-
Step 1
Make an appointment to see a dermatologist. A consultation with a skincare professional will help you determine which type of acne medication will be best for the specific type of acne from which you suffer. A medical professional can give you the best advice as well as prescribe strong acne medication if necessary.
-
Step 2
If you have severe acne, you may need to obtain a prescription for some powerful acne medication such as oral antibiotics, accutane, benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid. These medications are used to treat cystic acne, inflammatory lesions or painful pimples that keep recurring over time, but must be prescribed by your dermatologist.
-
Step 3
If you have mild to moderate acne, you can use over-the-counter acne medications that contain small percentages of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful anti-acne treatment that effectively destroys the P. acnes bacteria that causes pimples, while salicylic acid promotes acne-free skin by chemically exfoliating to remove dirt and oil that cause inflammation.
-
Step 4
If you have clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads, you can use over-the-counter medications that contain alpha hydroxy acids. These are chemical exfoliants that go deep into the skin to unclog pores, remove blackheads and treat whiteheads.
-
Step 5
If you have very mild acne (like an occasional pimple), you don't have to take any drastic measures, but you will certainly benefit from developing a skincare routine. Start out every morning by using an anti-acne cleanser to wash your face and follow that up with an oil-free moisturizer. This daily routine will greatly improve your skin condition over time.
How to Know What Acne Medication Works for You
