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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have a pimple, using benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a pimple patch can help it go away faster.
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.
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.
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!
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.
While acne cannot be permanently cured, proper skincare routines and dietary changes can help control and prevent further breakouts.