Lotions and creams are good for treating acne accompanied by dry skin, while alcohol-based gels and solutions are best for treating acne-prone oily skin. These medications are designed to decrease inflammation and limit formation of new pimples.

Over-the-counter acne treatments include topical medications benzoyl peroxide, resorcinal, salicylic acid and sulfur. Benzoyl peroxide and keratolytic (peeling) and antimicrobial (germ) killing qualities. Resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur help break down whiteheads and blackheads. Possible side effects of these medications include dry skin, irritation, redness and burning.

Prescription topical drugs for acne treatment include benzoyl peroxide (in a more powerful concentration that over-the-counter treatments), tretinoin and antibiotics. Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid, is a derivative of vitamin A.

One of the most effective topical anti-acne treatment medications helps penetrate and loosen clogged pores. Tretinoin may enhance the effectiveness of other topical agents but even low concentrations can leave skin dry, scaly and red. It is important to use sunscreen during treatment since using tretinoin increases skin sensitivity to the sun. Topical antibiotics reduce inflammation and bacteria. Commonly prescribed topical antibiotics include clindamycin and erythromycin which are used to treat less severe cases of acne.

Antibiotics (erythromycin, tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline), isotretinoin and birth control pills are among the oral medications prescribed when topical products and treatments fail to control acne. These drugs are effective but can cause side effects. Oral antibiotics may cause increased skin sensitivity to the sun, upset stomach, dizziness, light-headedness, or discoloration of the skin and teeth.

Isotretinoin is highly effective for treating acne that results in nodules or cysts or severe acne that has not responded to other methods of treatment. However, it is teratodenic (increases the risk of birth defects), so it must never be used by women who are or may soon be pregnant. Women of child bearing age should stop taking isotretinoin at least one month before getting pregnant. In addition, isotretinoin can cause dry moth, chapped lips, decreased night vision, increased triglyceride levels, and abnormal liver enzyme levels. Periodic blood tests are required to monitor side effects. The risks versus benefits of oral medications must be carefully weighed.

Cosmetic Acne Treatments

Scars from acne may be improved by cosmetic treatments including chemical peels, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. A thorough consultation with a physician is highly recommended for individuals considering any cosmetic procedure. I would not recommend it of these be performed by anyone other than a physician. In a chemical peel a mild acid is used to burn off the surface layer of skin, eliminating superficial acne scars evening out overall skin tone. In dermabrasion, a more invasive procedure, a rapidly swirling wire brush is used to remove damaged skin; dermabrasion is generally a more effective treatment than a chemical peel for deeper scars. Laser skin resurfacing uses pulses of light to vaporize the skin. It is necessary to reduce sun exposure after undergoing any of these procedures. See our article about dermabrasion and other cosmetic procedures in our skin health center.