Latest posts
-
Microneedling for Acne Scars: Evidence, Sessions and Risks
Microneedling modestly improves indented acne scars, usually over 3 to 5 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, with only days of redness. Adding PRP appears to improve results. It suits all skin tones, but evidence comes mostly from small trials, and home rollers aren’t equivalent.
-
Acne Scar Treatments: What Actually Works for Each Scar Type
The best acne scar treatment depends on the scar type: TCA CROSS for ice pick scars, resurfacing (lasers, peels, microneedling) for boxcar scars, subcision or fillers for rolling scars, and steroid injections or lasers for raised scars. Evidence for all is limited.
-
Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatment: What’s Safer and What to Avoid
During pregnancy, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and topical clindamycin or erythromycin are generally considered safer acne treatments. Isotretinoin, topical retinoids, oral tetracyclines such as doxycycline, and spironolactone are generally avoided. Check every product with your OB or dermatologist first.
-
Clascoterone (Winlevi) for Acne: How It Works and Trial Results
Clascoterone 1% cream (Winlevi) is a prescription acne cream that blocks androgen receptors in the skin. In two 12-week trials, about 19% to 21% reached clear or almost clear skin vs 7% to 9% on vehicle. It’s approved from age 12, mostly well tolerated, and expensive.
-
Tretinoin for Acne: Strengths, Evidence, and How to Start
Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid that reduces clogged pores and inflamed pimples, backed by vehicle-controlled trials. Start with a thin layer at night, every other night, plus moisturizer and sunscreen. Expect irritation or an early flare, judge results at about 12 weeks, and avoid it in pregnancy.
-
Clindamycin for Acne: How It Works and Why It’s Never Used Alone
Topical clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic that reduces inflamed acne, and the 2024 AAD guideline strongly recommends topical antibiotics. It should never be used alone because bacteria become resistant. Guidelines pair it with benzoyl peroxide, often in one gel, sometimes with adapalene or tretinoin.
-
Doxycycline for Acne: How Well It Works, How Long, Side Effects
Doxycycline is the preferred oral antibiotic for moderate to severe inflamed acne and gets a strong 2024 AAD recommendation. It should be paired with benzoyl peroxide, reviewed at about 3 months and stopped as soon as possible. Watch for sun sensitivity, stomach upset and pill esophagitis.
-
Birth Control for Acne: Which Pills Work, How Long, and Risks
Combined birth control pills (estrogen plus progestin) reduce acne compared with placebo, and several are FDA-approved for acne. Most women see improvement in about 2 to 3 months. The 2024 AAD guideline recommends them conditionally, weighed against a small blood-clot risk.
-
Isotretinoin (Accutane): Who It’s For, Results, Risks and iPLEDGE
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a prescription oral retinoid for severe, scarring or treatment-resistant acne. A course usually lasts 4 to 5 months and often gives long-lasting clearance. It causes severe birth defects, so US patients enroll in iPLEDGE, and dermatologists monitor blood tests and mood.
-
Acne Treatment Options: From Drugstore to Prescription, Explained
Acne treatment follows a ladder. Mild acne starts with benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or combination topicals. Moderate acne may add prescription topicals, a time-limited oral antibiotic or hormonal therapy. Severe or scarring acne may need isotretinoin. The 2024 AAD guideline and NICE NG198 both support this approach.