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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.
 

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Latest in Acne Treatments

The Acne.org Regimen The Acne.org Regimen The Acne.org Regimen is a 3-step treatment that will completely clear even stubborn cases of acne. It involves using a Cleanser, Treatment (2.5% benzoyl peroxide),... December 15, 2019
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
Isotretinoin (Accutane) Accutane (Isotretinoin) Isotretinoin, often known by its brand name, Accutane, is an oral medication approved for people with severe, scarring acne. It is the most effective medication for acne, but also comes with a long list of side effects, some of which can be severe and/or lifelong, and causes severe birth defects. February 22, 2021
Chemical Peels Chemical Peels for Acne Chemical peels work by exfoliating the top layers of skin. This has been shown to reduce acne and acne scarring. However, chemical peels on their own normally do not provide adequate relief from acne and must be combined with other treatments. April 22, 2020
Light Therapy Light Therapy - Blue and/or Red Light Blue and/or red light devices may help to reduce acne, especially stronger light devices found in doctors' offices, but usually not to a dramatic degree and only in the short term. They are best used alongside other acne treatments. July 16, 2020
Laser Therapy Lasers and Acne Laser therapy may reduce acne to a moderate degree after several sessions by reducing acne bacteria and skin oil, and may produce more lasting results than topical treatments. However, there is concern that permanently damaging skin oil glands might lead to premature aging or other problems. July 06, 2020
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