Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. When it comes to combating acne, there’s a wide array of options, including topical acne medications and oral acne medications. At Elite Dermatology, we are dedicated to patient education and strive to empower patients to be able to make informed choices for their care.
We have provided this blog to help patients better understand how different oral and topical medications work to treat acne.
Topical Acne Treatments: A Direct Approach for Clearing Breakouts
Topical acne medications come in the form of creams, gels, and lotions which are applied directly to the skin. Topical medications are often a first line of defense against acne. The dermatologists at Elite Dermatology often prescribe topical medications for mild to moderate acne.
Topical Medications for Acne
- Topical retinoids – These vitamin A derivatives (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) help to accelerate cell turnover, preventing pores from becoming clogged. By reducing the buildup of dead skin cells, they decrease the chances of acne formation and can improve skin texture over time.
- Topical antibiotics – Topical antibiotics work by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and by mitigating inflammation. Often, they’re combined with other acne medications like benzoyl peroxide to enhance their efficacy and prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Benzoyl peroxide – This agent works by killing bacteria and drying excess oil, making it a common choice to fight inflamed acne blemishes.
- Salicylic acid – As a beta hydroxy acid, it helps to exfoliate the skin, clear clogged pores, and prevent future breakouts.
Benefits of Topical Acne Treatments
- Localized action – By targeting specific areas of the skin, these treatments minimize the risk of systemic side effects.
- Quick action on surface bacteria – Topical antibiotics and agents like benzoyl peroxide are fast-acting against bacteria living on the skin’s surface.
Oral Acne Medications: Treating Acne From Within
For moderate to severe acne, or cases that don’t respond to topical treatments, oral medications can be highly effective. They work internally to regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and/or control bacterial growth.
How Oral Acne Medications Work
- Antibiotics – Oral antibiotics for acne, such as doxycycline and minocycline, decrease bacteria and reduce inflammation in the skin.
- Birth control pills – Oral contraceptives can help regulate hormone levels, which can reduce excess oil production to prevent hormone-related acne breakouts.
- Spironolactone – This medication, commonly used off-label for acne, blocks androgen hormones and helps decrease oil production.
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) – Reserved for severe, cystic acne, isotretinoin reduces oil production and shrinks sebaceous glands.
Benefits of Oral Acne Treatments
- Systemic action – Oral medications can treat widespread or deeper acne that topical treatments cannot reach.
- Hormonal regulation – Birth control pills and spironolactone specifically target hormonal imbalances that cause acne.
- Long-lasting effects – Isotretinoin can provide long-term or permanent improvements in cases of severe acne.
Contact Us to Learn More
The knowledgeable and experienced dermatologists at Elite Dermatology consider many factors when determining the optimal acne treatment approach for each patient. Whether you need topical retinoids or oral medications like isotretinoin, our team has the expertise to select the safest, most effective acne treatment for achieving your clearest, healthiest complexion.
Contact us at one of our six practice locations in the greater Houston area today to schedule a consultation and explore your acne treatment options. We are proud to serve patients in Fulshear, Vintage Park, River Oaks, Pearland, Heights, and Kingwood.