These products will have benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. If after 6 to 8 weeks no visible improvements are made then you should see a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. There are prescription medications that the doctor can subscribe that may be what you need. Some of these medications are described below.
First there is Azelaic acid. This is comes as a prescription gel or cream for mild to moderate cases. What it is supposed to do is reduce the bacteria responsible for the breakout of acne. It helps to normalize the shedding of dead skin cells and decrease the inflammation. It can also reduce or improve any discoloration left after the acne has healed.
Next are topical Retinoids. These are derived from synthetic vitamin A and are popular and effective. This is a topical treatment that will rapidly exfoliate the skin keeping the pores from clogging, this will help prevent comedones. Retinoids are prescribed for moderate to severe acne.
To improve acne by inhibiting bacterial growth topical antibiotics may be used. Depending on what is used, topical antibiotics can also decrease blocked pores and reduce inflammation. This is the most prescribed method of treating moderate to severe acne.
Sometimes a combination therapy must be used. This uses medications that contain combinations of antibiotics and acne fighting ingredients. What this can do is kill bacteria, keep the pores clean and normalize the shedding of skin cells. Often less antibiotics are used with a topical combination therapy.