From the Guidelines
The prescribed topical cream is likely to be effective in treating your acne, as long as it contains ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, or topical antibiotics, which are strongly recommended by recent guidelines 1. When managing acne with topical medications, multimodal therapy combining multiple mechanisms of action is recommended as a good practice statement 1. Some key points to keep in mind when using the prescribed cream include:
- Applying the cream exactly as directed, usually a pea-sized amount to affected areas once or twice daily after gentle cleansing
- Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturizer
- Avoiding picking at acne, which can cause scarring and infection
- Giving the cream a fair chance to work, as acne treatments typically take 4-12 weeks to show significant improvement
- Contacting your healthcare provider if you don't see improvement after 8-12 weeks, or if you experience severe irritation The guidelines strongly recommend benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics for patients with acne, with a strong recommendation for fixed-dose combination topical antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide, and fixed-dose combination topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide 1. It's also important to note that the concomitant use of benzoyl peroxide is recommended to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance 1. Overall, with proper use and patience, the prescribed topical cream can be an effective treatment for acne, reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, preventing clogged pores, or regulating skin cell turnover 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
When using this product ... during the early weeks of use, your acne may appear to worsen before it improves (this is normal); continue using as directed, unless you get irritation that become severe ... it may take up to 3 months of once daily use to see result Stop use and ask a doctor if ... you see no improvement after 3 months of once daily use
The topical cream adapalene may be effective in treating acne, but it may take up to 3 months to see results. It is also normal for acne to worsen before it improves. If no improvement is seen after 3 months of use, you should stop use and consult a doctor 2.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Topical Creams in Treating Acne
- The effectiveness of topical creams in treating acne depends on the type and severity of the acne, as well as the active ingredients in the cream 3, 4.
- Topical benzoyl peroxide is considered a standard treatment for acne and has been shown to be effective in reducing acne lesions 3, 5.
- Topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, can also be effective in treating acne, particularly when used in combination with other agents like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide 3, 6.
- Azelaic acid is another topical agent that has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating acne 3.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
- Topical creams can have potential drawbacks, such as skin irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions 3, 6.
- The use of topical antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can reduce the effectiveness of treatment 5, 6.
- Combination therapy, such as using a topical antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide, may increase the risk of bacterial resistance 6.
- It is essential to follow the recommended treatment duration and discontinue use if no improvement is observed within 6-8 weeks 6.
Recommendations for Treatment
- For mild-to-moderate acne, topical benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics may be effective treatments 3, 4, 6.
- For more severe acne, combination therapy with oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, or isotretinoin may be necessary 4, 7.
- It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for individual cases of acne 4, 7.