Acne
Acne treatment, dermatologist-supervised.
Most acne does not need a complicated routine. It needs the right two or three ingredients, used consistently, with a dermatologist watching how your skin responds.
Common signs
What this looks like.
- Whiteheads, blackheads, and small bumps along the T-zone
- Painful, deeper red bumps on the jawline or cheeks
- Dark marks or redness that linger after a pimple heals
- Cyclical flares around your period
What acne actually is
Acne happens when oil, dead skin, and bacteria clog a pore. The body responds with inflammation, which is what you see as a red bump, a whitehead, or a deeper, painful nodule. It is not caused by being unclean and rarely by a single food. It is a hormonal, biological process.
What treatments actually work
Three categories of ingredients have decades of evidence: topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, and — for inflammatory acne — topical or oral antibiotics. Most routines combine a retinoid with a calming, evidence-based active like azelaic acid. Niacinamide and sunscreen reduce post-inflammatory redness and dark marks.
What to skip
Harsh scrubs, alcohol-heavy toners, and stripping cleansers usually make things worse by damaging the skin barrier. Layering more actives is not better than layering the right actives.
The shortlist
Ingredients that actually move the needle.
Active 1
Tretinoin
Gold-standard retinoid. Speeds turnover, clears pores, smooths texture.
Active 2
Azelaic Acid
Calms redness, evens tone, mild antibacterial action.
Active 3
Clindamycin
Topical antibiotic for inflammatory acne. Pair with retinoid or BP.
Active 4
Niacinamide
Reduces redness, refines pores, supports barrier.
Recommended
Where most people should start.
Best for mostOur default for acne
Tretinoin 0.025% Cream
Gold-standard retinoid for acne and aging. If you only pick one thing for acne, our dermatologists default to this.
Also worth considering
Derm-reviewedRx
Derm-reviewedNiacinamide 10% Serum
Refines pores, balances oil, strengthens barrier.
Not sure where to start?
Talk to a dermatologist about acne.
Twenty quiet minutes, board-certified, free with any order. You leave with a clear plan.
Frequently asked
Questions, answered straight.
- Often, yes. A short “purge” of two to six weeks is normal when starting a retinoid. Stay consistent, reduce frequency if your skin is irritated, and reach out to your dermatologist if it persists.
- Most patients see clear improvement between weeks eight and twelve. Hormonal cystic acne and scarring take longer. Photos at week zero and week eight tell the real story.
- Diet plays a smaller role than the internet suggests. High-glycemic foods and skim dairy may worsen acne in some people. They are not the cause.
- Mild to moderate acne can usually be handled with OTC ingredients. Persistent, painful, or scarring acne benefits from prescription strength — which is why we include a free consult.