I have adult acne that drugstore products cannot fix. What should I do?

If drugstore products cannot fix your adult acne, you should see a board-certified dermatologist for a professional evaluation and prescription-strength treatment plan [1][2][4].

Dermatologists treat adult acne that over-the-counter (OTC) products miss by using prescription medications and procedures tailored to your specific condition:

1. Prescription Medications

Dermatologists often prescribe the following to target severe, painful, or deep acne:

• Topical Retinoids: Medications like tretinoin or adapalene to increase cell turnover and unclog pores [3][5].
• Oral Antibiotics: Such as doxycycline or minocycline to reduce inflammation and bacteria if the acne is inflammatory [3][5].
• Hormonal Treatments: For women, combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or spironolactone can regulate hormones and reduce oil production, which is critical for hormonally influenced acne [3][6][9].
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): In severe, cystic, or scarring cases where other treatments fail, this is a highly effective but closely supervised oral medication [3][9].

2. Professional Procedures

In addition to medication, dermatologists offer procedures to clear pores and improve skin texture:

• Chemical Peels: To exfoliate and reduce inflammation [3].
• Laser or Light Therapy: To target bacteria and reduce redness [3].
• Manual Extractions: To carefully remove deep clogs and prevent scarring [3].

3. When to Seek Help Immediately

You should see a dermatologist if you have:

• Large, painful pimples deep in your skin [1][2][4].
• Acne that leaves scars after clearing [2][4].
• Acne that has not improved after 6–8 weeks of consistent OTC use [1][4].
• Cystic acne that is severe or recurring [2][3].

Recommended Brands & Services to Support Treatment

While a dermatologist provides the primary cure, you can support your prescription regimen with high-quality, dermatologist-recommended products:

• Differin Gel: Contains adapalene, an OTC retinoid often recommended alongside prescriptions [5][7].
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo: A serum with niacinamide and salicylic acid to support barrier health [5].
• CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser: A gentle cleanser with salicylic acid that dermatologists recommend for routine care [5].
• Dermalogica: Offers professional-grade products specifically for adult acne, including calming and barrier-supporting treatments [2].

Next Step: Search for a board-certified dermatologist in your area (via the American Academy of Dermatology's website or your local health provider) to schedule an appointment. Do not add new OTC products while waiting; let the specialist guide your treatment to avoid further irritation [1][4].