All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
What causes acne?
Jamie Grill/Adobe Stock
For starters, you cant fight what you dont understand.
So how does acne show up on your skin in the first place?
Sometimes the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (sometimes calledPropionibacteriaacnes) alsogets trapped in the pore, where it multiplies.
What actually works for acne?
Salicylic acid is the go-to fix for pimple remedies in teens.
Salicylic acid works byreducing swelling and unclogging poresto help pimples shrink and then disappear.
acnesbacteria that causes breakouts.
But benzoyl isnt without its downsides.
The leave-on creams and cleansing treatments can dry outsensitive skinand bleach clothing if you arent careful.
Lactic acid is also a humectant, which means it draws water to itself and can be hydrating.
These products can work for achemical peel at home.
(it’s possible for you to also try aderm-approved moisturizer for acne-prone skin!)
Another benefit: Acne is inflammation, and retinoids are anti-inflammatory.
Shah often recommends over-the-counter retinol or prescription retinoids to her acne-prone patients.
They can also help with some of the post-acne [problems], such as hyperpigmentation.
And retinol isnot considered safe for pregnantor breastfeeding people, so keep that in mind, too.
Retinol also isnt a quick fix.
Like retinol, this compound is a naturally occurring retinoid that the body converts to retinoic acid.
And because its synthetic, it was formulated to be gentler than other prescription acne medications.
It works by sucking up the oil.
you might often find it in masks and spot treatments.
As a solo ingredient, Dr. Adotama recommends it to those looking for more natural remedies for acne.
Bonus: recent research indicates its particularly well suited foracne on skin of color.
One option your dermatologist might prescribe for acne is dapsone gel, such as the brand-name version Aczone.
Oftentimes dapsone is used alongside other acne treatments.
And as with many of those other remedies, this can cause skin to dry out.
Cortisone is a quick fix for acne emergencies, especially large cystic acne bumps.
Its a rare side effect that happens if the dosage of cortisone is too high, Dr. Linkner explains.
You want to go to someone who knows what theyre doing.
Androgens, namely testosterone, cause the skin to produce more sebum.
More sebum equals more acne.
Combination hormonalbirth control, which contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, helps keep hormones balanced and skin clear.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and YAZ are all FDA-approved as acne treatments.
Sometimes birth control alone isnt enough to really make a difference in hormonal acne.
Thats when your doctor might recommend adding in an androgen blocker such as spironolactone.
Also known by thebrand name Tazorac, this is another powerful prescription retinoid, but its synthetic.
Isotretinoin (formerly sold as Accutane) is a particularly strong retinoid.
It has a mixed reputation, but among dermatologists its the finisher for patients with severe acne.
Its especially good for cystic acne in women and body acne, including back acne in adult men.
Oral vitamin A basically shuts down your sebaceous glands.
A course of isotretinoin can take six to nine months.
Sometimes patients need to repeat the course at a higher dosage to truly eliminate acne.
But isotretinoin has mixed reviews for a reason.
Oh, and dont even think about waxing your eyebrows (just imagine your skin ripping off).
Theres another downside to isotretinoin: It requires a lot of paperwork and office visits.
These precautions are intense, but dermatologists agree that the final results for isotretinoin are like no other.
The ingredient is good at treatingmelasma, acne, and the bumps associated withrosacea, Dr. Linkner says.
Back acne can sometimes be difficult to treat, mainly because of the location, says Dr. Adotama.
The bottom line: Acne is a pain no matter your agebut you dont have to live with it.
How can I clear up acne fast?
Unfortunately, theres no magic wand you’re free to wave to make your acne disappear.
So I always tell my patients to be patient with the regimen.
Trying a medication for a week and saying it doesnt work is just destined for failure.
Should I consult a dermatologist for acne?
How do dermatologists treat acne?
I specifically like to talk with clients to see what they feel comfortable with.
Some clients dont want to take pills, some clients want natural-only products.
Im willing to work with my patients to make them feel comfortable with their treatment options.
(File this under yet another reason its worth making a trip to a derm.)
Some work by killing acne-causing bacteria while others get rid of acne by decreasing oil.
The ingredients in topical acne treatments may include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or salicylic acid.
