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Acne — what to take?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. It affects 85% of adolescents and many adults. Causes: hormones, the bacterium C. acnes, sebum hypersecretion, abnormal keratinization.

Also known as: pimples blackheads juvenile acne adult acne
5 recommended OTC drugs
8,296 pharmacies available

In short: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, driven by hormones, excess sebum, abnormal keratinization and the bacterium C. acnes; it affects about 85% of teenagers but also persists in many adults. For mild-to-moderate forms, common OTC options include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, azelaic acid and niacinamide. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the prices of these products across the major pharmacies (Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet), with figures updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice; see a doctor if your acne is severe, nodulocystic or leaves scars.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What you can take for acne

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Severe nodulocystic acne
  • Scars formed or at risk of forming
  • Acne resistant to 3 months of OTC treatment
  • Significant psychosocial impact
  • Sudden de novo acne in an adult (hormonal evaluation)
  • Signs of hyperandrogenism in women (hirsutism, alopecia)

Types of lesions

Comedones (blackheads or whiteheads) — non-inflammatory. Papules, pustules — inflammatory. Nodules, cysts — severe lesions, risk of scarring.

Stepwise OTC treatment

Mild (comedones + a few papules):

  • Salicylic acid 0.5-2% — daily cleanser.
  • Niacinamide 5-10%.
  • Benzoyl peroxide 2.5-5% — spot application.
  • OTC retinol.

Moderate-to-severe:

  • Benzoyl peroxide 5-10% on lesions.
  • Adapalene 0.1% (without prescription, Differin).
  • Azelaic acid 15-20%.

Prescription treatment

Topical: tretinoin, clindamycin, dapsone. Oral: antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) 3-6 months, isotretinoin (Roaccutane) for severe resistant acne.

In women

Combined oral contraceptives and spironolactone (Rx) — effective for hormonal acne with premenstrual flare-ups.

Common mistakes

  • Popping pimples — scarring, infection.
  • Changing products too often (effects appear within 6-12 weeks).
  • Aggressive exfoliation.
  • Avoiding moisturizers (increases sebum).
  • Sun exposure without SPF.

Diet

Evidence for worsening: dairy (especially skimmed), high-GI foods (sugar, white flour). Weak evidence: chocolate, fried foods.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for acne

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicines for acne

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for acne

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For acne most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for acne runs over weeks.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Ten gras

Tenul gras produce sebum în exces, cu pori dilatați, luciu, tendință la acnee. Cauze: genetică, hormoni, stres, dietă, produse cosmetice inadecvate.

 Symptom

Mâncărime

Mâncărimea (pruritul) e una dintre cele mai frecvente probleme dermatologice. Cauze: piele uscată, alergii, dermatită, boli sistemice (tiroidă, ficat, rinichi).

 Condition

Dermatită atopică

Dermatita atopică e boală cronică inflamatorie cutanată cu prurit, uscăciune, eczeme recurente. Apare în contextul triadei atopice (astm, rinita alergică). Debut frecvent în copilărie.

Frequently asked

What else do you want to know?

How long does acne treatment take?
At least 6-12 weeks to see an effect. Continuous treatment for maintenance — acne is a chronic disease.
Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
Benzoyl — antibacterial, more effective on inflammatory lesions. Salicylic — on comedones. They can be combined (at different times).
Differin (adapalene) without a prescription?
Yes, in Romania adapalene 0.1% is available without a prescription. Apply in the evening, start with 3x/week, increase gradually.
Isotretinoin — what should I know?
A powerful treatment for severe acne. Skin/lip dryness, contraindicated in pregnancy (teratogenic), monthly monitoring.

See also

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