Acne treatment

Topical treatments

Traditional creams, lotions, and gels are topical acne treatments that generally use the active ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide helps dissolve the oily plug blocking your pores and also prevents new lesions by killing acne-causing bacteria.

MaxClarity Foam is a breakthrough product—it’s the only topical, at-home, nonprescription system that uses VersaFoam® technology. Plus, the MaxClarity Foam System employs two powerful acne-fighting ingredients, Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. By micronizing the particles of these ingredients, MaxClarity Foam penetrates deep into your skin to effectively kill bacteria.¹⁶

See drug facts about MaxClarity Foam >

Salicylic or Glycolic acid treatments

Often used as light chemical peels, these acid treatments help unblock pores and promote new skin growth.

Microdermabrasion

Removes upper layers of skin improving skin irregularities and generating new skin. Professional microdermabrasion treatments can be expensive, while the at-home versions can be less effective. Neither kills P. acnes bacteria beneath the skin.

Prescription acne medications

Acne medication may include antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or prescription-strength Vitamin A (called retinoids, such as Retin-A or Accutane). Oral antibiotics kill the bacteria P. acnes, but do nothing to help unblock pores. Oral contraceptives suppress overreacting sebaceous glands, but don't kill P. acnes. Retinoids can be effective, but often pose many side effects, some of which are severe.

Phototherapy (Laser & Light Treatment)

Several laser and light treatments are available. Some of these treatments target only one factor that causes acnes- P. acnes. These treatments can be very expensive.

Acne surgery

This treatment is only performed by a dermatologist. Never try to remove pimples yourself—or even squeeze them—as this may result in scarring.