Summarize the following:
These ingredients are dermatologist approved for treating mild acne effectively. The best commercial products for the treatment of acne will contain one or a combination of these three ingredients. However, some people can be allergic to these ingredients or develop dry or irritated skin due to these ingredients. Talk to your dermatologist if you are concerned about having an allergic reaction to any of these ingredients.  If you have normal or oily skin that is not overly sensitive, you can use products with a high concentration of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid. Using products that contain all three ingredients will often clear up mild acne within two to three months. You could use a cleanser with one or two of the ingredients, and a leave-on cream with the others, for example. If you have sensitive skin that may be allergic to salicylic acid, causing chapping and dryness, you can still use products that contain benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid, or a combination of both. Some people can be allergic or sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. In addition, if your skin just gets extra-dry using these products, look for milder strengths, such as 2.5% benzoyl peroxide instead of 10%. Possible over-the-counter brands include Clean & Clear, Proactiv, Neutrogena, Clearasil, and Oxy. These products can come in the form of creams, cleansers, gels, or lotions. You may experience redness and dryness as your skin adjusts to the products. Apply an oil-free facial moisturizer to help your skin deal with the dryness. If your acne is more severe or if your acne doesn't clear up after using over-the-counter products for two to three months, you can ask your dermatologist about prescription benzoyl peroxide. This treatment can come in the form of washes, wipes, masks, and leave-on lotions and gels. Your dermatologist will start you off slowly on this treatment, with a suggested application two to three times a week until you work up to once every night.  Wash and dry your face well before applying benzoyl peroxide to your face, and make sure your skin is clean and dry before you use benzoyl peroxide wipes on areas that are prone to acne, such as your back or your chest. Use a very small amount of the product on your face, about the size of a pea, and be prepared for your skin to turn red or appear dry as it gets used to the product. If your skin becomes very dry and starts to peel, you should cut down on the number of days that you use the product and apply oil-free moisturizer. As well, you should invest in white pillowcases and white towels, as benzoyl peroxide has a “bleach-like” quality that can leave white marks on colored fabrics. Avoid bleaching your clothes by rinsing your face and body well after using benzoyl peroxide products. Another option for severe acne or acne that does not improve after two to three months of over-the-counter treatment is taking a prescription strength formula for acne, such as topical retinoids. Your dermatologist can prescribe retinoids in pill form or cream form and provide dosage information on how often you should take or apply the retinoids.  Topical retinoid products work by helping to even out the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) and encourage your skin to shed dead skin cells. Your dermatologist may suggest you use topical retinoids along with prescription benzoyl peroxide products to treat your acne. Start by using retinoids every other day or twice a week so your body can get used to the products. You may experience peeling on the surface of your skin when you first use retinoids, but after regular use three to seven times a week for four to six weeks, your skin should appear more clear and even. Applying a moisturizer after the retinoid should help with dryness. There is now a topical retinoid gel that is available over-the-counter, called Differin gel (adapalene). This is a mild brand of retinoid, but you should still start treatment slowly so your body can get used to the product. Your doctor may prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic to help treat your acne. The antibiotics will kill excess bacteria and reduce redness, and can be prescribed to use alongside benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. Topical antibiotics are safe for long-term use, but oral antibiotics will used short-term, probably just for the first few months. If your acne still does not improve with prescription topical acne medication, your primary care doctor or dermatologist may suggest that you try an oral medication for severe acne, such as Accutane or Isotretinoin. These products are formulated to prevent clogged pores and to stop oil production in your skin so the bacteria that causes acne cannot survive. However, there are several adverse effects for these products and you must be closely monitored by your dermatologist when on this medication.  The exact dosage of oral medications for severe acne will depend on your body weight. You should avoid the sun as much as possible when on Isotretinoin or Accutane and always wear 30 SPF or higher when going outside. You will need to schedule regular check ups with your doctor to ensure the medication is working properly and is not causing any adverse effects. Your doctor will need to monitor blood tests regularly while you take this medication. If these methods don't help your acne, there are still other treatments, including lasers, light treatments, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels to help clear your skin. These can be very effective in treating your acne, and are sometimes covered by insurance. Ask your doctor about these options and if any of them are right for you.
Use over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid. Talk to your dermatologist about prescription benzoyl peroxide. Ask your dermatologist about taking topical retinoids. Consider adding antibiotics to your treatment. Speak to your doctor about taking oral medications for acne. Ask your dermatologist about other options.