Acne Resource Center (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 3 best acne treatments? ›

The updates came after a systematic review published in January 2024 that produced 18 evidence-based recommendations and five good practice statements. Strong recommendations were made for topical benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, oral doxycycline, and antibiotics and their fixed-dose combinations.

Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old. For people who have widespread acne that is classed as moderate to severe, more intervention in the form of acne treatments is often required.

You would require Spironolactone for as long as your acne is a problem. Most women will be on treatment for a year or two and some women may need treatment for several years. It is possible to reduce the dose and try without medication a year into treatment after the acne has been controlled fully.

Keep your face clean.

Wash your face once or twice a day with an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide face wash. This reduces inflammation and kills bacteria associated with acne formation. And make sure to remove all makeup and dirt so it doesn't build up and clog your pores.

Acne conglobata is one of the most severe forms of acne. It involves many inflamed nodules that are connected under the skin to other nodules. It can affect the neck, chest, arms, and buttocks. It often leaves scars.

Much like the Egyptians, ancient Greek texts mention honey and sulfur for the treatment of acne.

Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin medications are usually prescribed as a last resort for those people who don't respond to other types of acne treatments. Treatment usually lasts for about five months and provides complete and permanent results.

Isotretinoin (commonly referred to by one of its brand names, Accutane, even though its manufacturer pulled it from the market in 2009) was like a pimple's kryptonite.

Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial? ›

Location: Bacterial acne is more frequently found on oily skin regions like the forehead, nose, and chin, while hormonal acne is typically found on the lower face and jawline. Timing: Before menstruation or during ovulation are two times of the menstrual cycle when hormonal acne tends to worsen.

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea fulminans is characterized by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

Saw Palmetto can also be used as a natural replacement for Spironolactone when prescribed for acne because it is a natural androgen reducer. Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have also been shown to be an effective hormonal acne treatment.

Spironolactone was 1.37-times and 2.87-times more successful compared with doxycycline at respective time-points. AFAST and ECLA scores, as well as lesion counts always improved more with spironolactone. Patients' quality of life was better with spironolactone at month 4 and month 6.

For example, if you take spironolactone for heart failure or edema (fluid retention and swelling) you're likely to lose weight as your body gets rid of excess fluid. On the other hand, if spironolactone isn't working well to treat these conditions, your body may retain more fluid. And this can lead to weight gain.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually available as a cream or gel. It's used either once or twice a day. It should be applied after washing to all of the parts of your face affected by acne. It should be used sparingly, as too much can irritate your skin.

Isotretinoin: An oral retinoid known by its brand name, Accutane, this option is "a much more drastic treatment than a topical retinoid," Sachs says. As such, it's mainly appropriate for patients with deep and painful nodulocystic acne and people whose acne hasn't responded to other methods.