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

You should see a board-certified dermatologist to get access to prescription-strength medications and professional treatments that drugstore products cannot provide [3][5]. Since over-the-counter products have failed after consistent use, your acne likely requires stronger interventions like oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control pills or spironolactone), or isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe cases [1][7].

Here are the specific steps and treatments a dermatologist will likely recommend:

1. Prescription Medications

Dermatologists can prescribe medications that are significantly more potent than drugstore options:

• Topical Retinoids: Prescription versions encourage cell turnover to unclog pores more effectively than over-the-counter adapalene [1][6].
• Oral Antibiotics: Medications like minocycline or doxycycline reduce inflammation and kill bacteria for deeper, painful pimples [7][9].
• Hormonal Treatments: If your acne is hormonally driven (common in adults), doctors may prescribe oral contraceptives or spironolactone to reduce oil production [1][8].
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): For severe, cystic, or scarring acne that doesn't respond to other treatments, this is the most effective isotretretinoid-based option, though it requires close medical supervision due to risks [1][8].

2. Professional Skin Procedures

If medications alone aren enough, dermatologists often combine them with in-office procedures:

• Chemical Peels: Help clear pores and reduce inflammation using stronger acids than retail products [1][5].
• Laser Therapy: Treatments like Theraclear or Smoothbeam Laser target bacteria and reduce active acne and scarring [5][10].
• HydraFacial or Microdermabrasion: Professional extractions and resurfacing to clear deep clogs [5][10].

3. Next Steps for You

• Schedule an Appointment: Specifically look for a dermatologist who specializes in adult acne or hormonal acne [3][5].
• Prepare Your History: Note which drugstore products you used, how long you used them (6–8 weeks is the standard trial period), and whether you have deep, painful, or scarring lesions [3]. Signs like deep painful pimples or scarring are definitive indicators that you need a doctor, not more OTC products [3].
• Maintain a Gentle Routine: While waiting for your appointment, use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser, avoid harsh scrubs, and wear sunscreen daily (especially if you are currently using acne products that cause sensitivity) [2][5].

Do not try to "fix" this with more drugstore products; if you have large, painful pimples or acne that leaves scars, OTC products are unlikely to work, and delaying professional care can lead to permanent scarring [3].