Acne Treatments, Over the Counter Products, and Prescription Medications

Acne Treatments, Over the Counter Products, and Prescription Medications
By Angela Palmer, About.com Guide to Acne
Understanding Acne Treatment

If you have acne, you'll have a lot of questions. What treatments are available? Is there a cure? Understanding how acne is treated will help you care for your skin.

Treatment Options:
What is the Best Acne Treatment?
Do Those "Miracle" Acne Cures Really Work?
Acne in Skin of Color
Treating Back and Body Acne
Acne Medications and the Sun
Top 5 Treatment Mistakes
How Can I Remember to Use My Treatments?
Does Over-Applying Clear Acne Faster?
Why Isn't My Treatment Working?
What Are Spot Treatments?
OTC Treatments

Not all cases of acne warrant a trip to the dermatologist. You may be able to successfully clear your acne using over-the-counter products.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Mild Acne:
Benzoyl Peroxide
Salicylic Acid
Acne Spot Treatments for Under $20
Sulfur
Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Proactiv?
Bargain Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers
Salicylic Acid Cleansers for Under $10
Will Medicated Makeup Clear Acne?
Does Tea Tree Oil Clear Acne?
Can I Use Toothpaste on Pimples?
Prescription Topicals

If your acne is moderate to severe, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments, you should talk to your doctor. Many topical acne medication are available with a prescription.

Topical Prescription Acne Medications:
Aczone
BenzaClin
Benzamycin
Differin
Retin-A
Topical Antibiotics
Oral Medications

Tough cases of acne might need to be treated with oral medication. These medications may be used alone, or in addition to topical treatments.

Oral Medications for Severe Acne
All About Accutane
Oral Contraceptives
Spironolactone
Professional Procedures

In addition to topical products and oral medications, your skin may benefit from professional procedures performed at your doctor's office, day spa, or medi-spa.

Photodynamic Therapy
Microdermabrasion
Will Salon Facials Help Clear My Acne?
Light Chemical Peels
Why Does My Esthetician Squeeze My Blemishes?
Treatment Tips

While consistency is the best medicine for acne, a few tips and tricks can help you get the most from your treatments.

Breakout 911: Healing Pimples Fast
Retin A is Making Me Peel. Help!
Avoid Dryness By Drying Your Skin
Don't Just Spot-Treat
Cheap Tip for Controlling Oil
Save Money at the Skin Care Aisle
Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide
Acne Treatment Tips for Brown Skin
Finding Help

You don't have to treat acne alone. Your skin care professionals are here to help.

Diagnosing Acne
When to See a Doctor
How to Choose the Right Dermatologist
Being Honest with Your Doctor
What your Dermatologist Really Wants You To Know
Should I See an Esthetician or Dermatologist?
What is an Esthetician?
Preserving Your Self-Esteem

Don't let acne get you down. Remember, you aren't alone. You can keep your self-confidence despite having acne.

Living with Acne
Acne and Your Self-Esteem
Depression and Accutane
Does Acne Keep You from Exercise?
Taking Care of You
3 Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
How to Preserve Your Self-Esteem
Share Tips and Get Advice on the Acne Forum