Acne treatments that actually work — simple, practical advice

Acne is frustrating, but you don’t need a perfect routine to see real change. Start with what’s proven: clean gently, use an active treatment, and give it time. Below I’ll walk through realistic options, how to use them, and when to see a pro.

Start here: easy, effective options

Benzoyl peroxide: kills acne bacteria and reduces inflammation. Use 2.5%–5% once daily at first, then move to twice daily if your skin tolerates it. Expect dryness — moisturize and avoid strong scrubs.

Salicylic acid: a gentle BHA that unclogs pores and reduces blackheads. Use as a leave-on product (0.5%–2%) or a cleanser. It’s low-risk and pairs well with benzoyl peroxide.

Topical retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin): the backbone of long-term acne control. They speed cell turnover and prevent new breakouts. Start with every other night, use a pea-sized amount, and wear sunscreen — retinoids increase sun sensitivity.

Topical or oral antibiotics: good for inflamed acne, but don’t rely on them alone. Doctors usually prescribe oral antibiotics for short periods (a few months) and combine them with a topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide to avoid resistance.

For hormonal or severe acne

Hormonal treatments help many people with acne that flares around the cycle. Combined birth control pills and spironolactone are common options for people assigned female at birth. They work over months and need medical supervision.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) treats severe, scarring, or resistant acne. It’s very effective but comes with serious side effects and requires close monitoring by a dermatologist and blood tests.

Light and laser therapies, chemical peels, and in-office procedures (like cortisone injections for painful cysts) can speed recovery and reduce scarring. These are best when paired with a medical plan from a dermatologist.

Timeline and expectations: most topical treatments take 6–12 weeks to show meaningful improvement. Don’t switch products every week — give them time. Antibiotics may clear inflammation faster, but improvement still takes weeks.

Practical routine tip: cleanse once or twice daily with a gentle cleanser, apply active treatments (benzoyl peroxide in the morning, retinoid at night), and use a noncomedogenic moisturizer. Always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning.

What to avoid: over-washing, mixing too many actives at once, picking or popping pimples, and using heavy oils or comedogenic makeup. Patch-test new products and introduce one active at a time.

When to see a dermatologist: if acne is painful, leaving scars, or not improving after 3 months of consistent treatment. A doctor can offer prescription medicine and procedures that OTC options can’t match.

Want a plan that fits your skin? Tell a dermatologist about your acne pattern, skin type, and what you’ve already tried. Small, steady changes beat aggressive quick fixes every time.