There are a number of acne medications that work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infections in the skin and reducing the inflammation of acne overall. You can obtain most acne medication that works on severe acne through a prescription that your doctor recommends. These medications are applied directly to your skin or through the mouth.

Accutane

A form of vitamin A, Accutane reduces the amount of oil that the oil glands in your skin release and also assists in helping your skin renew itself quickly. You can use Accutane to treat severe nodular acne. It is usually used after another acne medicine or antibiotic has not been effective.

Benzaclin

Benzaclin contains a combination of both clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, which contains an antibacterial effect. It washes away excess dirt and oil due to its mild drying effect. Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to prevent bacteria from growing on the skin. Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Solodyn

Solodyn is a tetracycline class antibiotic. It is used to fight off bacteria in the body and as a treatment for acne and red bumps, which are non-nodular inflammatory lesions that happen with moderate to severe acne in patients who are 12 years of age or older.