Acne Decision Aid

No Treatment

For most people, acne clears up after a few years.

Topical Treatments

Some of these kill the bacteria triggering acne. Some reduce inflammation. Some help the body shed dead skin cells so that they do not block pores. Some may also help with redness leftover by acne.

Oral Treatments

Some of these treatments help reduce inflammation of acne spots. Some affect the hormones that can trigger acne and reduce the amount of oil produced. Others kill the bacteria that can trigger acne.

Light and Laser Treatments

We do not know exactly how these treatments work to improve acne. Some of these treatments may kill the bacteria that trigger acne. Others reduce inflammation of acne spots. They may also reduce the amount of oil the skin produces and help the body shed dead skin cells without blocking pores.

No Treatment

Anyone with acne can choose no treatment.

Topical Treatments

Topical drugs are usually for mild to moderate acne. They can also be used along with other treatments for more severe acne.

Oral Treatments

These treatments are helpful for moderate to severe acne. Some of these treatments have side effects and are used only in cases when other treatments are not appropriate.

Light and Laser Treatments

There is not enough research yet to say how well these treatments work at clearing different types of acne. Some research shows these are most useful for mild to moderate acne.

No Treatment

People with moderate to severe acne or those with scars may not want to wait for acne to clear up on its own.

Topical Treatments

Some people may have sensitivity or allergies to some of these treatments. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.

Oral Treatments

Some people may have sensitivity or allergies to some of these treatments. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.

Light and Laser Treatments

These treatments may not be right for people with very sensitive skin. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.

No Treatment

With mild, short-term acne, no treatment may be needed.

Topical Treatments

Compared to taking no treatment, people taking topical treatments saw 19% fewer acne spots.
(4/4 stars evidence)

Oral Treatments

Compared to taking no treatment, people taking oral treatments saw 16% fewer acne spots.
(This evidence cannot be graded with stars)

Light and Laser Treatments

Compared to taking no treatment, people taking light and laser treatments saw 53% fewer acne spots.
(This evidence cannot be graded with stars)

Miscellaneous/ Adjunctive Treatments

There is not enough evidence yet to show how well these work.

No Treatment

Without treatment your acne may get better, get worse, or stay the same. Acne may leave scars and redness if not treated. Some people may feel embarrassed, depressed, or anxious about their acne.

Topical Treatments

Serious: Some of these treatments have a possible risk of serious side effects.
Other: Dry skin, irritation, and redness. Those living in drier climates or with sensitive skin may have more irritation.

Some of these may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Oral Treatments

Serious: Some of these treatments have a risk of serious side effects.
Other: While taking oral antibiotics, some people experienced mild stomach problems. While taking hormonal treatments, some experience sore breasts, irregular periods, and having to urinate often.
Some of these are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Light and Laser Treatments

Some people experience redness, dry skin, and irritation afterwards. There are no serious side effects.

Miscellaneous/ Adjunctive Treatments

• Diet changes can be done safely with advice from your doctor.
• There is not enough evidence about the safety or side effects of herbal treatments.
• There are no serious side effects of chemical peels, but some people have flaking or irritated skin.
• There are possible side effects of corticosteroid shots.

No Treatment

Choosing no treatment does not take any effort and does not cause inconvenience. Until acne clears up, it may still cause embarrassment, depression, or anxiety.

Topical Treatments

Topical products may need to be applied a few times a day. Topical products may be inconvenient when acne covers a lot of your skin, is hard to reach, or is covered by clothing. People with dry skin might prefer lotions or creams while those with oily skin might prefer gels.

Oral Treatments

These treatments need to be taken once, twice, or three times a day, usually in the form of a pill. Some treatments need to be taken continuously for years. Others are short term or are used with another type of treatment such as a topical.

Light and Laser Treatments

Most light and laser treatments need to be done by a professional, at a clinic. It sometimes takes a few sessions over a period of months to see results.

No Treatment

No cost.

Topical Treatments

Prices for prescription treatments start at $25 for a three month supply and are often covered by insurance.
Some products can be bought over the counter, without a prescription. The prices of these vary and they are not covered by insurance, but can be much cheaper than prescription products.

Oral Treatments

Prices start at $15 for a three month supply. Some may be more expensive, such as isotretinoin, which can start at $1600 for a three month supply. These are often covered by insurance.

Light and Laser Treatments

Costs may vary but can start around $150. They are not often covered by insurance.

Miscellaneous/ Adjunctive Treatments

These therapies can vary a lot in cost. They are not often covered by insurance.