PrescriptionAcne Cream

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative commonly used to treat certain skin conditions like acne and aging when used topically . Topical tretinoin increases the rate of skin cell turnover, which can help to clear acne and reduce fine lines associated with aging as well as fade dark spots. Tretinoin is a powerful, prescription-only acne medication from the family of retinoids, which includes a wide variety of treatments, from the oral medication isotretinoin used to treat severe acne to over the counter retinol treatments typically used for milder skin conditions.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is available in a variety of foods, oral supplements and topical creams for acne. In its topical form, niacinamide is often combined with other active ingredients in acne treatments. Niacinamide is available over the counter in facial creams and as an oral health supplement.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic available in oral and topical forms to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. When added to facial treatments, clindamycin can be effective by reducing acne-causing bacteria. Clindamycin is available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider and is often combined with other active ingredients to treat acne, such as tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.

Acne occurs when dead skin cells and oil block hair follicles, which allows bacteria to grow and causes inflammation and irritation. There are many forms of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts. Most people experience some form of acne in their lifetime, especially teenagers and women at specific times during their menstrual cycle. Acne ranges from occasional mild breakouts to severe, painful acne that occurs regularly. Mild breakouts may be treatable with over the counter products like salicylic acid or prescription treatment containing a retinoid like tretinoin, while severe acne may require oral antibiotic therapy or an oral retinoid (e.g., isotretinoin).

The best treatment for acne depends on your skin type and the root cause of your acne. Many people find that the occasional, mild pimple or breakout can be treated with over the counter drugstore products, such as an acne spot treatment, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Recurring mild to moderate acne may require a prescription topical treatment, such as clindamycin or tretinoin. Severe acne may require an oral antibiotic or isotretinoin regimen. If you have sensitive skin or a condition like eczema or rosacea, you may need to use caution when choosing acne products. While there is not a single “best” treatment, an online or in-person consultation with a medical provider can help you to figure out what will work best for your particular situation. Click "start consultation" above to connect with a providor or read more about the best acne treatments (according to science) on our blog.

Apply topical acne treatments to the affected area as directed, typically once or twice daily, to clean, dry skin. Apply the medication evenly by rubbing in gently. Before applying, cleanse the skin gently and pat dry. Applying a moisturizer after acne cream may help restore skin barrier as well as negate potential irritation from the treatment itself. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to use acne cream a few days a week at first and gradually work up to daily use.

The tretinoin in acne cream has an exfoliating effect, so there is typically no need to exfoliate your skin beyond the application of acne cream. Additionally, retinoids like tretinoin can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day while using acne cream.

Acne cream with tretinoin is an effective acne treatment cream, but it is only one part of a good acne skincare routine. While using acne cream, you will want to avoid any products that clog pores or irritate your skin to get the best results. Look for a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizing lotion to complement your acne cream. If you have particularly oily skin, look for an oil-free cleanser.

Be sure to scan any cleanser and moisturizer for other acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil or glycolic acid. Combining different acne treatment ingredients could increase risk of irritation, so be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing redness or discomfort. When in doubt, look for a gentle cleanser and moisturizer for sensitive skin. Better yet, get the full Clear Skin System from hers for a perfect three-step skincare routine delivered to your door.

Our acne cream is available by prescription only because it contains prescription-strength ingredients that you can’t get in even maximum strength OTC acne products. Prescription acne cream can effectively treat more severe forms of acne, like cystic acne. While there is no guarantee that any acne treatment will leave you acne-free, many women who were unable to effectively treat acne before find success with a prescription acne cream.