Four Absolutely Outstanding Topicals for Treating that Pesky Acne

If you’re dealing with constant breakouts, then you’ve likely tried topical creams and serums for treating acne. There’s a myriad of products available today, all of which claim to combat your skincare problems and give you a blemish-free complexion fast. Can you trust their claims?

Below, we’ll consider some of the top topicals for treating acne to help you decide which active ingredients are worth your time.

Four Best Topicals for Treating Acne

When you’re choosing a topical acne care regimen, the product’s active ingredient makes all the difference. Below are several popular options.

Salicylic Acid: Considered a gentle acne treatment, topical salicylic acid works to clear and prevent pimples by cleansing your pores and decreasing inflammation. Many patients prefer it because the gentle formula doesn’t cause skin dryness or flaking as other topical acne products. This makes it a smart choice for anyone with naturally dry skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide: This topical gel is a more robust acne treatment that works well in severe cases, though it can cause peeling and redness for those with sensitive skin. Benzoyl peroxide works to reduce sebum production and open up your pores so you can wash away bacteria and dead skin cells that are triggering acne breakouts. It tends to be best for people with oily skin.

Retinoids: As one of the best acne treatment options, retinoids work well for moderate to severe cases of acne by unclogging pores. The first retinoid for acne entered the market in 1971, and the strongest over the counter option is adapalene gel, which is sold under various brand names. However, you may need to wait up to three months to see results, and some people find it leads to dryness and irritation.

Azelaic Acid: For those with sensitive skin or only mild acne cases, azelaic acid is an excellent topical treatment. This naturally-occurring acid is found in grains and has antimicrobial properties that make it valuable for cleansing pores of the bacteria that cause breakouts. You can find it in gel, cream, and foam formats. Many also find it useful for reducing acne scars.

Over the Counter or Prescription: Which is the Best Topical Acne Treatment?

When deciding on the best topical acne treatment, an essential factor is choosing whether to go over the counter or request a prescription.

While over the counter acne treatments aren’t as strong as prescriptions because they contain a lower concentration of active ingredients, they are a great place to start for mild acne or early acne in teens. You should consider scaling up your treatment to a prescription if you don’t notice results after several months.

Find a Topical Acne Treatment Solution at Brentwood Dermatology

So what’s the best way to learn what topical acne treatment is best for your needs? Book an appointment with a professional!

For those who live in Brentwood, Tennessee, Brentwood Dermatology is ready to help you meet your skincare needs. Our team has been offering personalized solutions since 1983, and we can work with you to put your best face forward.

Get in touch through our online contact page or call (615) 455-0046 to learn more or schedule your first appointment.