Schweiger Dermatology Group

Ask the Acne Expert: How Long Should I Be on Prescription Acne Medication?

Ask the Acne Expert: How Long Should I Be on Prescription Acne Medication?

Posted in Acne Scars, Adult Acne, Teenage Acne by . | Leave a Comment

Woman raising hand for a questionAcne expert Dr. Schweiger explains that, “All prescription medications are different.  Some are intended to be used or taken for a short period of a few weeks or months, while others are intended for more long term use.  The bottom line is that, for the most part, acne is a chronic condition.  This means that you may need to continue prescription acne medication for an extended period of time, in order to fully control your flares.  However, this does not mean that you need to continue your oral antibiotics for acne forever; it simply means that you may use some form of maintenance treatment for a period of time.  This maintenance treatment is often in the form of a topical anti-acne cream or periodic laser treatments for acne.”

We approach every patient individually, so there is no set “maintenance regimen” that we recommend for everyone.  However, most of our patients continue to use at least one topical medication, in addition to good skin care in the form of cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen, even after the bulk of their acne treatment is completed.  Topical acne medications, such as Retin A, not only prevent acne from returning, but they help to improve the texture of the skin and decrease the marks left behind from old acne lesions.  Over time, we may determine together that you acne has resolved, and we will then recommend that you only continue your general skin care regimen.  Every patient is different, but the main message is not to simply stop using your acne medications once you are clear – it is important to consult with your dermatologist to determine which, if any, maintenance regimen is best for your skin.

Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Everything You Need to Know About Acne!

Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Information Guide! Get tips on what causes acne and how to prevent it. Could your diet be causing your break outs? Find out in our comprehensive guide!

×
Everything You Need to Know About Acne Scars!

Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Scar Information Guide! Learn about acne scar classifications and how to treat them in our comprehensive guide!

Oops! We could not locate your form.

×
ClearClinic Personal Acne Coach™
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Virtual Acne Consultation: Questions
×
Virtual Acne Consultation: Questions
×
Enter to Win!

Complete the form for your chance to win a free Clear Kit and a two month membership to Clear Clinic @Home!

×
30 Second Acne Quiz: Your First Step Towards Clear Skin

In order to customize your acne regimen, please answer the questions below:

×
Virtual Acne Consultation: Questions
×
Custom Clear Kit: Questions
×
Questions about our program?

We have a Clear Clinic @Home representative standing by! Complete the form and we will get back to you shortly!

×
Free Initial Consult!

Let us determine your best treatment path!

×
Free Acne Photo Consultation

Setup your free photo consult by completing the form below.

  • Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.
×
Online Acne Scar Photo Consultation

Setup your free photo consult by completing the form below.

  • Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.
×
Free Photo Consultation!


Setup your free initial photo consult by completing the form below.

  • Max. file size: 200 MB.
×
FREE Acne & Acne Scar Guides!


When you’re finished completing the form, you’ll be able to download your FREE Acne Guide, Acne Scar Guide or both!

×
Acne & Acne Scar Treatments at Clear Clinic

Clear Clinic Menu of Services

×
Translate »