Statistics don’t lie. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans per year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Plus, if you’ve ever dealt with acne, you know it can “pop up” in literally many different forms. As AAD explains, acne has many types of acne (acne, white head, acne, acne cyst or nodule), so a versatile approach is not the best way to achieve more clear skin. Their Best Advice: A board certified dermatologist can diagnose the type of acne you have and decide the appropriate treatment based on your skin type and acne type. What these experts say is the best suggestions for prescribing solutions.
Featured experts
Elizabeth Bahar Hausmand, a board-certified dermatologist for Dallas Janine Downey, Maryland.
Spironolactone
Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bajar Haumand, believes that most patients with MD are experiencing hormonal acne. “It can also occur on the chest and back,” she explains. “Hormonal acne is typically common among teenagers, but can affect women in their 20s and 40s. Hormonal acne is highly inflammatory and appears as a painful cyst under the skin.
Accutane, Seisara, and Drix
Janine Downey, MD, a Montclair dermatologist in New Jersey, says the oral prescription for “Tippy Top” for acne now includes Accutane, Seisara and Dorix (photographed separately).
Altoreno
Dr. Houshmand likes Altreno Lotion as a local option. “This is a unique formulation of 0.05% tretinoin lotion,” she explained, adding that it is generally well tolerated. “In addition, it has hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and it has no scent and fragrance. Perfect for people with sensitive skin who want to have the benefits of tretinoin in lightweight formulations without many side effects.” As Dr. Jody A. Levine, a New York dermatologist, shares with us, she also has solid experience prescribing Altoreno.
Winlevi
“This topical hormone is FDA approved for men and women,” explains Dr. Karan Lal, a Phoenix dermatologist. “I love this because acne is not only therapeutic, but it doesn’t disrupt skin barriers. It works in the hormonal pathway that contributes to acne.”
Cabreo
It sounds quite scientific, but Dr. Lal says the option is “evenly permeated with fixed doses of clindamycin, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide.” “It’s great for inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. It’s also great because it targets three pathways involved in the formation of acne.”
aklief
As Dr. Lal explains, the cream contains impressively the first topical retinoid molecule to be approved for treatment of acne within 20 years. “It’s FDA approved for acne on the face and stem,” he says. He emphasizes that he loves it for very specific reasons.
SKNV
For the top topic RX options, Dr. Downie likes the brand SKNV, especially Dapsone Cream and Spironolactone Cream.
ZO Skin Health
Dr. Downey also likes the Zo exfoliating cleanser ($50), Zo cuppression update pad ($63), and the Zo Skin Health Trio, which features a doctor from Zo Retinol + Nacne Complex.
