Prescribing acne solutions is not as easy as choosing what's available. Dermatologists will consider a host of factors before deciding on what medication, if any, to recommend. Below are some of the factors that your skin specialist will possibly look at.

1. Age. Acne medications have different ingredients. Some can be harsher than others, while some can be just enough to control zits that are not yet in the severe stage. In choosing the right treatment, the age of the patient will likely come into play. Younger patients with more delicate skin will likely be prescribed with mild ointments or other medications, while older people, particularly those whose acne is already severe, might be given a stronger formula. Most of the time, adult acne is more severe than teenage acne. The latter being a phase that can sometimes be outgrown without any interference or use of medication.

2. Overall health. Allergies and adverse reactions to drugs will also be considered by dermatologists. There are medications that contain ingredients that are not suitable for people who are prone to adverse reactions. When asking for your dermatologist's opinion, make sure that you tell him or her everything about your medical history, particularly the materials for which you have an allergic reaction. Heart diseases, hypertension and other conditions that usually react to certain medications should also be noted.

3. Severity of the condition. Severe acne might need more advanced treatment such as laser therapy or oral antibiotics. These treatments carry more risk than mere over-the-counter medications and should never be used without the approval of a physician or a skin specialist. The best thing to do is to consult an expert at the onset of pimples and not to wait until the condition is already severe.

4. Type of skin. There are acne medications for oily skin, normal skin and dry skin. Pimple cures appropriate for oily skin is not compatible with people who have dry skin. Having your skin type assessed at a dermatology clinic is a good first step in determining the proper cure for your acne.

5. Sex. Pimple solutions for men differ from those of women. Women have a lot of physiological factors to consider such as menstruation, menopause and even pregnancy. On the other hand, men need to shave regularly and skin specialists will likely consider whether the treatment that will be prescribed will be compatible with this regular habit.

Acne solutions should not be used unless you have consulted a dermatologist or a physician. Just picking up what's available or borrowing an ointment or a lotion that someone else is using is not an option. You might think that you have saved a lot of money by not visiting your dermatologist, but in the end, you might even need to spend more if the medication you used made your condition worse.