Treating Acne With Topical Medications

Topical antibiotics are a common and effective type of acne treatment. Find out more about acne treatment with topical antibiotics.

Topical retinoids have been a mainstay of treatment for acne for many years. The most well-known retinoid is Retin-A, but now there are newer and less irritating retinoids.

Tretinoin is a very effective medication used to control acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads. This article gives guidelines that may help reduce side effects and increase compliance with this acne control regimen.

There are many topical treatments to control acne that don't fit into a specific category. The most popular of these is benzoyl peroxide. Find out more about other topical acne treatments.

A list of the acne treatments that come in a gel, cream, or ointment.

Information about acne treatments you can get without a prescription.

Benzoyl peroxide is an effective topical acne treatment that works by killing bacteria in the pores.

Salicylic acid, also known as a beta hydroxy acid, is an effective topical acne treatment that works by exfoliating dead skin cells in the pores.

Medline information on tazarotene (Tazorac), a new topical retinoid used to treat acne.

Medline information on adapalene (Differin), a topical retinoid used to treat acne.

Medline information on azelaic acid (Azelex), another topical retinoid used to treat acne.

Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is a well-known and effective treatment for acne, especially blackheads and whiteheads.

Avita is the trade name for tretinoin gel and cream manufactured by Bertek Pharmaceuticals.