What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells and oil clog pores, leading to bacterial growth and inflammation. This can cause redness and swelling of the skin.

What can you do to reduce acne?

If you’re looking to reduce acne, there are some things you can do on your own. Here are some tips:

• Wash your face with warm water and a gentle non-soap facial skin cleanser no more than twice a day. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing your face, as this can make acne worse and damage the skin.

• Do not pick or squeeze pimples, as this can make acne worse and damage the skin, and may even lead to infection.

• Avoid using oil-based make-up and skin products, as they can make acne worse. If you use a moisturizer for your face, choose one that is labeled as “non-comedogenic”.

How is acne treated?

Acne can be treated using different types of medicines. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and doctors may suggest trying more than one medicine at once to find what works best for you.

Some acne medicines require a prescription, while others do not. Your doctor might suggest:

Medicines you apply directly to your skin, such as gels, creams, or lotions. These can include retinoids, which help keep your pores unclogged and improve dark spots on the skin caused by acne. Examples of retinoids include tretinoin (sample brand names: Retin-A, Altreno), adapalene (brand name: Differin), and tazarotene (sample brand names: Tazorac, Fabior, Arazlo). Benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics can also be used to reduce acne by killing the bacteria inside pimples and bringing down inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide is available without a prescription, while other antibiotics require a prescription.

Medicines you take as a pill, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, spironolactone, or isotretinoin. Antibiotic pills work for the same reasons antibiotic gels or lotions work, but they tend to be stronger and can cause unpleasant side effects. Birth control pills or spironolactone can block hormones that can make acne worse, and may be an option for women or teen girls with acne. Isotretinoin is a retinoid that comes in pill form and is very effective against severe acne, but it can also cause serious side effects and birth defects.