Spot the difference

Tetracycline. This oral antibiotic helps clear up the infection occurring inside clogged pores. However, using this antibiotic may cause vaginal yeast infections and photosensitivity (when skin becomes sensitive to sunlight and burns easily). This medication should not be taken by pregnant women.

Minocycline and Doxycycline: These oral antibiotics in the tetracycline family fight bacteria. Other variations include Oxytetracycline and Erythromycin.

Retin-A (Tretinoin): A derivative of vitamin A, this treatment comes in a gel or cream and is applied directly to the skin. It fights bacteria, reduces inflammation and opens blocked pores. Because it causes peeling, you may experience severe redness and irritation after use, and your skin may become sensitive to the sun. Sometimes Retin-A is used along with benzoyl peroxide.

Adapalene (Differin): A topical Retin-A-related drug. Although milder than Retin-A, this product causes less irritation and works to unclog pores.

Roaccutane (Isotretinoin): Highly potent, this oral medication is prescribed for very severe acne only. Roaccutane reduces oil production, bacteria and clogging of pores, but it also causes very dry skin. This product should not be taken while pregnant or while trying to get pregnant because of the risk of potential birth defects. Doctors have also recently discovered that this drug may possibly be responsible for severe depression and other behavioural changes.

Azelaic acid (Skinoren): A gel or cream applied directly to the skin which exfoliates dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores.

Clindamycin Phosphate (Dalacin-T): This antibiotic is topically applied to the skin – is also an anti-inflammatory.

If a regular course of antibiotics doesn’t help your acne go away, your doctor may also prescribe the birth control pill Dianette. This pill lowers levels of testosterone, the male hormone which influences the production of natural oils in the skin and can cause acne.