Andrea Rafold 
Mild acne typically responds well to simple home treatments, including washing the skin two or three times daily with a gentle cleanser, using over-the-counter spot treatments containing salicylic acid or azelaic acid, and wearing makeup without oily components.
Avoid picking at blemishes as this increases the risk of infection and scarring. Instead, choose noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens which won’t clog your pores.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Acne is a common condition, often self-diagnosed and treated on its own. Patients often turn to pharmacists for product advice as well as educational and supportive counseling.
OTC medications, or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, are sold without the need for a valid physician or health care professional prescription. Each country may have different regulations regarding which establishments can sell them, how they’re disbursed and whether a valid prescription is needed to buy one.
Over-the-counter acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide (Oxy, Acne-Free), which acts as an antibacterial agent to decrease inflammation and kill bacteria. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid from sugarcane or lactic acid from sour milk act as chemical exfoliants to loosen blackheads and whiteheads while decreasing inflammation and bacteria levels. Topical clindamycin (Cleocin T or Erygel) or oral antibiotics like erythromycin (Akne-Mycin/ATS) may help treat mild to moderate acne; these must be combined with benzoyl peroxide to minimize resistance against bacteria resistance while side effects or side effects from other sources.
Prescription medications
Prescription acne medications consist of creams, gels or washes applied directly to the skin and formulated to target breakouts. Antiseptic washes provide gentle cleansing while other creams can exfoliate, inhibit bacterial growth, speed up skin cell renewal or help decrease comedone formation (blackheads).
Topical retinoids like isotretinoin (Retin-A) and tretinoin (Benzac AC) can be highly effective at treating moderate to severe acne by keeping pores clear of oil build-up and decreasing inflammation. As these drugs increase sun sensitivity, sunscreen must also be applied with these treatments.
Oral antibiotics are also effective at treating acne, including clindamycin (Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm) or erythromycin (Akne-Mycin, ATS, Erygel). Women experiencing hormone-related acne may benefit from oral contraceptives that contain estrogen (Beyaz, Estrostep Ortho-Tri-Cyclen 21, Yaz) while Spironolactone (Aldactone) acts as an anti-androgen medication that significantly improves their condition – especially those experiencing breakouts during menstruation cycles.
Skin care adjustments
As well as using acne cream, it’s advisable to implement an overall skin care routine which includes: frequent washing with warm water and non-abrasive cleansers, using sunscreen daily, moisturizing twice daily and not picking or squeezing pimples (which could cause scarring), perfumes oils and scrubbing particles that might irritate the skin.
According to some experts, climate and weather can have a substantial effect on your skin, making it important to adjust products you use accordingly for each season. Also remember that all skin goes through an “acclimatization period,” meaning when first starting a new product it might make your complexion worse – don’t be alarmed!
Acne creams typically include benzoyl peroxide, an effective ingredient for killing bacteria that clogs pores. It may be combined with salicylic acid to dissolve oil build-up that leads to pore blockages, as well as ingredients like tranexamic acid and niacinimide that even out skin tone – these products may come in various forms like gel, cream or ointment for optimal use.
Seeing a board-certified dermatologist
When seeking to treat acne, consulting with a board-certified dermatologist is the optimal approach. Their training equips them to address all types of skin, hair and nail conditions effectively.
Your dermatologist can identify and address the source of your breakouts, including excessive picking at blemishes or using products that clog pores. He or she can also prescribe daily antibiotic pills that can fight off bacteria that trigger acne outbreaks.
Find a doctor with initials FAAD after their name to make sure they are board-certified dermatologist. This designation means they have completed four years of medical school, four years of residency, and passed the official dermatology certification exam. Their extensive training allows them to diagnose and treat numerous diseases ranging from birthmarks that threaten young eyesight to cancerous melanomas that spread quickly – not forgetting cosmetic treatments to improve skin, hair and nail appearances!
