Acne is a common skin problem that causes pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. It happens when tiny holes in the skin (called pores) get clogged with oil and dead skin.

To treat acne, healthcare providers prescribe medicines that are put on the skin, such as benzoyl peroxide (to help kill the germs and lessen swelling), retinoids like adapalene or tretinoin (to help pores from getting clogged), or combination products (may include both benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid or an antibiotic). These medicines can cause skin redness, dryness, and irritation, but these reactions usually get better as your skin gets used to the medicine. Healthcare providers may also prescribe medicine taken by mouth.

It usually takes 2–3 months to see results, so it's important to be patient and keep using the medicine even if your skin doesn't improve right away.

General information

• Use your acne medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Benzoyl peroxide can bleach (whiten) clothes, fabrics, and sheets. Try to keep the products away from fabrics and always wash your hands after using the medicine. Wear light-colored clothes and sleep on light-colored sheets so bleach spots won't be as noticeable.
• Remember to use sunscreen when out in the sun.  Your skin may be more sensitive while using acne medicines.
• Don't pick at your acne spots, because this can damage your skin and cause a scar.
• Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider.

Putting on acne medicine:

• Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser like Dove® (bar), Cetaphil®, or Neutrogena®.
• Gently pat the skin dry.
• Wait 10–15 minutes.
• Use a pea-size amount of medicine for the whole face.
• Spread a thin layer from the hairline to the chin.
• Do not put medicine near the eyes or lips.
• Use a pea-size amount for each large area (chest, back, or shoulders).
• Wash your hands after applying the medicine.

If your healthcare provider prescribed more than one medicine, follow their instructions for which one to use in the morning and which one to use at night and in what order to apply them.

To help with redness, dryness, and irritation:

• Do not scrub your skin. Be gentle.
• Avoid toners, astringents, and acne products, such as alpha-hydroxy acid or salicylic acid, unless your healthcare provider directs you to use them.
• Start new medicines slowly:
  • Week 1: Use medicine every three days.
  • Week 2: Use medicine every other day.
  • Week 3: Use medicine daily.
• If using two medicines, alternate them at first (one on the first night, the other on the second night), then slowly build up to using them both.
• If redness, dryness, or irritation develops, use medicine less often or use a smaller amount.
• Use moisturizer as your healthcare provider recommends.

• Your skin is very red or irritated.
• Your acne gets worse or isn't improving after using the medicine for 2–3 months.
• You aren't sure how to use the medicines.

Why do blocked pores lead to acne? When pores are blocked, germs can grow inside the pore and make the skin red, swollen, or sore. Acne often shows up on the face, chest, back, or shoulders.

How long will I need to use the medicines? Most people start to see their acne getting better after using the medicine for 2–3 months. Then you will need to stay on the medicine for at least a few more months to make sure your acne doesn't come back. Once your acne has been under control for a while, your healthcare provider may recommend trying to cut back or stop the medicines.

Should I use special kinds of skin products? If you use cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup on your face, read the product labels. Look for products that say they are:

• non-comedogenic (will not clog the pores)
• fragrance-free
• oil-free