Acne treatments vary according to the severity and cause of an individual’s acne concern. As such, while mild cases of acne are usually treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications, moderate to severe cases may require prescription-strength medication to get the acne problem under control. Likewise, if the acne problem is linked to stress, diet, or the use of certain cosmetic products, treatment will likely involve dietary and lifestyle changes. Some examples of medications and treatments your doctor may recommend or prescribe for acne treatment include: - Antibiotics, particularly if the acne is accompanied by a severe bacterial infection - Azelaic acid - Benzoyl peroxide (OTC) - Chemical peels - Dapsone - Laser resurfacing therapy - Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) - Retinoids - Salicylic acid (OTC) Moreover, while birth control medication is sometimes the cause of acne, it is more often used to treat acne. When birth control causes acne, it is usually because the medication causes excess production in a certain hormone, such as progesterone. However, the leading cause of acne is increased androgen, which is a male hormone. In such cases, birth control pills can be used to balance androgen levels with estrogen and progesterone.