From the Guidelines

Papules on the face are typically treated with topical therapies, including benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics.

Topical retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and serve as the cornerstone of acne treatment, with four types (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and trifarotene) being FDA-approved for acne treatment based on moderate certainty evidence from 20 studies 1.
Benzoyl peroxide is recommended for patients with acne, with a strong recommendation based on moderate certainty evidence 1.
Topical antibiotics are also recommended, but not as monotherapy, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance 1.

Multimodal therapy combining multiple mechanisms of action is recommended as a good practice statement to optimize efficacy and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance 1.
Fixed dose combination topical antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide are recommended, with strong recommendations based on moderate certainty evidence 1.

Intralesional corticosteroid injections are recommended as an adjuvant therapy for larger acne papules or nodules, to reduce inflammation and pain 1.
Oral doxycycline is recommended for patients with acne, with a strong recommendation based on moderate certainty evidence 1.
Oral isotretinoin is strongly recommended for acne that is severe, causing psychosocial burden or scarring, or failing standard oral or topical therapy 1.

From the Research

The treatment for papules on the face, particularly those associated with keratosis pilaris, is mainly based on emollients and keratolytics, but they have only a suspensive effect 2.
Topical retinoids are commonly used to treat acne vulgaris, which can also cause papules on the face, due to their superior comedolytic effects 3.
For keratosis pilaris, general cutaneous measures such as hydrating skin, avoiding long baths or showers, and using mild soaps or cleansers should be recommended, along with topical keratolytic agents as first-line therapy, followed by topical retinoids and corticosteroids 4.
A survey of board-certified dermatologists found that topical lactic acid is the most used first-line therapy for keratosis pilaris, followed by salicylic acid, while laser therapy is only utilized by a small percentage of respondents 5.
Treatment options for keratosis pilaris also include avoiding skin dryness, using emollients, and adding keratolytic agents or topical steroids when necessary 6.

Keratosis pilaris is a chronic disorder and may be recalcitrant to treatment 5.
Treatment should focus on avoiding skin dryness and using gentle skin care products 4, 6.
Topical therapies may have varying degrees of efficacy, and laser therapy may be limited by lack of insurance coverage and proper equipment 5.