She Strengthens

Get Clear Skin Faster: A Comprehensive Guide to Acne Treatment

When it comes to acne, it’s essential to tread carefully. Adding new actives and ingredients to your routine without caution can make things worse and lead to scarring. That’s why patch testing is crucial before introducing new products to your skincare regimen. This simple step helps you avoid allergic reactions and ensures the product isn’t too intense for your skin type.

Beyond Topical Treatments: Exploring Other Options

If over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription topical treatments aren’t effective, there are other solutions:

• Oral Antibiotics: Your dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics to combat severe acne. However, this may lead to bacterial resistance, making antibiotics less effective for future infections.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Considered the closest thing to a “cure” for acne, isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative used to treat severe acne. While it eliminates bacterial resistance, side effects like extreme dryness and birth defects are significant concerns.

Both of these options require a prescription, so it’s essential to work with a dermatologist to determine the best course of action.

When to See a Dermatologist

Remember, at-home treatments are not a replacement for expert care. It’s crucial to see a dermatologist at least once to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. A dermatologist can help you identify your skin type and recommend the right ingredients for your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the #1 best acne treatment?: The answer depends on your acne type and skin type. Look for products containing AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, retinoids, sulfur, and zinc for comedonal acne, and azelaic acid, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, niacinamide, retinoids, and sulfur for mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
• Which acne product clears acne the fastest?: Prescription retinoids and topical antibiotics typically clear acne the fastest. If you don’t have access to a dermatologist, try Differin Adapalene Gel, the strongest OTC retinoid available.
• What do dermatologists recommend for acne?: Dermatologists often prescribe stronger treatments like prescription retinoids and antibiotics. For milder cases, they may recommend OTC benzoyl peroxide or adapalene treatments.
• How can I permanently cure acne?: Isotretinoin (Accutane) is currently the only “cure” for acne, but it’s not without risks and side effects. It’s essential to work with a dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment.

Our Process and Why You Can Trust Us

We consulted with two dermatologists to provide expert advice on choosing the best acne treatments for different skin types and concerns. We thoroughly vetted each product to ensure evidence-based ingredients and no unsupported health claims. Finally, we had a third medical professional specializing in dermatology review our recommendations to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness.