Wondering How to Get Rid of Acne? Here Are 4 Things to Try

If you’re one of the many people struggling with acne and acne-prone skin, it’s likely you’ve tried many different skin-care products to get rid of it. Some may work a bit, and some not at all. Either way, the cycle of breakouts can be frustrating and have a real effect on your self-esteem and mental health. And the costs can add up. 

Acne comes in different forms, but the main problem is clogged pores (or hair follicles). Clogged pores cause inflammation and swelling, leading to redness, pimples, and even pus-filled bumps. As they heal, they can leave red or dark spots on your skin.

But don’t lose hope. There are many ways to treat acne. You have options, from simple, everyday changes in your skin-care routine and over-the-counter products to prescription medications and procedures. Treating acne depends on what type of acne you have and how severe it is. And what works for one person may not work for the next. So you may need to do a little trial and error. 

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Let’s walk through four evidence-based ways to get rid of your acne breakouts permanently.  

1. Everyday lifestyle changes to treat and prevent acne

Whichever medications or products you may need to treat acne, it helps to establish some healthy daily habits to care for your skin and prevent the causes of a breakout.   

Skin care

Good skin care is the most important foundation for healthy skin, whether or not you’re using medications. And it does not have to take a lot of time or cost a lot. 

Here are some basics:

• Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and warm water. Gently use your fingers. And avoid harsh washcloths or scrubs, as these can damage the skin.

• Always wash your face after sweating or after wearing hats or helmets for a long time.

• Avoid tanning, and use a non-comedogenic (non-acne-causing) sunscreen when going in the sun.

• Avoid very oily hair products, and wash oily hair regularly.

• Don’t pick your skin! Picking, squeezing, or popping pimples can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.

• If your skin is dry, use a mild, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

• Use non-comedogenic and non-oily makeup products, and wash them off before bed.

• Wash your pillowcases at least once a week.

Skin-healthy diet

Some types of foods can make acne worse for some people.

Limited studies suggest that some dairy products, like milk, can contribute to acne. Other studies suggest that foods high in sugar may also worsen acne.

It’s important to remember that the link between diet and acne has not been completely established. A change in diet may not have an effect on your acne, but it may be worth keeping a food and acne diary for a few weeks to see if you can spot a pattern. If you do notice a link between what you eat and your acne breakouts, then it may help to limit those foods. 

2. Over-the-counter treatments for acne

Several over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications work well. Many people are able to improve their acne-prone skin just by using these along with a good daily skin-care routine.

Choosing an acne treatment can be overwhelming, though, because there are so many options to choose from. The key to choosing your OTC acne medication is to check the active ingredients on the label.

Here are some evidence-based active ingredients to look for in an OTC acne treatment:

• Benzoyl peroxide works against bacteria and also helps keep pores from clogging. It’s available in different forms (wash, foam, cream, or gel) and different strengths (2.5% to 10%). It also comes in combination with other active ingredients.

• Salicylic acid helps keep pores from clogging. It’s available in different forms (cream, lotion, liquid, patch, or gel) and different strengths (0.5% to 2%). It also comes in combination with other active ingredients.

• Adapalene (Differin) is a topical retinoid that used to require a prescription but is now available OTC. Stronger strengths of adapalene are available with a prescription (see below).

Pro tip: Most OTC medications come in different strengths, so if your skin is getting irritated, try a lower strength.

3. Prescription treatments and pills for acne

If you’re still struggling with acne breakouts despite a good everyday skin routine and the OTC ingredients listed above, you may need to add in a prescription medication. Using prescription-only treatments together with an OTC medication often gives the best results. Here are the different types of prescription acne medications.

Topical retinoids

Topical retinoids are products that you apply directly to the skin. Retinoids are made from vitamin A. They help lower inflammation in pores and stop them from clogging. 

Options include:

• Tretinoin (Retin-A)

• Adapalene 

• Tazarotene (Tazorac) 

• Trifarotene (Aklief)

Antibiotics creams and pills

Antibiotics, such as clindamycin and doxycycline, can sometimes help treat acne — especially acne caused by bacteria. They work by decreasing bacteria and inflammation, but they don’t work for everyone. 

There are different types of antibiotics for acne, and they come as creams or pills. 

Depending on which type of acne you have and how severe it is, your provider may recommend antibiotic pills. When acne is more severe, it’s common to start with both pills and creams for the first few months to get acne under control. After there is improvement, you can stop the pills and just use creams.  

Hormone treatment

A common cause of acne in women is hormones. Typically, hormonal acne flares around the time you get your menstrual period. In these people, specific hormonal acne treatments can work best. 

Options include: 

• Combination birth control pills: The combination of estrogen and progestin can help to regulate hormones. 

• Spironolactone (Aldactone): This is a medication that treats high blood pressure, but it can also lower androgen hormone levels and oil production.

• Steroid pills: In some situations, steroid pills can help to improve severe acne, especially in combination with other medications. They work by lowering inflammation and lowering levels of certain hormones. They should only be used for a short time at the beginning of treatment.

Isotretinoin (retinoid pills)

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a form of vitamin A in pill form. It’s very effective at treating and curing moderate and severe acne. People have used it safely for decades, but it does require frequent blood work monitoring and can’t be used in people who are or could be pregnant.

4. Medical procedures for acne

There are also some medical procedures that may help treat acne. Sometimes these are used along with medications. But, in general, these procedures aren’t as common because, unlike medications, insurance typically doesn’t cover them. Here are some options and when a provider may recommend them.

Comedone extraction

Comedone extraction physically removes whiteheads and blackheads with a small handheld tool. It can easily be done in your provider’s office. Although this doesn’t really help prevent acne, it can improve it. If you have a lot of whiteheads or blackheads, this is a great way to remove them quickly and instantly improve the skin’s appearance. 

Steroid injections

A trained provider uses a needle to inject a small amount of steroid into an inflamed and painful acne cyst. This can help lower inflammation around the cyst and help it heal faster.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels can help treat comedonal acne. A chemical peel typically consists of glycolic or salicylic acid, and they’re applied directly to the skin. Chemical peels come in different strengths depending on your skin problem that needs treating. 

They work like an exfoliant, helping to shed dead skin cells and unclog pores. Most people with acne can benefit from chemical peels, and they’re especially helpful in treating dark spots associated with acne. 

Lasers and lights

Different types of laser and light treatments are available in a healthcare provider’s office to help treat acne. Some of these work by reducing a certain type of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Other treatments — like laser treatments — can improve discoloration and scarring caused by acne.

How to get rid of acne permanently

Most acne medications take some time to work — usually at least 3 months. Finding the best acne treatment regimen for you can also take patience and trial and error. Once acne improves, some people may need maintenance treatment for a few months or even years to keep acne away permanently. This may be a topical retinoid, or it could even involve a second or third course of Accutane treatment. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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