✅For mild acne, antibiotics can be used, either as topical ointments or oral medications.
☢️Benzoyl peroxide
☢️Adapalene
As a last resort for severe acne:
⛔️Roaccutane
⛔️Isotretinoin
⚠️Medications must be used under specialist supervision, as they can have serious side effects.
For mild acne
topical treatments are the first line of defense. Antibiotics, retinoids, and other agents work by targeting the root causes of acne.
topical treatments are the first line of defense. Antibiotics, retinoids, and other agents work by targeting the root causes of acne.
Antibiotics:
How they work: Topical and oral antibiotics (like doxycycline or minocycline) work by killing the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that contribute to inflammation and breakouts. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Usage: They are often prescribed for a limited period to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. To combat this, they are frequently used in combination with another agent like benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl Peroxide:
How it works: This is a powerful antiseptic. It works by releasing oxygen into the pores, which kills the acne-causing bacteria. Unlike antibiotics, bacteria cannot develop resistance to it, making it a very valuable treatment.
Usage: Available in various strengths (from 2.5% to 10%) and formulations (creams, gels, washes), it can be bought over-the-counter or prescribed. A key side effect is that it can cause dryness, peeling, and bleaching of fabrics.
Adapalene (e.g., Differin):
How it works: Adapalene is a topical retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It works by regulating cell turnover and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores. It is also an anti-inflammatory.
Usage: It's often recommended for blackheads and whiteheads (comedonal acne). It can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's best applied at night, and sunscreen is essential during the day. It's often praised for being more stable and less irritating than older retinoids.
For Severe Acne
When topical treatments and oral antibiotics are not enough, a specialist (dermatologist) may recommend a more potent, systemic medication.
Roaccutane / Isotretinoin:
How it works: Isotretinoin is a powerful oral retinoid. It is an extremely effective treatment for severe, cystic, or scarring acne that hasn't responded to other therapies. It works by dramatically shrinking the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, which reduces oil production, and it also slows down skin cell growth within the pores, preventing blockages.
Usage: A course of isotretinoin typically lasts several months and can lead to long-term remission.
Serious Side Effects and Supervision: This medication must be used under strict specialist supervision. It is a known teratogen, meaning it can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Because of this, women of child-bearing potential must adhere to a strict program (like the iPLEDGE program in the US) that requires multiple negative pregnancy tests and the use of two forms of birth control. Other serious side effects can include severe dryness of the skin and lips, joint pain, and in rare cases, changes in mood or liver function. Regular blood tests and monitoring by a doctor are mandatory throughout the treatment.