Acne medicine today has become an endless sea of treatments all with there own “claim to fame.” With the endless pills and creams to choose from no wonder a person suffering from acne also suffers from frustration and depression. In order to make a proper decision you need to do you research, I’ve taken the most prescribed acne medicine and given the basics to help put you in the right direction.

The most common acne medicine that is prescribed today is Accutane which is a form of vitamin A. The pill works by making oil glands smaller, decreases the amount of sebum(oil) produced, reduces the shedding of skin cells, and it kills bacteria. Accutane is considered to be one of the most effective acne treatments but is only to be used once all other options have failed. Although it is an effective acne medicine it has a very long list of side effects. It is extremely harmful for pregnant women causing serious birth defects. This acne medication can cause painful joints so sports are discouraged and blood work is needed through out the whole process. This acne medicine will run you a $200 with additional expenses for women (birth control pills and pregnancy tests)

A common acne medication is a Topical antibiotic and is used to treat moderately severe acne; these acne medications destroy the bacteria on the skin’s surface. Common antibiotics for this purpose are erythromycin and clindamycin, and they are offered as creams, lotions, gels, and astringents. Some topical antibiotics, such as Clindoxy that includes sysilic acid are prescribed for mild acne.

Another acne medicine is Oral antibiotics which work inside the body and are usually prescribed for a period up to three years. Oral antibiotics are effective in two out of three cases, destroying the bacteria that contribute to acne. Unfortunately this type of acne medicine can take several months of use before starting to improve the skin. The typical antibiotics prescribed are: erythromycin, minocycline, and tetracycline. Clindoxy that includes sysilic acid as well as antibiotics is also an acne medicine that some doctors use to treat mild acne and is in the form of a gel.

Retin-A is a commonly prescribed acne medicine that can be in the form of a lotion, gel or cream. Retin-A is effective because it gets under the skin to expedite the shedding of skin cells and loosen plugs. It is also an acne medicine that assists in fading any marks that have been left by pervious acne breakouts

Oral contraceptive has been an effective acne medication for many years. these medications work by diminishing the effects of the male hormone androgen, producing less oil in the skin. Treatment with oral contraceptives usually lasts for a period of three months to several years.

Remember you don’t have to take the first acne medicine that is prescribed to you. Do your research and discuss all your options with your doctor or dermatologist.