Treatment for Acne

There is a range of treatment options to help you tackle the problem. Acne can be treated with medications that are either applied to the skin or taken by mouth. Barring an underlying medical condition, most cases of acne can be effectively controlled with acne therapy. While some mild acne can sometimes be controlled by washing the affected area twice a day with unperfumed cleanser or can be treated with over-the-counter medications. The skin needs a certain amount of oil to maintain its natural condition, so avoid aggressive washing with strong soaps. Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection, reducing the inflammation or doing all four.

Topical Treatments

There are a number of anti acne cream, lotions, solutions or gel available at pharmacies to treat mild acne. Topical medications usually contain antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide , sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or lactic acid as their active ingredient. This Benzoyl peroxide has its antibacterial effects and can dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin which make it harder for pores to become blocked and for infection to develop. But benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling but this tends to settle down if you reduce the number of times you use it. Then you can build up your use gradually. Azelaic acid (Skinoren) is an alternative to benzoyl peroxide and may not make your skin as sore as benzoyl peroxide Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, Renova) and adapalene (Differin) are examples of topical prescription products derived from vitamin A. They promote cell turnover and prevent plugging of the hair follicles. Others topical antibiotics also are available. They work by killing excess skin bacteria. Often, a combination of such products is required to achieve optimal results.


A topical retinoid is often used to treat the small bumps under the skin and blackheads. Some are available over-the-counter. Retinoid are the only medication believed effective for battling the microcomedone — the lesion that precedes acne. Retinoid (e.g. Adapalene) are medicines based on vitamin A, which are rubbed into the skin once or twice a day. Prescription products derived from vitamin A work by promoting cell turnover and preventing plugging of the hair follicles. When using a retinoid, dermatologists recommend that you apply sunscreen daily before going outdoors. A topical retinoid increases the risk of sunburn. A benefit of using a topical retinoid is the product’s which are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

If your acne doesn't respond to these treatments after two months, or you have severe acne, do not get discourage. You may want to see a doctor or dermatologist to get a stronger prescription lotion. Depending on the severity of your acne, your doctor may choose to treat you or refer you to a dermatologist. Your doctor or dermatologist may recommend a prescription medication you apply to your skin or take by mouth. Oral prescription medications for acne should not be used during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

No treatment will completely heal your acne or work immediately. It may take weeks, or even months to see significant effects and your skin may get worse before it gets better. Once acne clears, treatment should be continued to prevent new lesions from forming.

Oral Treatment

As adult acne often involves hormonal swings, an oral medication may be necessary to minimize these fluctuations and control the acne. An oral antibiotic also may be part of an adult’s acne treatment. It can be used to help get the acne under control. Taking an oral antibiotic and using a topical retinoid for a few months and then stopping the antibiotic can be effective. Topical retinoid alone often can maintain the results over time.

People with severe inflammatory acne, long-term treatment with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or minocycline (eg Minocin), combined with one of these medications may be helpful. But Tetracycline antibiotics are not given to pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding and children under 12 years of age.


Adult women with severe acne may benefit from treatment with contraceptive pills containing anti-androgens, e.g. Dianette. Women must use an appropriate contraceptive method during treatment, and for a full month after the treatment stops. Oral contraceptives, including a combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen), have been shown to improve acne in women. A combination of the usual pill hormone called ethinylestradiol with cyproterone acetate (eg Dianette) suppresses male hormone activity so is often used in women with acne. Isotretinoin (eg Roaccutane) is a medicine known as an oral retinoid, which also exists in a topical form Isotretinoin works by drying up oily secretions. But Isotretinoin is not suitable for people with liver or kidney disease and women should neither be pregnant, nor get pregnant, while taking Isotretinoin, as it is very dangerous to an unborn baby. Isotretinoin has several severe side effects which are why it can only be prescribed by a dermatologist, but it also has a high success rate in acne.


When oral medications are prescribed for acne, it is important that the patient consult a dermatologist because oral contraceptives may cause other side effects.

Acne scar Treatment

Scars caused by acne can be removed; dermatologist or a plastic surgeon may be able to use certain procedures to diminish scars left by acne. These include fillers, abrasion (dermabrasion,) intense light therapy and laser resurfacing. But dermabrasion may cause pigmentation changes for people with darker skin.

Laser and light-based therapies reach the deeper layers of skin without harming the skin's surface. In laser resurfacing, a laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis). Laser treatment is thought to damage the oil (sebaceous) glands, causing them to produce less oil. These therapies can also improve skin texture and lessen the appearance of scars. Light therapy targets the bacterium that causes acne inflammation and radiofrequency devices don't injure the epidermis. These treatments heat the dermis and cause new skin formation. As the wound heals, new skin forms. After several treatments, acne scars may appear less noticeable, this treatment typically needs to be repeated more often and results are subtle.

Collagen or fat can be injected under the skin and into scars to fill out or stretch the skin, making the scars less noticeable. These treatments are temporary, so you'd need to repeat the injections periodically.

Microdermabrasion may be helpful in controlling acne. This newer acne scar treatment involves a hand-held device that blows crystals onto skin; the crystals will gently abrade or "polish" the skin's surface. After that, use a vacuum tube removes the crystals and skin cells. These cosmetic procedures which have traditionally been used to lessen the appearance of fine lines, sun damage and minor facial scars and are effective when used in combination with other acne treatments. However, results are subtle and scars may still be noticeable, even after several sessions.

The information posted here should not be considered medical advice, and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified dermatology professional.

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