Millions of people start their acne journey in the drugstore aisle, looking for a quick fix. But while over-the-counter products may help mild, occasional breakouts, they rarely provide real control over persistent or severe acne.

That’s because acne is far more complex than just clogged pores. It is influenced by hormones, genetics, inflammation, and bacteria. These are factors that most OTC products simply aren’t designed to treat. At Charleston Dermatology, we take a personalized, medical approach to treat acne effectively and restore clear, healthy skin.

Understanding Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments

Over-the-counter acne products are designed to be safe for general use without a doctor’s supervision. Because of this, they contain lower concentrations of active ingredients and are primarily formulated to treat mild, surface-level breakouts.

While these products can be helpful for occasional blemishes, they do not target deeper causes of acne such as hormonal imbalances, excess oil production, or cystic inflammation.

The Power of Professional Dermatological Care

At Charleston Dermatology, treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your skin type, acne type, severity, medical history, lifestyle, and previous treatments. This allows us to build a customized plan tailored specifically to your skin rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Unlike OTC products, dermatologists have access to medical-grade treatments that directly target acne at its source. These options are stronger, more precise, and backed by clinical evidence for long-term results.

Some of the most effective treatments include:

• Topical retinoids (such as tretinoin):These increase cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and improve post-acne marks.
• Oral medications:Antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin can be used to treat moderate to severe or cystic acne from within, addressing internal drivers of breakouts.

Professional dermatologic care provides a targeted, evolving treatment plan that adapts as your skin improves.

If over-the-counter products haven’t delivered the results you deserve, Charleston Dermatology can help you move beyond trial and error. With expert, personalized care, clearer and healthier skin is within reach.