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

Here are some effective steps and specific recommendations:

See a Dermatologist First

• This is the most important step. A dermatologist can prescribe treatments like tretinoin, clindamycin, spironolactone (for hormonal acne), or oral antibiotics that are far more effective than anything over-the-counter.

Professional Skincare Brands Worth Trying

• Curology – Custom prescription formula delivered to your door, affordable and tailored to your specific skin
• Apostrophe – Similar to Curology, offers prescription-strength treatments online
• Differin Gel – Now available OTC, contains adapalene (a retinoid) and is stronger than most drugstore options

Medical-Grade Skincare

• SkinCeuticals – Particularly their vitamin C serums and corrective products
• iS Clinical – Known for active clearing serums
• PCA Skin – Effective for acne-prone skin

In-Office Treatments

• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments (like Clear + Brilliant or BBL)
• Acleara or blue light therapy

Key Takeaway: Adult acne often has hormonal or bacterial causes that need prescription-level treatment. Starting with a dermatologist or a telehealth service like Curology will get you real results faster than experimenting with products alone.