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What's the Best Acne Treatment?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Daniel Shapiro, MD
Question viewed 28,026 times
Tags: acne, blemishes, pimples

My Proactiv acne routine isn't working well enough for acne.  My acne is pretty bad and painful.  Are there acne treatments that are best to get rid of it for good? I heard laser acne treatments may be best.

12 answers to What's the Best Acne Treatment?

+4

Blue light therapy is a treatment that uses light to...

Blue light therapy is a treatment that uses light to kill the acne causing bacteria. Perfect for those allergic to topical and oral antibiotics. Acne needs to be treated two ways: - Unclog the pores - Kill the bacteria that causes the inflammation. Ideally it should be treated with both modalities. Blue light is just half the answer. Cooltouch is a laser light source that shrinks the oil gland and results in decreased bacteria counts as well. Patients do best when also using a retinoid (... more
Mary Lupo, MD

New Orleans Dermatologist
+3

So many acne treatments, so little time

As you can see from the many different answers, there is no best treatment for acne. There is no one treatment that works best for every patient. A partnership between an experienced dermatologist and an experienced cosmetic surgeon is often necessary to arrest the acne process and treat the scarring associated with previous outbreaks. The first step in the process is to stop acne outbreaks. This is best treated by consultation with a dermatologist. The next step is to erase the painful... more
D.J. Verret, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Utilize atopical antibiotic in the morning and alternate...

Utilize atopical antibiotic in the morning and alternate a retinoid with a benzoyl peroxide derived at night. Blue light/red light combination LEDs are helpful to diminish acne causing bacteria and diminishing inflammation.
Neil Sadick, MD

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

Adult acne is very common and there are several ways...

Adult acne is very common and there are several ways adults can handle this issue. First, patients can take pills such as antibiotics and/or Accutane to eliminate or reduce acne breakouts. A second option is laser treatment. This approach can be highly effective without the pill-associated internal complications. Most patients require approximately five to seven monthly treatments to see the desired improvement, with periodic re-treatments required as acne flares. An added benefit is... more
David Goldberg, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser Acne Treatment

I would suggest the Elos Laser Acne treatment. It works by combining Bi-Polar Radiofrequency and Blue Light energies to penetrate the skin to precisely target and destroy active acne-causing bacteria, while simultaneously slowing excessive sebaceous oil production. Treatments help to reduce active acne and speeds up healing time. Elos Laser Acne treatment is effective in all skin types and the number of treatments depends upon the severity of acne. Treatments are made comfortable by the... more
Daniel Shapiro, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Combination approach

It is important, first of all, to get a proper medical evaluation as sometimes acne may have an underlying medical cause. In my experience, a combination approach with chronic home care, topical and oral prescription based treatment, and cosmetic treatment (e.g. peels/lasers) when needed gives the best result. Most important thing is that acne treatment should be tailored specifically to individual patients to achieve the best result.
Chang Son, MD

Fort Lee Dermatologist
+1

Acne Treatment is Individualized

Treatments for acne depend on each person’s individual case. However, there are some excellent options out there. Photodynamic therapies like Allumera and Isolaz involve the use of a specialized light source to help clear acne bacteria. Topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids as well as oral medications like antibiotics and even birth control can help treat acne, too. Our office specializes in customized prescription compounds tailored toward your... more
Ashley R. Curtis, MD

Atlanta Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

There are many excellent treatments for acne such as lasers and antibiotics

There are so many different treatments available now for acne. There is no "best" treatment. It depends on the patient and the cause of their acne. There may be bacteria or hormonal reasons causing the acne. Treatment can vary from topical antibiotics to retinoid therapy. Blue Light or V-Beam laser therapy can help significantly treat acne or acne scars. Treatment is determined on an individual basis. Severe acne treatments may require... more
Michele S. Green, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Best acne treatment

There is no single "best" acne treatment, other than accutane, that is. The treatment usually depends on the severity of acne and what you've tried in the past. Options include creams, pills, laser, blue light therapy/PDT, and chemical peals. Only your dermatologist can help determine the best treatment for you.
Gary Goldenberg, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Best Acne Treatment

The best acne treatment is different for each person. It depends on what kind of acne you have (inflammatory vs. blackheads vs. both) and how bad it is (mild vs. severe). It also depends on your skin type, what you have tried before, and many other factors. As far as laser treatments being the "best" acne treatments - I would disagree. I use laser to treat acne, but I use it as second-line treatment. It works as well as pills and creams but is much... more
Todd Minars, MD

Miami Dermatologist
+1

Only Accutane

The only permanent cure for acne is Accutane. There are other treatments which will quell acne, but such solutions are temporary. Proactiv is a rather weak solution if the acne is as severe as you indicate. It contains only 2 1/2 per cent Benzoyl Peroxide with Glycolic acid ( curious since sal acid is the better hydroxy acid for acne). Certainly antibiotics should be considered, as should stronger BP formulas, BP/clindamycin products, topical dapsone, Retinoids, maybe even azelaic... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Best Acne Treatment

It would be great is there was a simple answer to this question. There are many options out there but it has to be customized to your type of acne and your skin type. I know this can be frustrating; it’s definitely not a one size fits all answer. Your options can range from benzoyl peroxide to antibiotics to accutane. Even though certain regimens work for people you know, may not work for you. See your dermatologist!
Bruce Katz, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon

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