You can access prescription acne treatments through a dermatologist or your doctor. There is a wide variety of types available, which fall into the topical or oral categories. The available types are:

Topical Antimicrobials Topical Retinoids Oral Antibiotics Oral Contraceptives

Clindamycin is the name of the most commonly used topical antimicrobial mediation. It is used to treat mild to severe acne, and helps minimize and get rid of the papules and pustules associated with the condition.

Tretinoin is the name of a topical retinoid medication. It is commonly used to treat mild to severe inflammatory acne by unclogging skin pores. It prevents both whiteheads and blackheads. Unfortunately, this medication can irritate the skin and cause increased sensitivity to the sun. If using topical retinoids, is important to follow advice from your doctor and protect yourself from the sun. This type of medication is derived from Vitamin A.

Oral antibiotics are often used to treat the more severe cases of acne and sometimes for moderate cases and like topical antimicrobials they are there to help reduce the P. acne bacteria as well as decreasing the inflammation caused by the acne. However when using antibiotics it is important that you use as directed by your doctor in order to avoid the risk of the bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotic drugs.

Another option for women which can be effective is oral contraceptives. The benefit to these is that they can be used for long-term acne management. Oral contraceptives suppress overactive sebaceous glands which are responsible for oil secretions. There are potential health risks associated from taking oral contraceptives long term however- such as strokes, blood clots or even heart attacks. If you smoke and take oral contraceptives, the health risks are even greater.

Is is very important because of the reasons discussed to talk to your doctor when deciding to take any acne medication. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your acne properly, and suggest the best medication to work for treating you.