Acne Treatments
For a quick list of acne treatments and how well they tend to work, check out the acne treatments overview page.
Generally speaking, for most people, proper application of benzoyl peroxide can completely clear acne and keep it clear until it naturally subsides with time.
For people with severe, widespread, and scarring acne, isotretinoin (Accutane®) is an oral treatment that can produce long-term remission of acne in about 2/3 of people, but comes with many side effects, some of which can be lifelong. It also causes severe birth defects, and may cause premature aging and joint pain in the long-term. For all of these reasons, all other options should be exhausted first. If it is used, it must be administered in close partnership with a physician.
Females: If you are experiencing irregular menstruation, particularly if it comes with excessive hair growth, be sure to see your doctor concerning poly-cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If PCOS is diagnosed, oral contraceptives are normally prescribed and can clear acne and relieve other symptoms at the same time.
Many other topical and oral treatments exist for acne, most of which produce moderate, yet incomplete, results. Home remedies, aside from a few exceptions, tend to produce little to no results.
Only have a few minutes? Check out these articles first:
Latest in Acne Treatments
Anti-androgens
Cyproterone Acetate in Acne Treatment
Cyproterone acetate is an anti-androgen, which means it suppresses the production of male hormones. It is prescribed almost always as part of a birth control...
April 03, 2020
Cortisone Shots
Cortisone Shots for Acne
Cortisone shots can drastically and immediately reduce inflammation in severe acne lesions. Info on what they are, side effects, and where to get one are explored.
March 23, 2020
Scar Treatments
Acne Scar Treatments
There are numerous acne scar treatments that do help. Read through this page to understand what type of scarring you have, available scar treatments for your skin's unique topography, and advice on finding the right doctor to perform your chosen procedure.
March 03, 2020
Retinoids
Will the Skin Really Worsen Before It Improves on the Retinoids Tretinoin, Adapalene, or Tazarotene?
A very common myth surrounds topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene). Many people, including dermatologists, warn that the skin will get worse before it gets better...
February 04, 2020
Acne Treatments
Acne Treatment Options
Despite the numerous acne treatment options, only a few are effective. Get the facts and choose a treatment that will clear you up completely.
December 02, 2019
Acne Treatments
Acne Cure?
A cure for acne does not exist, with the possible exception of Accutane (isotretinoin) in some people who take it and experience remission of symptoms. Be skeptical of anything you find online claiming to "cure" acne, especially if they try to charge you money or sell advertisements.
November 21, 2019