Acne treatments that actually work — clear steps, no nonsense

Got acne and tired of guessing what helps? Start with the basics you can control: gentle cleansing, targeted treatments, and consistency. Pick one active at a time, give it at least 8–12 weeks, and track changes. Quick wins: use a non-irritating cleanser, avoid scrubbing, and don't pick at spots — picking causes scars.

Topical options: what to use and how

Benzoyl peroxide (2.5–5%) kills acne bacteria and reduces inflammation. Use it once daily at first, then move to twice if tolerated. Expect dryness; use a simple moisturizer. Salicylic acid (0.5–2%) helps unclog pores—use it as a leave-on serum or in cleansers. It’s great for blackheads and small whiteheads.

Tretinoin (retinoid) speeds cell turnover and prevents new clogs. Start low (0.025%) and apply at night 2–3 times a week, building to nightly use. It can cause redness and peeling for the first 4–6 weeks; that’s normal. Tretinoin makes skin more sensitive to sun — wear SPF daily and read our tips on tretinoin and sun exposure for safer use.

Azelaic acid is gentler and helps both acne and redness; it’s a good choice if you can’t tolerate retinoids. For quick spot control, short courses of topical antibiotics can help, but don’t use them alone—combine with benzoyl peroxide to reduce resistance.

Oral options and procedures

If topicals aren’t enough, oral antibiotics like doxycycline (often 100 mg once daily) can calm inflamed acne. Use them for the shortest effective time (commonly 3 months) because long-term use raises resistance risk. Panmycin (a tetracycline) is covered in our antibiotic guide if you want practical safety tips.

Hormonal treatments (combined birth control pills or spironolactone) help women with hormonally driven acne. Isotretinoin is the strongest option for severe nodular or scarring acne — it works but needs specialist monitoring and strict pregnancy precautions.

Procedures such as chemical peels, light therapy, and cortisone injections clear specific stubborn lesions fast. They’re best done by a dermatologist and often speed results when combined with medical therapy.

How to layer products: cleanse, apply water-based treatments (salicylic acid), then benzoyl peroxide or prescription meds, then moisturizer. Use tretinoin at night. Always patch-test new products on a small area for a few days to check tolerance.

When to see a dermatologist: painful cysts, scarring, sudden worsening, or treatments that don’t help after 3 months. A specialist can tailor meds, check for side effects, and discuss options like isotretinoin or hormone therapy.

Small changes add up: consistent routine, sunscreen, and avoiding harsh scrubs will speed progress. If you want, check our posts on Tretinoin and Sun Exposure and Panmycin for deeper, practical tips on using those meds safely.