A variety of products and treatments can remove blemishes, also called acne or pimples. Everyone’s skin is different, so no one treatment or product will work for all types of acne. Start with a good skin-care regimen and use products with ingredients that target your specific acne problem.
Over-the-Counter Products
Over-the-counter products are the least expensive and can control mild to moderate acne. Lotions that remove excess sebum and pore-clogging skin cells include retinol, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur have a drying effect on the skin. Retinol and alpha hydroxy acid cause sun sensitivity. A broad-spectrum sunblock of SPF 30 or higher should be worn while using lotions that contain either alpha hydroxy acid or retinol.
Creams and lotions that slow the turnover of skin cells and prevent pores from clogging contain salicylic acid.
Prescription Creams
Prescription creams are more expensive and require a trip to the dermatologist. They can treat moderate to severe acne. A commonly prescribed acne cream is topical tretinoin, which exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. It also helps to prevent breakouts.
Tretinoin also causes sun sensitivity and a sunblock should always be used during treatment. It should never be used by pregnant women or those who may become pregnant because of the risk of birth defects, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Azelaic acid is another treatment for acne. It works in the follicle to eliminate bacterial growth, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. In addition, it reduces inflammation and pigmentation spots. It is nontoxic and does not bleach normal skin.
Oral and Injectable Medications
Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat moderate to severe acne and are often used in combination with other treatments, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin.
Sometimes decreasing male hormones in the body can lessen acne breakouts. Birth control pills are often prescribed for women as a treatment option, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Corticosteroid injections are a treatment for acne lesions. Steroid injections are used for cysts and nodules, according to the Mayo Clinic. Steroid injections, however, do have side effects, which can include thinning skin and hypopigmentation--lightening of the skin.
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