Are New Antibiotics for Acne Better Than the Old Ones?
If you’ve been dealing with stubborn acne, chances are you’ve already heard about common antibiotics like doxycycline and clindamycin. But recently, a wave of new, prescription-only acne treatments has hit the market—promising targeted results with fewer side effects. So what’s new, and do these updated options really deliver?
At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we specialize in long-term, laser-based solutions like AviClear®, but we’re often asked about antibiotics, especially by clients looking for short-term support or relief while waiting for their laser results to develop. Here’s a breakdown of the newest brand-name prescription antibiotics, how they compare to older options, and why they might (or might not) be worth considering.
THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: RECENT PRESCRIPTION ANTIBIOTICS FOR ACNE
SEYSARA® (SARECYCLINE)
Seysara® is a newer, narrow-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline family—just like doxycycline and minocycline. But unlike its older siblings, Seysara® was FDA-approved specifically for acne, making it a more targeted treatment with fewer systemic effects.
Why people like it:
Fewer GI side effects
Less likely to cause sun sensitivity
Lower risk of yeast infections
How it works: It reduces Cutibacterium acnes (the bacteria that fuels breakouts) and calms inflammation.
Downsides: High cost without insurance and still not a long-term fix
AMZEEQ® (TOPICAL MINOCYCLINE FOAM)
Amzeeq® takes minocycline—a long-used oral antibiotic—and delivers it directly to the skin in a lightweight foam. That means less strain on your gut and potentially fewer systemic side effects.
Why people like it:
Targets inflammation and bacteria without oral dosing
Easy to apply
How it works: Similar to oral minocycline, but localized to the skin
Downsides: Can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin
ZILXI® (TOPICAL MINOCYCLINE FOAM AT A LOWER DOSE)
Originally developed for rosacea, Zilxi® contains a lower concentration of topical minocycline. While it’s not commonly prescribed for acne, some dermatologists use it off-label for mild inflammatory acne or when more aggressive options aren’t tolerated.
Why it’s used:
Good for highly sensitive skin
Very mild anti-inflammatory action
Downsides: Not officially approved for acne; limited in effect
HOW DO THESE COMPARE TO OLDER ANTIBIOTICS?
The older options—like doxycycline, minocycline (oral), and clindamycin (topical)—are still widely prescribed and generally effective. But they come with baggage:
Higher risk of antibiotic resistance (especially with clindamycin)
Sun sensitivity and upset stomach (especially with doxycycline)
Yeast infections and skin discoloration (with long-term use of minocycline)
The newer options were created in response to these issues. Seysara® and Amzeeq® aim to reduce the drawbacks without compromising results. But it’s important to remember they still function in the same general way: by reducing bacteria and inflammation. They don’t address the root cause of acne—which, in most cases, is overactive oil production.
A TEMPORARY TOOL–NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION
While these newer antibiotics may feel like a breath of fresh air, they’re still not designed to be used long term. Most prescriptions will last only a few months, and discontinuing them can lead to breakouts coming right back.
Even with the new options, there are a few things to keep in mind:
They don’t shrink your oil glands
They don’t prevent future breakouts once you stop
They require consistency to work
They can still contribute to antibiotic resistance if overused
WHAT WE RECOMMEND AT CLEAR
At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we specialize in AviClear®—the first ever FDA-cleared laser treatment that actually shrinks your oil glands and offers lasting results without daily medications. For clients who aren’t quite ready to commit or who are in the early stages of their laser journey, dermatologists may sometimes prescribe a short course of something like Seysara® to help manage inflammation. But our goal is always to move away from temporary fixes and toward lasting clarity.
We’ve seen firsthand how frustrating the antibiotic cycle can be: Clear skin while you’re on the pill, only to relapse a few weeks after stopping. That’s why we focus on treatments that work with your skin instead of relying on medications that just mask symptoms.
IS A NEW ANTIBIOTIC RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re currently waiting for your AviClear® results to take hold, or if you’re trying to get acne under control before starting your laser treatments, these newer antibiotics might be a helpful short-term option—especially if you’ve struggled with the side effects of older ones.
Still, it’s worth asking: What if you could skip the antibiotic cycle entirely?
AviClear® doesn’t require daily compliance, doesn’t come with long-term side effects, and offers lasting oil control. If you’re ready to leave the trial-and-error behind, this could be the game-changer your skin has been waiting for.
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