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Get Glowing Skin: The Ultimate Guide to Acne Treatment

When it comes to acne, it’s essential to tread carefully. Using the wrong products or ingredients can make things worse and lead to scarring. To avoid this, always patch test new actives and proven ingredients before adding them to your routine. This simple step can help you avoid allergic reactions and ensure your skin can handle the treatment.

Topical Treatments: A Good Starting Point

For mild to moderate acne, topical over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments are a great place to start. Look for products containing:

• AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid
• BHAs like salicylic acid
• Niacinamide
• Retinoids
• Sulfur
• Zinc

For mild to moderate inflammatory acne, consider products with:

• Azelaic acid
• BHAs like salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Clindamycin (prescription only)
• Niacinamide
• Retinoids (prescription and OTC)
• Sulfur
• Zinc

For severe inflammatory acne, look for:

• Retinoids (prescription and OTC)
• Topical and oral antibiotics like clindamycin (prescription only)
• Benzoyl peroxide

Oral Treatments: When Topical Isn’t Enough

If topical treatments aren’t working, your dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics or isotretinoin (Accutane). While these options can be effective, they come with risks and side effects.

When to See a Dermatologist

Remember, at-home treatments are not a replacement for expert care. It’s essential to see a dermatologist for your acne at least once to get a proper diagnosis and personalized recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the #1 best acne treatment? It depends on your skin type and acne type.
• Which acne product clears acne the fastest? Prescription retinoids and topical antibiotics usually work the quickest.
• What do dermatologists recommend for acne? They often prescribe stronger treatments like retinoids and antibiotics, but may start with OTC benzoyl peroxide or adapalene treatments.
• How can I permanently cure acne? Isotretinoin (Accutane) is the closest thing to a “cure,” but it’s not a one-and-done solution and comes with serious side effects.

Our Process: Why You Can Trust Us

We consulted with two dermatologists to get expert tips for choosing the best acne treatments. We then put these products through a thorough vetting process to ensure they meet our high standards. Finally, we had a third medical professional review the entire article to guarantee its accuracy and reliability.