Medications for acne work by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, or promoting skin cell turnover. Common classes include antibiotics, retinoids, and anti-inflammatory agents. Antibiotics like doxycycline hyclate (Vibramycin, Acticlate) are usually taken as oral pills. Retinoids, such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Atralin, Avita), are typically applied as topical creams or gels. Clindamycin (Cleocin, Cleocin T, Clindagel) is another antibiotic that comes in topical forms like gels and lotions. These options provide different ways to help manage your acne and improve your skin health.
