Acne Medication: What Works Best and How to Use It Right

If you’ve tried everything from harsh scrubs to diet changes and still see breakouts, it might be time to look at medication. Acne meds come in creams, gels, pills, and even injections, each designed for a specific type of spot or skin condition. Knowing which one fits your needs can save you months of frustration.

Common Types of Acne Medication

Topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythromycin fight bacteria that trigger inflammation. They’re usually paired with a soothing agent so they don’t dry out the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne‑causing bugs and unclogging pores. It’s available over the counter in strengths from 2% to 10%, but start low to avoid redness.

Retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin speed up cell turnover, preventing clogged pores. These can be a bit irritating at first, so apply every other night and moisturize well.

Oral antibiotics like doxycycline are prescribed for moderate to severe acne that doesn’t respond to topicals. They reduce inflammation from the inside out but should only be used short‑term to avoid resistance.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is the heavyweight option for cystic or stubborn acne. It shrinks oil glands and clears skin dramatically, but requires careful monitoring because of possible side effects.

How to Use Them Safely

Start slow. Apply a new cream to a small patch of skin for a few days before spreading it across your face. If you notice burning or excessive peeling, cut back the frequency or switch to a lower concentration.

Never mix too many active ingredients at once. For example, using benzoyl peroxide and retinoids together can cause severe dryness. Use one in the morning and the other at night, or alternate days.

Protect your skin from sun exposure. Many acne meds make you more sensitive to UV rays, so a broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ is a must, even on cloudy days.

If you take oral meds, follow up with your doctor for blood tests as needed. Isotretinoin users need monthly check‑ins and strict birth‑control measures because of its high risk in pregnancy.

Keep a simple routine: cleanse gently, apply medication, then moisturize. Skipping the moisturizer is a common mistake that leads to more irritation.

Finally, be patient. Most medications take 4–8 weeks to show noticeable improvement. If you see no change after that period, talk to your dermatologist about adjusting dosage or trying a different drug.