So many people suffer from acne that it’s not too surprising that there are so many different kinds of acne medicine. These work in very different way, and understanding what they are and how they work may help you choose the acne medicine that’s right for you.

Exfoliants

Exfoliating means removing the outer layer of skin cells, mostly to clear out dead cells that can block pores. If your pores are blocked, you get acne, so you can clearly see how this works as acne medicine. Many moisturizing creams for everyday use contain exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid.

Bactericides

A bactericidal acne medicine is one that kills bacteria that can cause acne. Benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient in many common acne creams and gels, is an example of a bactericidal ingredient. Because it kills the bacteria, it can help to keep new acne pimples from growing if you put it on your skin twice a day. As you may have guessed from the name, benzoyl peroxide is a type of peroxide or bleach, so it can be very drying and damaging to the skin, and can also bleach fabric or hair, so use it carefully.

Antibiotics – Topical and Oral

Antibiotics also work to kill or prevent the growth of bacteria. Topical antibiotics are acne medicines used on the skin. Oral antibiotics are pills that you swallow, and are only useful in certain cases of acne, as they do not stop the skin from making the large amounts of oil that may cause the acne in the first place. All antibiotics should be used very cautiously as bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotics over time. Examples of antibiotics used as acne medicine include erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline, which are all related to or type of penicillin. People with penicillin allergies should use caution when prescribed any type of antibiotic acne medicine.

Retinoids – Topical and Oral

Retinoids are a type of chemical compound that is related to Vitamin A. Retinoids used on skin, like adapalene, tazarotene, or tretinoin, can be very irritating to the skin. They work by keeping dead skin cells from gathering inside the hair follicles so they don’t have a chance to clog up and lead to acne. Isotretinoin is a popular type of oral retinoid that is sometimes prescribed as acne medicine in severe cases, and works by stopping the glands from releasing oils.

Whatever acne medicine is right for you, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, and hopefully you’ll be free of acne very soon!

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