Sometimes, the treatment of acne needs to extend beyond healthy habits and cleansing. In this case, you may want to see a physician specializing in skin care- a dermatologist. There are a number of skin care products on the market and available over the counter, but a dermatologist will be able to accurately prescribe a treatment for your specific situation.

A common type of acne treatment provided by a dermatologist is the topical treatment. There are two main types of topical treatments; the antimicrobial and the retinoid. A topical antimicrobial will work by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that causes acne in the skin. Examples of topical antimicrobials are Azelic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin, Erythromycin and Sodium Sulfacetamide. Topical retinoids differ in that they affect the skin cells rather than the bacteria. A topical retinoid will increase the cell turnover in the skin, thus eliminating the cells that are causing acne. Some retinoids prescribed are Adapalene, Tazarotene and Tretinoin.

Another topical treatment, used for more severe acne, is the corticosteroid. Although they are referred to as “steroids” and can be administered topically, orally or injected, they are not affiliated with the body enhancing anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids work primarily by reducing inflammation, and are often used in conjunction with other oral treatments.

Topical treatments are often offered as a couple to an oral antibiotic. These medications are taken with or without food, depending on the medicine, and work in two ways. First, the antibiotics work to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Second, they also fight and prevent inflammation of the follicle that was or is infected. Common antibiotics prescribed are Erythromycin, Minocycline, Doxycycline and Tetracycline. It is important, while taking antibiotics, to also consider taking a probiotic to counter the effects of killing the harmful bacteria with the good.

Oral contraceptives are sometimes given to women to ease acne. These medications contain high amounts of estrogen and counteract the effects of the hormone testosterone that is associated with acne. You may expect to see results within a few months of use, but also expect to see side effects of nausea, weight gain, spotting and breast tenderness.

Finally, Isotretinoin (or, Accutane) may be prescribed as an effective treatment in severe acne cases or moderate cases in individuals that have not responded to other treatments. Accutane is a man-made version of a retinoid found in vitamin A. It works by reducing oil production in the skin and drying it out to stifle bacterial growth, working as an anti-inflammatory for current pimples and preventing new pimples from growing. It is usually prescribed for a set amount of time, but some cases may need more treatment.

Always be sure to discuss all aspects of each treatment possibility with your doctor and be aware of the side effects to monitor. Never take someone else’s prescription; each person’s skin needs a customized routine.