Acne forms when three things happen at once: pores get clogged with dead skin cells, oil production increases, and bacteria multiply inside the clogged pore — which triggers inflammation and the visible breakouts on the surface.
The Acne Solution is a compounded topical that addresses these mechanisms together rather than one at a time. The typical categories of actives a dermatologist might combine in a formula at this level include:
- A topical retinoid — speeds up cellular turnover so dead skin cells shed before they can clog pores. This is the foundation of most modern prescription acne treatment.
- A topical antibiotic component — reduces the bacterial population inside the pore and calms the inflammation that turns a clogged pore into a visible breakout.
- Supporting actives — ingredients that reduce inflammation, even tone, and support the skin barrier so it can tolerate the active ingredients above.
The specific combination, strengths, and ratios in your formula are decided by the dermatologist reviewing your case. For the exact active ingredients in The Acne Solution, see the product page.