Acne is a common skin condition in which pores clog with oil and dead skin cells, causing whiteheads, blackheads, red pimples, and sometimes deeper cysts — most often on the face, chest, and back. It is most common in teenagers and usually improves on its own after the teenage years, though it can persist into adulthood and tends to flare from time to time. Mild acne can often be managed with over-the-counter products and good skin-care habits, while moderate-to-severe or scarring acne usually needs prescription treatment from a doctor. Acne treatments work slowly — it can take several months of consistent use, often 2 to 3 months, before you see real improvement.
Available without a prescription — follow each label.
PanOxyl, Clearasil, Oxy Topical antibacterial / keratolytic | A leading over-the-counter acne treatment and a reasonable first choice for mild acne with whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed spots. It works as an antiseptic to reduce bacteria on the skin and helps unclog pores. Common OTC strengths are 2.5% to 10%; start every other day, apply a thin layer (a pea-sized amount covers the whole face) after washing, and build up as your skin tolerates it. It commonly causes dryness, stinging, redness, or peeling, and it can bleach clothing, towels, and hair. Allow about 6 weeks to judge the effect. |
salicylic acid Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Stridex Topical keratolytic (beta-hydroxy acid) | A nonprescription acne ingredient (typically 0.5%-2%) sold in face washes, pads, and gels. It helps the top layer of skin shed and keeps pores from clogging, so it suits mild acne and blackheads/whiteheads. It can cause dryness and irritation; introduce it gradually. |
Differin Topical retinoid | A retinoid (vitamin-A-type) gel sold over the counter in the US at 0.1%. It works by helping skin cells turn over so pores don't clog, and is used for blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed spots. Apply a thin layer once daily at night; expect dryness, redness, and some early irritation, and use sunscreen because it can increase sun sensitivity. Ask a doctor before use if you are or may become pregnant. |
sulfur (often with resorcinol) various spot treatments / masks |
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
Topical retinoids (e.g. tretinoin, tazarotene) Prescription topical retinoid | Vitamin-A-derived creams or gels a doctor may prescribe to help unclog pores; often applied once daily at bedtime and frequently combined with other treatments. They are not suitable in pregnancy and can increase sun sensitivity, so they need a clinician's guidance — don't start them on your own. |
Topical antibiotics (e.g. clindamycin, erythromycin) and topical dapsone Prescription topical antibiotic | A doctor may prescribe these, usually paired with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid to reduce bacteria and limit antibiotic resistance. They require a diagnosis and a prescription; they are not something to source or self-start. |
Prescription topical (dicarboxylic acid) | A prescription option a doctor may choose as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, sometimes when those cause too much irritation. It can take about a month to show benefit and should be used under clinician direction. |
Oral antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, erythromycin) Prescription oral antibiotic | For moderate-to-severe acne, a clinician may prescribe a course of antibiotic tablets — typically alongside a topical treatment and usually for a limited period of months. These require a diagnosis and prescription; never take leftover or someone else's antibiotics, and pregnant patients are given different choices (tetracyclines are avoided). |
Match the treatment to how bad your acne is. For mild acne — a few whiteheads, blackheads, and spots — start with a single over-the-counter product: benzoyl peroxide is a common choice for inflamed spots and pores, salicylic acid suits blackheads and whiteheads, and OTC adapalene (Differin) is a retinoid that helps with both by speeding up skin-cell turnover. Pick one, apply a thin layer, and introduce it slowly (every other day at first) so your skin adjusts; a pea-sized amount of a leave-on product covers the whole face. Be patient and consistent — give any acne treatment several months (often 2 to 3 months) before deciding it isn't working, and use sunscreen, since several of these ingredients can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Support treatment with simple self-care: wash gently with a mild cleanser once or twice a day (and after sweating) but don't scrub or over-wash; choose water-based or 'noncomedogenic' makeup and moisturizers; keep oily hair clean and off your face; and don't squeeze, pick, or scratch spots, which can cause scarring. Evidence does not blame chocolate or greasy food, though diets high in refined sugar or dairy may worsen acne in some people. If pharmacy products haven't helped after a couple of months, or your acne is moderate-to-severe, painful, or leaving scars, that's the point to see a doctor for prescription options rather than trying stronger drugs on your own.
See a doctor (a GP or dermatologist) for routine care if over-the-counter products and good skin care haven't helped after several months, if your acne is moderate to severe (widespread redness, painful nodules, or cysts), if it's getting worse, or if it's starting to leave scars or marks — these usually need prescription treatment, and treating early may help reduce the risk of permanent scarring. Also reach out if acne is causing you significant emotional distress; that is a valid reason to seek help. For a baby with acne that hasn't cleared within about 3 months, check with a clinician. Seek urgent or emergency care — separate from the acne itself — if you ever use an over-the-counter topical acne product (such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) and develop signs of a rare but serious allergic reaction: throat tightness, trouble breathing, feeling faint, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or eyes; stop the product and get emergency help immediately. Hives or itching after applying a product also mean you should stop using it. These whole-body reactions are different from the ordinary redness, dryness, burning, or peeling that these products can cause at the application site.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.
| An older nonprescription acne ingredient that helps dry excess oil and peel the top layer of skin; found in some masks and spot treatments. It can be drying and has a noticeable smell. It may be an alternative for mild acne if benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid don't suit you. |
Hormonal therapy (combined oral contraceptive pill; spironolactone; co-cyprindiol) Prescription hormonal treatment | For some women and people who menstruate, a doctor may prescribe a combined birth-control pill or spironolactone (a pill) to help hormonally driven acne; co-cyprindiol may be used for more severe cases. These can take many months to work and carry their own risks, so they must be assessed and prescribed by a clinician. |
Prescription oral retinoid (specialist-only) | A potent oral retinoid reserved for severe, scarring, or treatment-resistant acne. In the US it can only be prescribed under the iPLEDGE program with close monitoring because it can cause severe birth defects and other serious side effects. It is started only by a specialist after careful counseling — never self-obtained. |