Write an article based on this "Discuss prescription topical drugs with your doctor. Inquire about prescription oral drugs if your acne is severe. Look into chemical peels to help even out your skin. Ask about laser and light treatments to minimize scars."
If home remedies and over-the-counter medicines aren't giving you the results you want, don't worry! Your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications that may help. Talk to your doctor about trying a prescription topical treatment, such as a cream, lotion, or gel that you can apply directly to your acne. Your doctor may prescribe a retinoid cream, such as Retin-A. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that fight acne by preventing clogged pores and hair follicles. You may need to start by using the product 3 times a week, then work your way up to once a day. Other prescription topical treatments include antibiotic creams with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, prescription-strength azelaic acid, or dapsone 5% gel (an antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory properties). Oral drugs are medications that you take by mouth, so they work systematically (throughout your entire body) rather than directly on your skin. Before trying one of these medications, give your doctor a full list of any medications you are currently taking and tell them about any medical conditions you might have. This will help them choose a safe medication for you. Some common options include oral antibiotics (usually combined with topical medications, like benzoyl peroxide creams or retinoids) and medications that regulate your hormones, such as birth control pills or spironolactone. One of the most effective oral medications for acne is isotretinoin. However, while it's very good at fighting acne, it can also cause serious side effects, such as ulcerative colitis and severe depression. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits. Never take isotretinoin if you're pregnant or trying to conceive, since it can cause birth defects. Dermatologists and estheticians use chemical peels to help remove certain types of acne. Blackheads and papules are the main forms that benefit from this treatment, and it may result in smoother skin for you. Chemical peels can also help reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and discolored areas on your skin. Ask your skin care specialist if this option is a good one for you. Ask your doctor or skin care specialist how to care for your skin before and after the peel. Your skin may be red, sensitive, or inflamed for a while after the treatment. Let your doctor know before the procedure if you're using any other treatments, such as retinoids, which could cause serious irritation if you combine them with a chemical peel. If you have scars from acne, laser treatments can help soften them and reduce their appearance. Ask your doctor or dermatologist if this is a good option for you. Since some people experience breakouts after a laser treatment, your doctor may recommend combining the laser treatment with a course of antibiotics. Other options for minimizing scars include using injected skin fillers, getting a professional exfoliation procedure (such as microdermabrasion or a chemical peel), or having surgery to repair severe scars.