11 Acne-Prone Skin Treatment Steps Dermatologists Recommend

5. Prescription topical options when needed

When over-the-counter options aren’t enough, dermatologists may prescribe stronger topicals that combine benefits and limit resistance. Prescription retinoids and topical antibiotics can be effective for moderate acne, but antibiotics should rarely be used alone. Pairing a topical antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid helps prevent bacterial resistance and improves results. Your dermatologist might suggest clindamycin in combination with BPO or a tretinoin formulation tailored to your skin. Prescription-strength products work faster in some cases, but they may also cause more irritation, so follow doctor's instructions for application frequency and follow-up. If you’re on multiple treatments, ask your clinician for a clear order of application and a timeline for assessing progress. Keep your provider updated on side effects; adjustments to concentration or frequency often help maintain benefits while reducing irritation.