The most commonly used topical acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical acne antibiotics, azelaic acid, and combinati...
The most commonly used topical acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide,
retinoids, topical acne antibiotics, azelaic acid, and combination
topical products.
1) Benzoyl Peroxide:
Benzoyl peroxide can improve acne by killing the acne bacteria and by
unblocking oil gland pores. There are many different benzoyl peroxide
products available to you. The lower concentrations can be obtained over
the counter (OTC), while higher strengths require a prescription.
2) Retinoids:
These products are the most effective type of medications for unblocking
the pores of oil glands. They are generally considered to be the first
choice of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads (comedones). Although
there are a variety of topical retinoids, your physician can choose the
one that is best suited to your needs.
- Tretinoin
- Adapalene
- Tazarotene
- Isotretinoin
3) Topical Acne Antibiotics - Antibacterial/Anti-Inflammatory:
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin
- Sulfacetamide
4) Azelaic Acid - Antibacterial/Anti-Inflammatory:
5) Combination Topical Products:
- Topical benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin (BenzaClin® by Dermik)
- Topical benzoyl peroxide with erythromycin (Benzamycin® by Dermik)
- Topical retinoid with erythromycin (Stievamycin® by Stiefel) - Available only in Canada
- Topical benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin (CLINDOXYL® by Stiefel in Canada, Duac® by Stiefel in the USA)
