Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. If you have acne, your dermatologist can diagnose you by looking at the breakouts.

While examining your skin, your dermatologist will notice what types of acne you have and where the breakouts appear on your skin. Different types of acne often require different treatment.

Sometimes what looks like acne isn’t acne: What looks like acne may be another condition. For example, some people mistake hidradenitis suppurativa, also called “acne inversa,” for acne. Treatment for this condition differs from that for acne.

Another condition that can be mistaken for acne is perioral dermatitis. It often causes acne-like breakouts around the mouth or “T-zone” of the face. A skin infection called folliculitis can also be mistaken for acne.

Whether you have acne or another condition, your dermatologist can give you an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

This medication works to clear your pores, and can treat blackheads, whiteheads, and some pimples. If you develop dark spots after acne clears, a retinoid can help lighten these spots.

The retinoids used to treat acne are:

Non-prescription retinoid

Adapalene (You’ll find acne treatment that contains this retinoid online and in stores.)

Prescription retinoids

Tazarotene (Brand names: Arazlo, Avage, Fabior, Tazorac)

Tretinoin (Brand names: Altinac, Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Refissa, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X, Vesanoid)

Trifarotene (Brand name: Aklief)

This active ingredient reduces acne-causing bacteria on your skin. It’s most effective when used along with another acne treatment that works on the other causes of acne. For this reason, your dermatologist may prescribe a medication that contains benzoyl peroxide and another acne medication like a retinoid or an antibiotic.

Benzoyl peroxide is also the active ingredient in plenty of acne-fighting products that you'll find online and in stores. They come in many forms from cleansing bars and washes to gels and creams.

This medication reduces both the inflammation that causes acne and acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

When a topical antibiotic is part of your treatment plan, you’ll use it along with an acne medication or wash that contains benzoyl peroxide. Doing so reduces your risk of developing antibiotic resistance, a condition that occurs when medications created to kill bacteria no longer work.

To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and increase how well each medication works, some acne treatments contain a topical antibiotic and another acne medication like benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. This helps you get the right dose of each medication.

If the antibiotic that would be best for you isn’t available in a combination medication, your dermatologist will give you a prescription for a topical antibiotic and include another acne medication like benzoyl peroxide in your treatment plan. It’s important to use all medications as directed.

Benzoyl peroxide, some antibiotics, and a few retinoids can be effective acne treatments. Sometimes, two or all three of these medications are combined to create one acne medication that you apply to your skin. The benefits of combining these medications include:

Fight different causes of acne with one medication.

Increase how well each medication works.

Reduce possible side effects like irritated skin.

Get the right dose of each medication in one product.

Like other topicals, these medications work best for mild to moderate acne. Sometimes, they are used along with another treatment to help with more serious acne.

If a combination medication is right for you, your dermatologist will select one that contains the medications and doses that meet your needs. Combination acne medications that your dermatologist may prescribe include:

Retinoid + benzoyl peroxide (Brand names: Epiduo, Epiduo Forte, Twyneo)

Retinoid + benzoyl peroxide + antibiotic (Brand name: Cabtreo)

Retinoid + antibiotic (Brand names include: Veltin, Ziana)

Benzoyl peroxide + antibiotic (Brand names include: Acanya, BenzaClin, Benzamycin, Duac, and Onexton)

Used for years to treat acne, salicylic acid opens clogged pores and exfoliates the skin. It’s effective for treating whiteheads and pimples. You’ll find salicylic acid available in different strengths and in different forms, including cleansers and moisturizers.

Non-prescription medication: Be sure to use the product that your dermatologist recommends.

This acne treatment opens clogged pores and helps keep them open, works on the bacteria that cause acne, and reduces inflammation due to acne. This makes it an effective treatment for different types of acne.

Azelaic acid can also treat the dark spots that appear when acne clears.

Brand names: Azelex, Finevin