Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

There’s no cure for acne, but treatments can get rid of breakouts and prevent new ones. (12) The acne treatment that’s best for you depends on the severity of your acne.

A good skin-care regimen is often the first line of defense for mild acne or the occasional pimple. But sometimes, treatment is needed to keep skin healthy.

Over-the-Counter Products

These solutions include medicated cleansers, lotions, creams, gels, and face pads. They typically contain acne-fighting ingredients, such as: (13)

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Glycolic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Niacinamide
• Topical retinoids

These ingredients work by preventing the plugging of hair follicles, fighting bacteria on the skin, reducing oil production, or exfoliating the top layer of skin. (13)

Harth explains that to heal body acne — such as back acne — you will need an effective anti-acne treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide, which is the most effective for body acne. (14)

Prescription-Strength Products

Options for ointments, creams, and lotions that you can receive from your dermatologist include: (13)

• Topical antibiotics (Benzaclin Pump, BenzaClin, Neuac, Onexton, Duac, and Acanya)
• Oral antibiotics, such as minocycline (Minocin) and doxycycline (Vibramycin)
• Retinoids, such as adapalene topical (Differin) and tazarotene topical (Tazorac)
• Oral contraceptives for women (Yaz)
• Oral antihormonal medications for women, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Topical antihormonal medications for women, such as clascoterone (Winlevi)
• Isotretinoin (Accutane), a pill that is selectively prescribed to manage very severe acne and is under close supervision by a healthcare professional
• Injections of a corticosteroid

Dermatology Procedures

For stubborn acne, your dermatologist may recommend an in-office treatment, such as laser resurfacing therapy or a chemical peel. (13) Other in-office treatments include light therapy, steroid injections, or drainage and extraction of cysts and pimples. (1)

The Importance of Consistency in Treating Acne

You’ll probably need to treat acne for an extended period — not only during a breakout. Also, don’t stop an acne treatment until your doctor says it’s okay — otherwise, you run the risk of having another breakout just when your skin starts to clear. (16)

Without treatment, you may have persistent breakouts and scarring of the skin. Anxiety and low self-esteem are also associated with persistent acne, according to a review published in 2018. (17)

Learn More About Treatment Options for Acne

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Although traditional acne therapies are proven effective, you may want to experiment with home remedies to complement your plan. While these options won’t be as effective as medications or procedures, they may come with fewer side effects. Some acne medicines can cause dizziness, upset stomach, sun sensitivity, and blood clots. (3)

Ingredients that may help fight acne include:

• Cucumbers (18)
• Honey (19)
• Yogurt (20)
• Oatmeal (21)
• Turmeric (22)

More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of acne home remedies. (13)

Learn More About Home Remedies for Acne