8 years old.

Which is best for acne treatment?

Benzoyl peroxide

It also helps to reduce the number of whiteheads and blackheads, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Benzoyl peroxide is usually available as a cream or gel. It's used either once or twice a day. It should be applied after washing to all of the parts of your face affected by acne.

What is the full treatment for acne?

Oral acne medications

Common antibiotics for acne include tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline. These are best for moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin (Amnesteem®, Claravis® and Sotret®): Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid. Isotretinoin shrinks the size of oil glands, which contributes to acne formation.

What is the most efficient treatment for acne?

Begin with benzoyl peroxide and adapalene.

If you're not sure which acne product to buy, start with one that contains benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or both. Either one is effective and usually well tolerated. Some studies show that they are more effective when combined. Give it a few days before expecting to see results.

What is the most effective face treatment for acne?

Below are some of the most popular facials for acne-prone skin.
  • Classic Facial. A typical classic facial comes with a deep cleansing, extractions of whiteheads and blackheads, a head and neck massage, and relaxation. ...
  • Microdermabrasion Facial. ...
  • LED Facial. ...
  • Decongesting Facial. ...
  • Brightening Facial.

Doctor explains ACNE | Causes, symptoms, treatment and more!

What is the strongest acne treatment?

Isotretinoin: This is a potent medicine that attacks all four causes of acne—bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation (redness and swelling). About 85% of patients see permanent clearing after one course of isotretinoin.

How can I permanently get rid of acne on my face?

The most common natural acne treatments include:
  1. Aloe vera. The gel from the aloe vera plant has a reputation as a skin soother. ...
  2. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a reputation as a natural cure for many conditions, including acne. ...
  3. Green tea. ...
  4. Honey. ...
  5. Tea tree oil. ...
  6. Turmeric. ...
  7. Zinc. ...
  8. Sulfur.

What is the fastest treatment for acne?

  • Apply Ice to the Pimple: ...
  • Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ...
  • Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ...
  • Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ...
  • Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ...
  • Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

How to get clear skin?

Follow these tips for gentle skin care:
  1. Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. ...
  2. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. ...
  3. Shave carefully. ...
  4. Pat dry. ...
  5. Moisturize dry skin.

What kills acne bacteria fast?

How to treat bacterial acne
  • Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a common over-the-counter topical acne treatment that can be purchased at most pharmacies. ...
  • Antibiotics. Certain oral antibiotics can be prescribed for acne treatment. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar. ...
  • Tea tree oil.

How to get rid of acne when nothing works?

Regular cleansing, twice a day, is ideal for removing those layers of old oil and makeup. I often recommend a topical retinoid cream to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin. Retinoids also have some anti-inflammatory effects, and they increase the rate at which our skin cells divide. This helps to heal the skin faster.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
  1. Breakout Zones: Bacterial acne typically invades the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while hormonal acne prefers the chin, jawline, and lower face.
  2. Timing: Hormonal acne often adheres to a cyclic pattern, intensifying before menstruation and subsiding afterward.

What are effective acne treatments?

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid.

A 20% azelaic acid cream or gel seems to be as effective as many conventional acne treatments when used twice a day. Prescription azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea) is an option during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.

What do most dermatologist recommend for acne?

Additionally, dermatologists often prescribe topical retinoids, such as tretinoin or adapalene, to stimulate skin cell turnover, unclog pores, and mitigate acne formation. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or minocycline, may also be recommended for inflammatory acne to target bacterial overgrowth and inflammation.

What is the number one way to get rid of acne?

1. Keep your face clean. Wash your face once or twice a day with an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide face wash. This reduces inflammation and kills bacteria associated with acne formation.

How to reduce acne?

Avoid make-up, skincare and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labelled “comedogenic”). Use water-based non-comedogenic products, as they're less likely to block the pores in your skin. Completely remove make-up before going to bed. If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.

Do acne scars go away?

If you have a red or brownish mark on your face that you got from a bad zit, it should eventually fade. However, it may take 12 months or longer. If you're upset about acne marks, talk to your doctor, who might have advice on what you can do.

What is acne caused by?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent.

What kills pimples the fastest?

If you have a pimple, using benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a pimple patch can help it go away faster.

Does ice help acne?

Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.

What helps with acne naturally?

Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which might kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also help reduce the swelling and redness of pimples.

Does toothpaste help pimples?

According to our dermatology providers, using toothpaste as an acne spot treatment can cause dryness and irritation and might even worsen breakouts. So, if you're wondering, “how long should I leave toothpaste on my pimple?”—don't!

Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.

Can acne be 100% cured?

While acne cannot be permanently cured, proper skincare routines and dietary changes can help control and prevent further breakouts.

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