Because there are many differences in the severity and types of acne lesions, there are a wide variety of acne treatment options. These include over-the-counter medication people can purchase without a doctor’s prescription as well as more powerful, doctor-prescribed medications. Acne medication may be taken orally or applied directly onto the skin in the form of a topical treatment. Often, oral and topical treatments are combined. Once acne outbreaks are eliminated, a special type of surgery known as skin dermabrasion can lessen acne scars.

No matter what form of treatment is used, all acne treatments share a common goal: to control the sequence of events that cause acne outbreaks in order to prevent new outbreaks from occurring. Experts agree that since there are so many different acne treatment options available, most cases of acne outbreaks can be controlled. Edmonton, Canada, dermatologist Don Groot explains: “We’ve got acne by the tail now. If we catch it early, you can do wonders with acne. It’s not a difficult disease to treat anymore.”