Facewash 

• Benzoyl peroxide – Antibacterial. You can find this on amazon or at the store in the acne section. Buy the lowest % you can find (2.5-5%). This product can bleach towels/pillow cases.  
• Salicylic acid – Helps with exfoliation. My favorite is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. 
• Gentle non-foaming cleanser – My favorite is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. 

Topical Antibiotics 

• Clindamycin 
• Duac/Benzaclin (benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin) 
• Other:  

Topical Retinoids 

• Adapalene 0.1% or 0.3% 
• Epiduo or Epiduo forte (adapalene/benzoyl peroxide) 
• Tretinoin (Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Altreno, Twyneo, Generic) 
• Tazarotene (Arazlo, Fabior, Generic cream)  

• Trifarotene (Aklief) 

*Apply retinoids at night to the entire affected area, not as a spot treatment. The main side effect of topical retinoids is dryness/peeling. If your skin is not able to tolerate it every night, mix it with a facial moisturizer to dilute it and/or use it every other night.

Oral Medicines 

• Antibiotics
  • Azithromycin – Side effects include upset stomach and diarrhea. 
  • Doxycycline – Side effects include sun sensitivity (wear sunscreen), upset stomach (taking with food helps), heartburn (take with food or a full glass of water, don’t take right before bed). Don’t take with dairy products or antacids. Consider a probiotic to prevent yeast infection. 
  • Minocycline – Side effects include dizziness, headaches, skin rash, joint pain, and very rarely lupus, hepatitis. Yeast infections can occur. Consider a probiotic to prevent yeast infection. 
• Hormonal acne treatments 
  • Contraceptives – Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep Fe, Yaz, and Beyaz are approved for acne. Side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, changes in menstruation, spotting, weight changes, migraine, blood clots and depression.  

• • Spironolactone – Blood pressure medication we use off-label for hormonal acne. Side effects include breast tenderness, irregular periods, and lightheadedness. If you become pregnant stop taking this medication. 
• Accutane 
  • Accutane – This is by far the most effective medication for acne but you have to enroll in the iPledge program, get bloodwork, and come in once a month for follow up.