The statistics don’t lie: Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). What’s more, if you’ve ever dealt with acne, you know it can literally “pop up” in a lot of different forms. As the AAD also explains, there are many types of acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, acne cysts or nodules), so a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to achieve clearer skin. Their best advice: A board-certified dermatologist can diagnose the type of acne you have and determine the right treatment based on your skin type and type of acne. Here’s what those expert sources say are their best suggestions for prescription solutions.
Featured Experts
- Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas
- Jeanine Downie, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, NJ
- Jody A. Levine, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist in Phoenix
Spironolactone
Most of the patients Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD sees are experiencing hormonal acne, which refers to acne that is thought to be influenced by hormones and typically appears along the jawline, chin and lower face. “It can also occur on the chest and back,” she explains. “Hormonal acne is typically prevalent among teenagers, but can impact women in their 20s through 40s. Hormonal acne is more inflammatory and presents as painful cysts beneath the skin. One of my go-tos is spironolactone, which is an oral medication, for this type of acne. It is quite impactful.”
Accutane, Seysara and Doryx
Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD says her “tippy-top” oral prescriptions for acne currently include Accutane, Seysara and Doryx (taken separately).
Altreno
Dr. Houshmand likes Altreno Lotion as a topical option. “It is a unique formulation of 0.05 percent tretinoin lotion,” she explains, adding that it is generally well tolerated. “Plus, it has hyaluronic acid, glycerin and is fragrance- and scent-free. It is perfect for those with sensitive skin who would like to have the benefits of tretinoin in a lightweight formulation without many of the side effects.” As New York dermatologist Jody A. Levine, MD, shared with us, she also has some solid experience prescribing Altreno: “My patients who use Altreno are very happy with it and enjoy the lotion base. I do prefer to prescribe the retinoids that I compound in my office, as they are even better for sensitive skin, but I do think that among the prescription retinoids, Altreno is an excellent one.”
Winlevi
“This topical hormonal agent is FDA-approved for males and females,” explains Phoenix dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “I love this for acne because it is not only therapeutic, but it also doesn’t disrupt the skin barrier. It works on the hormonal pathways that contribute to acne.”
Cabtreo
It sounds pretty scientific, but Dr. Lal says this option is “a fixed-dose clindamycin, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide that evenly penetrates” the skin. “It is great for inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. It’s also great because it targets three pathways involved in the formation of acne.”
Aklief
As Dr. Lal explains, this cream impressively contains the first topical retinoid molecule approved to treat acne in 20 years. “It is FDA-approved for acne on the face and trunk,” he says, stressing that he loves it for one very specific reason: “The best part is…it has data for improvement of acne scarring!”
SKNV
For top topical Rx options, Dr. Downie likes the brand SKNV—more specifically, its Dapsone cream and Spironolactone cream.
ZO Skin Health
Dr. Downie also likes the physician-dispensed ZO Skin Health trio of ZO Exfoliating Cleanser ($50), ZO Complexion Renewal Pads ($63) and ZO Retinol + Acne Complex.
