The Badge Archive

Acne medications help clear skin by reducing oil, killing bacteria, or speeding up skin cell turnover. But no treatment is perfect. The main issues are side effects, the need for consistent use, and the fact that not every medication works for everyone. Some treatments are mild but slow, while others are powerful but risky. Here’s a breakdown of the most common acne medications and their pros and cons.

Topical Treatments (Applied to the Skin)

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Pros: Kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces oil, available over-the-counter, works quickly.
• Cons: Possible side effects like dryness, redness, peeling, and making skin more sensitive to sunlight
  (See Drugs.com and MedShadow Foundation)

Salicylic Acid

• Pros: Helps unclog pores by removing dead skin cells, gentle for sensitive skin, widely available.
• Cons: Possible side effects like mild stinging or irritation. This is less effective for severe acne.
  (See MedShadow Foundation)

Topical Retinoids (Adapalene, Tretinoin, Tazarotene)

• Pros: Prevent clogged pores, improve skin texture, effective for blackheads and whiteheads.
• Cons: Possible side effects like redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity. The results may take weeks to show.
  (See Healthgrades and Derm Collective)

Topical Antibiotics (Clindamycin, Erythromycin)

• Pros: Reduce bacteria and inflammation, often combined with benzoyl peroxide.
• Cons: Risk of antibiotic resistance if used alone. Possible side effects like dryness and irritation.
  (See Healthgrades and Derm Collective)

Oral Medications (Taken by Mouth)

Oral Antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline, Sarecycline)

• Pros: Reduce bacteria and inflammation, useful for moderate to severe acne.
• Cons: Possible side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, sun sensitivity, and risk of antibiotic resistance if used long-term
  (See WebMD and Healthgrades)

Oral Contraceptives (for females)

• Pros: Balance hormones, reduce acne flare-ups, also regulate periods.
• Cons: Possible side effects like nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, and headaches
  (See Healthgrades)

Isotretinoin (Accutane and generics)

• Pros: Most powerful option, can permanently clear severe acne, prevents scarring.
• Cons: Possible serious side effects including extreme dryness, birth defects if taken during pregnancy, mood changes, and requires close medical monitoring
  (See Verywell Health)

Key Takeaways for Teens

• Start with topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for mild acne.
• Moderate acne requires a doctor that might add topical retinoids or oral antibiotics.
• Severe acne must be prescribed (like isotretinoin), but it comes with strict safety rules.
• Most medications take weeks or months to show results and only if used consistently.
• Dryness, irritation, and sun sensitivity are the most frequent side effects and why treatments should not be used daily or for preventative measures.

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Disclaimer: The information published on The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

• Drugs.com. “Acne Treatment Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term.” Drugs.com, 2025, http://www.drugs.com/sfx/acne-treatment-side-effects.html. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
• Iannelli, Vincent. “Are Accutane Risks Worth It for Severe Acne?” Verywell Health, 24 Dec. 2023, http://www.verywellhealth.com/accutane-for-acne-2633108. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
• Lewis, Sarah. “10 Drugs Commonly Prescribed for Acne.” Healthgrades, 9 Sept. 2021, resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/acne/10-drugs-commonly-prescribed-for-acne. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
• Rhodes, Maura. “10 Acne Medications: How They Work, Usage, Side Effects and More.” Derm Collective, 23 June 2021, dermcollective.com/acne-medications/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
• “Teen Acne: Prescription Treatments for Acne.” WebMD, 15 Feb. 2009, http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/teen-acne-prescription-treatments. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
• Yasinski, Emma. “Side Effects of the Many Treatments for Acne.” MedShadow Foundation | Independent Health & Wellness Journalism, 23 Aug. 2022, medshadow.org/side-effects-of-acne-medicine/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.