Acne Treatment: What Works and How to Start

Got breakouts? You don’t need gimmicks. Acne responds to consistent care and the right products. This guide tells you the treatments that actually help, how to use them, and when to get professional help.

Common causes and quick facts

Acne happens when oil, dead skin, and bacteria clog hair follicles. Hormones, certain meds, and genetics make it worse. Expect to try a treatment for at least 6–12 weeks before judging results. Most people need a mix of products, not a single miracle cure.

Over-the-counter options that work: benzoyl peroxide (2.5–10%) kills acne bacteria and reduces oil. Salicylic acid (0.5–2%) unclogs pores and helps with blackheads. Adapalene 0.1% is an OTC retinoid that speeds cell turnover and prevents new spots.

Prescription options: stronger topical retinoids (tretinoin), topical antibiotics combined with benzoyl peroxide (like clindamycin + BP), and oral antibiotics for moderate inflammatory acne (doxycycline 50–100 mg daily). For hormonal acne, combined birth control pills or spironolactone (under medical supervision) can help. Severe or scarring acne may need oral isotretinoin; that’s powerful and monitored closely by a doctor.

Quick starter plan

Try this simple routine for 8–12 weeks before switching:

- Morning: gentle cleanser, lightweight benzoyl peroxide product, non-comedogenic moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
- Night: gentle cleanser, adapalene 0.1% (start every other night), moisturizer. If irritation appears, use moisturizer before the retinoid or reduce frequency.
- Weekly: avoid harsh scrubs. A single gentle chemical exfoliant (BHA) once a week can help oily skin.

Key tips: use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinoid at night to avoid interaction. Patch test new products. Start slow with retinoids to reduce redness and peeling. If skin becomes very dry, cut back, not stop.

Avoid popping or picking—this raises infection risk and causes scars. Choose products labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free. Sunscreen matters: retinoids and some acne meds increase sun sensitivity.

Lifestyle moves that help: keep hair off your face, wash pillowcases twice a week, avoid heavy makeup that clogs pores, and try lowering high-glycemic foods and reducing skim milk if you notice flare patterns. These aren’t instant fixes but can reduce triggers.

When to see a dermatologist: if you have painful cysts, scarring, sudden severe outbreaks, or no improvement after 3 months of consistent OTC or prescription therapy. Dermatologists can offer procedures (cortisone injections for cysts, chemical peels, lasers) and prescription options not available over the counter.

Bottom line: start with a simple, consistent routine, give treatments time, and ask a dermatologist if acne is severe, scarring, or not improving. Small changes, used correctly, often make the biggest difference.