Prescription medication for acne

Treating Blackheads and Small red pimples

For non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and papules) the treatment of choice is the prescription drug tretinoin (Retin A, retinoic acid), a vitamin A derivative, or adapalene (Differin), also a vitamin A derivate prescription cream, or benzoyl peroxide 5% (Panoxyl) in the evening.

Both Retin A and Panoxyl may cause redness, burning and scaling (the irritation effect), and sensitivity to sunlight. When this occurs, apply the medication every second evening until the skin settles.