Acne Medications
There are many types of acne medicine; some are topical, some are oral, some over-the-counter and some prescribed. These medications attack different factors that are implicated in the formation of acne but, as you may already know, successfully treating the acne condition usually takes a more comprehensive approach than just popping a pill.
Common Acne Medications
- Over the counter topical acne medicine, which include: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, triclosan, alphahydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic, retinols (vitamin A serums)
- Prescription topical antimicrobials, which include: azelaic acid, Cleocin (clindamiacin), Duac (clindamycin w/benzoyl peroxide). Benzaclin (clindamycin w/benzoyl peroxide), Benzagel, Ziana (clindamycin w/ tretinoin), Sodium Sulfacetamide.
- Prescription topical retinoids, which include: Retin A, Renova, Differin (adapalene), Tazorac (tazoratene)
- Prescription oral acne medications, which include: antibiotics (Erythromycin, Clindamycin, Tetracyline and its derivatives Minocycline & Doxycycline, oral contraceptives such as Yasmin & orthotricyclen, Spironolactone (reduces androgen levels and often prescribed for women w/ PCOS), isotretinoin, a potent retinoid, commonly known by the brand name, Accutane or RoAccutane(which has been taken off the market)