Acne Treatment Options: From Drugstore Staples to Custom Compounded Care

Let’s be real—acne can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s the occasional breakout or persistent, painful flare-ups, dealing with acne isn’t just about how your skin looks—it’s about how you feel.

If you’re looking to finally get on the right path toward clearer, healthier skin, here’s a breakdown of the most effective acne treatment options available today.

1. Over the Counter (OTC) Acne Solutions

OTC products are a great starting point, especially for mild to moderate breakouts. They’re widely accessible and formulated with clinically backed ingredients to address excess oil, bacteria, and clogged pores.

Benzoyl Peroxide

What it does: Kills acne-causing bacteria and helps remove excess oil and dead skin.
How to use it: Available in cleansers, gels, and spot treatments in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.
Best for: Red, inflamed pimples (papules and pustules).

Salicylic Acid

What it does: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pore to prevent breakouts.
How to use it: Found in toners, pads, and cleansers (usually 0.5% to 2%).
Best for: Blackheads, whiteheads, and congestion.

Try Three Ships foaming cleanser with salicylic acid here.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Popular types: Glycolic acid and lactic acid.
What they do: Gently exfoliate the skin’s surface, reduce rough texture, and help fade post-acne marks.
Pro tip: Use with SPF—AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

Try Free + True AHA complex toner here.

Sulfur

What it does: Absorbs oil and calms inflammation with antibacterial properties.
Where it fits: Great for sensitive skin that may not tolerate stronger actives.

2. Prescription Acne Treatments

When acne becomes more severe or unresponsive to OTC products, prescription treatments offer targeted and more potent options. These are typically prescribed by dermatologists or healthcare providers and are especially helpful for inflammatory, cystic, or hormonal acne.

Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene)

What they do: Increase cell turnover, clear clogged pores, and reduce inflammation.
Important note: Start slowly to minimize dryness or irritation. Stick with it—results build over time.

Topical or Oral Antibiotics

Examples: Clindamycin (topical), Doxycycline or Minocycline (oral).
How they help: Reduce inflammation and bacteria. Often paired with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance.

Struggling with breakouts? Our pharmacists can now assess and prescribe topical acne treatments — no doctor’s visit needed! Book your Minor Ailments Assessment today for expert, convenient care.

Hormonal Therapies

Best for: Women experiencing cyclical acne tied to hormones (e.g., jawline or chin breakouts).
Options include: Oral contraceptives or Spironolactone, which can lower androgen levels and oil production.

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

What it is: A powerful oral retinoid for severe or cystic acne.
What it does: Treats acne at the root by shrinking oil glands and reducing inflammation.
Requires monitoring: Due to potential side effects, regular bloodwork and follow-ups are necessary.

3. Compounded Acne Treatments at The Pharmacy Lab

One of the most effective ways to treat acne is with personalized formulas made just for your skin. At The Pharmacy Lab, we specialize in custom compounding, offering treatments that combine active ingredients in ways that aren’t available commercially.

Customized Topical Formulas

We work with dermatologists and directly with clients to create tailored solutions using ingredients such as:

Niacinamide – Calms inflammation and supports the skin barrier.
Azelaic Acid – Fights bacteria and evens out skin tone.
Tretinoin + Clindamycin – Combats clogged pores and bacteria in a single application.
Low-dose Retinoid blends – For sensitive or dry skin types needing gentler options.

Treatments for Post-Acne Scarring & Pigmentation

After breakouts heal, dark marks can linger. We offer custom brightening formulations featuring:

Hydroquinone (short-term use only)
Kojic Acid, Arbutin, and Vitamin C – All powerful, naturally derived pigment inhibitors.

Hormonal Acne Protocols

If your acne is linked to hormonal imbalances or conditions like PCOS, we offer support through:

Pharmacy-prepared hormonal therapy creams
Collaboration with your physician for personalized care

The Bottom Line

Acne isn’t just a teenage problem—and it’s not something you have to struggle with alone. Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or looking for a long-term solution to stubborn breakouts, The Pharmacy Lab is here to help.

We combine science, compassion, and custom care to create results-driven acne treatment plans that are truly made for you.

Need expert advice? Book an acne consultation here.