Treatments
How to Get Rid of Acne: A Step-by-Step, Evidence-Based Guide
A step-by-step acne plan: gauge severity, pick one OTC active, give it about 12 weeks, and know when you need prescription or in-person care.
Guides
Acne guides
Plain-English guides built on dermatology guidelines, FDA labeling rules and published research. Every guide lists its sources and shows its medical review status.
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Treatments
6 guides
Adapalene Gel (Differin): How to Use It, Purging and Results
How to apply adapalene 0.1% (Differin) gel, what the first 12 weeks look like, how to get through purging and dryness, and when to see a doctor.
When to See a Dermatologist for Acne: 8 Signs It's Time
Deep cysts, scarring, no change after 2–3 months of OTC care, pregnancy or a look-alike rash: 8 signs to see a dermatologist, and how to prepare.
Acne Scars: Types, Treatments and What Actually Helps
Ice pick, boxcar, rolling or raised? How to tell acne scars from dark marks, which in-office treatments suit each type, and what at-home care can do.
Differin vs Tretinoin: Which Retinoid Is Right for You?
Differin (adapalene) vs tretinoin for acne: how strength and irritation compare, OTC vs prescription, what trials show, and how to choose.
Skin Purging vs Breakout: How to Tell the Difference
Purging or a breakout? How to tell by timing and location, which products can cause purging, how long it may last, and the signs it's time to stop.
Ingredients
6 guides
Azelaic Acid for Acne: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It
How azelaic acid works on acne and may fade post-acne dark spots, prescription 15–20% vs 10% cosmetics, how to apply it and side effects.
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% vs 5% vs 10%: Which Strength to Use
Is 10% benzoyl peroxide better than 2.5%? What studies show on strength and irritation, washes vs gels, and how to choose and start gently.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Benzene: What the Evidence Shows
Benzoyl peroxide can form benzene in heat, but the FDA calls the risk from recalled products very low. What studies show, and whether to stop.
Niacinamide for Acne: What the Evidence Really Shows
Does niacinamide help acne? What small studies show, which strength to use, why it isn't an FDA acne drug, and how to pair it with proven actives.
Salicylic Acid for Acne: How It Works and How to Use It
How salicylic acid unclogs pores, the 0.5–2% strengths the FDA allows OTC, what the evidence shows, how to combine it, and who should avoid it.
Sulfur for Acne: Does It Work and Who Is It For?
How sulfur treats mild acne, the 3–10% OTC strengths the FDA allows, sulfur with resorcinol, what the limited evidence shows, and how to use it.
Acne types
5 guides
What Is Acne? Causes, Types and When to Get Help
Acne starts in clogged hair follicles. What causes it, how to tell blackheads from cysts, what does and doesn't trigger it, and when to see a doctor.
Acne Myths vs Evidence: Diet, Dairy, Toothpaste and More
Does dairy or chocolate cause acne? Does toothpaste or sun help? We grade 12 common acne claims by the strength of the evidence behind them.
Body Acne (Bacne): Causes and How to Treat It
Why acne shows up on your back, chest and shoulders, washes vs leave-on treatments, look-alikes to rule out, and when you need a prescription.
Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis): Signs and Treatment
Itchy bumps on your chest or back that all look alike? Fungal acne is a yeast infection, not acne. How to tell them apart and how doctors treat it.
Hormonal Acne in Adult Women: Signs, Causes and Treatment
Why adult women get jawline and chin acne, signs of a hormonal condition like PCOS, and how the pill, spironolactone and topicals are used.
Products
7 guides
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash: How to Choose and Use One
How to pick a benzoyl peroxide face wash: 4%, 5% or 10%, cream vs foam, contact time, benzene and bleaching, plus five widely sold options.
Best Body Wash for Back and Chest Acne: How to Choose
How to choose a body wash for back and chest acne: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, how long to leave it on, look-alike rashes, and four picks.
Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: How to Choose One
Why acne-prone skin still needs moisturizer, what 'non-comedogenic' really means, what to look for, and five widely sold picks by skin type.
Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Acne: How to Choose One
Is a salicylic acid face wash right for you? Who it suits (blackheads, oily skin), 0.5% vs 2%, how to pair it with other treatments, and four options.
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: How to Choose One
How to pick a sunscreen for acne-prone skin: SPF, mineral vs chemical filters, textures that feel light, using it with retinoids, and four example picks.
How to Choose the Best Pimple Patches for Acne
Do pimple patches work? What the limited evidence shows, hydrocolloid vs microneedle vs medicated, which spots each suits, and how to use one.
How to Find the Lot Number on Benzoyl Peroxide (and Check It for a Recall)
Where to find the lot number on benzoyl peroxide tubes, bottles and cartons, how to check it against the recalls, and what to do if it matches.
Routines
1 guide
Acne Skincare Routine: A Simple Morning and Night Plan
A simple morning and night acne routine: the steps that matter, where benzoyl peroxide or adapalene fit, and a 4-week plan to ease in gently.
Online acne treatment
1 guide
Online Acne Treatment Services Compared: Curology, Nurx, Hers and More
Curology, Nurx, Hers, Musely and Agency compared: custom cream or pills, insurance, age rules, compiled prices, and when to see a derm instead.
Looking for a quick answer about combining two products? See our “Can I use X with Y?” ingredient pairing guides.