Acne- Commonly Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about acne and acne medications:

It may take 8-12 weeks to start to notice an improvement. Don’t give up.
Acne may get slightly worse before getting better. Do not panic. Compliance with topical medicine is important. No medication works without you actually USING it.
As mentioned above, acne medications are best at preventing breakouts. We recommend continuing treatment even after your skin is clear.
Many of the creams, gels, and some of the pills we use for acne treatment will make you photosensitive (more prone to sunburn). If you are taking a pill that makes you photosensitive, this means your whole body may sunburn (not just your face). Please remember to wear sunscreen daily, reapply frequently, and wear a hat.

Yes, of course! Remember to wash it off every night and before exercise or heavy sweating.
Look for makeup that is “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic”. Avoid MAC products, as these are known to be comedogenic (acne forming). Brands to consider: Clinque, Laura Mercier, Tarte, Bare Minerals, Neutrogena, Jane Iredale.

Remember that some medications cannot be used if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Please discuss with your provider.