Understanding the Top Prescription Medications for Clearing Acne

Understanding the Most Well-Known Acne Medications

Dealing with acne can be beyond frustrating, especially as a teenager. Between puberty, school, and your social life, having a bad complexion can feel downright devastating. While over-the-counter face washes and spot treatments have their place, persistent acne often requires prescription-strength medication for real improvement.

When it comes to the big names in acne medications, there are a few heavy hitters that continually rise to the top. By understanding these popular acne prescription treatments, how they work, and the benefits and side effects, you can work with your dermatologist to find the right solution for your unique situation.

What Causes Acne in Teens?

Before diving into specific medications, it helps to understand exactly what causes acne to occur. Acne forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog your pores. This leads to inflammation and pimples. Teen acne is largely impacted by changing hormones during puberty, namely increases in androgens. The androgen hormones trigger your oil glands to go into overdrive. Excessive oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores, creating the perfect environment for pimple-causing bacteria to multiply.

Top Prescription Acne Medications

Prescription acne medications work by tackling one or more of the underlying causes of acne. Here are some of the most well-known prescription acne treatments:

Retinoids

Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A that work by speeding up skin cell turnover. This helps prevent dead cells from clogging pores. They also reduce inflammation and unclog existing congestion. There are a few different types of retinoid medications:

• Tretinoin - Available under brand names like Retin-A, this was one of the first retinoids used for treating acne.
• Adapalene - Offered under the brand name Differin, adapalene is a newer, gentler synthetic retinoid.
• Tazarotene - Sold as Tazorac, tazarotene works much like tretinoin but may cause more skin irritation.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics work by killing off acne-causing bacteria within clogged pores and on the surface of the skin. They also have anti-inflammatory effects to reduce redness and swelling. Common antibiotic acne medications include:

• Clindamycin - Applied topically to avoid systemic side effects.
• Erythromycin
• Doxycycline - An oral antibiotic.

Antibiotics may be combined with other medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids to enhance efficacy.

Dapsone

Dapsone is a synthetic sulfate drug that fights acne in a couple ways. It helps suppress oil production leading to less clogged pores. It also reduces acne inflammation thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Topical dapsone is commonly used alongside other acne treatments.

Hormonal Therapies

Since excess androgen hormones often drive teen acne, hormonal therapies help lower circulating androgens. Options include:

• Birth control pills - Contraceptive pills with estrogen and progestin balance hormones.
• Spironolactone - Lowers androgen hormone levels, especially helpful for female hormonal acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the most common over-the-counter acne ingredients, benzoyl peroxide can also be obtained in prescription formulas at higher concentrations. It attacks acne by killing bacteria, removing excess oil, and promoting skin turnover through mild peeling and exfoliation.

Individual Medications Spotlight

Now that we have covered the most well-known categories of prescription acne medications, let's take a more in depth look at a few of the specific options available.

Retin-A

Retin-A is one of the oldest and most trusted retinoid acne treatments. The active ingredient is tretinoin which comes in cream, gel and liquid solution forms. Here's how Retin-A addresses acne:

• Promotes skin cell turnover
• Clears congested pores
• Regulates oil production
• Reduces acne inflammation

With consistent use, Retin-A improves not only active breakouts but also works to prevent new acne from forming. It is often tolerated best when following acne-prone skincare basics like gentle cleansing and oil-free moisturization.

Differin Gel

As mentioned, Differin contains adapalene, a third generation retinoid. Available in convenient gel form, Differin is gentler than older retinoids while still fighting acne in three ways:

• Exfoliating dead skin buildup
• Preventing new blackheads and whiteheads
• Decreasing swelling and irritation from existing pimples

Since Differin tends to be less irritating than tretinoin, it can usually be applied daily from the start. Results are slower to show than more aggressive retinoids but efficacy is still proven.

Epiduo Forte Gel

Containing both adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, Epiduo Forte Gel combines the anti-acne benefits of a retinoid with a proven bacteria-buster. Key actions include:

• Unclogging congested pores
• Killing acne-causing bacteria
• Exfoliating and regulating skin cell turnover
• Decreasing inflammation of existing pimples

By attacking acne from multiple angles, Epiduo Forte works on all types of acne from non-inflammatory bumps to red, inflamed pustules. Since it contains a retinoid, the skin builds tolerance gradually before advancing to daily application.

A Cumulative Approach for Clear Skin

While the right prescription medication makes a major difference in treating teen acne, the most effective strategy combines several elements for fighting acne long-term and prevent recurrence. Along with medications consider:

• Gentle regular cleansing morning and evening
• Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer
• Weekly exfoliating masks or peels
• Lifestyle adjustments - diet, exercise, stress management
• Hormonal therapies as needed for teen girls

With persistence combining prescription and over-the-counter care, you can achieve clear, beautiful skin as a teen and maintain it into adulthood.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.