Retinoids are the main, but not the only medications used to treat acne. Other compounds used to fight acne, alone or in combination with retinoids:
Benzoyl peroxide - has antibacterial (very strong) and keratolytic properties and, importantly, does not cause drug resistance. When using ointments, gels or creams (available in concentrations from 4 to 10%), possible irritations should be expected.
Azelaic acid - has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and keratolytic action. It is weaker in its characteristics than retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, but, in turn, has good tolerability. Azelaic acid is usually found in a concentration of 15-20% in gels and creams and as an adjunct to peels.
Local antibiotics - it often happens that the use of local antibiotics is necessary in the treatment of acne. This is done only as a last resort, however, because of the reckless and frequent use of antibiotics in bacteria, "immunization" to the drug occurs, which leads to the development of drug resistance. Local antibiotics include: clindamycin, erythromycin and cyclic erythromycin carbonate. Antibiotics are used to relieve inflammatory changes, but not longer than 12 weeks. To minimize the problem of antibiotic resistance, the antibiotic is not used alone, but in combination with benzoyl peroxide.