Prescription Topicals Are Getting an Upgrade — Here’s What to Know
If you’ve ever dealt with acne, chances are you’ve heard of retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or clindamycin. These classics have been around for decades—and for good reason. But in recent years, a new generation of prescription topical treatments has emerged. These formulas combine the effectiveness of traditional ingredients with improved tolerability, smarter delivery systems, and innovative mechanisms that go beyond surface-level care.
At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we’re laser-focused (literally) on long-term solutions like AviClear®, but we also stay on top of emerging science. When clients need short-term support while they wait for AviClear® to work—or when they’re dealing with stubborn hormonal or inflammatory breakouts—these newer prescription topicals can play a helpful role.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s new in the world of prescription acne topicals.
WHY PRESCRIPTION TOPICALS MATTER
Topicals are often the first step in acne treatment—and with good reason. They work directly where breakouts begin: in the pore. Unlike oral medications that affect your entire body, topicals deliver acne-fighting ingredients right to the skin with fewer systemic side effects.
That said, many of the older prescription formulas (especially retinoids and antibiotics) came with trade-offs: irritation, dryness, resistance, or long-term concerns. The newer crop of medications is changing that. These products are better tolerated, more targeted, and in many cases, designed to treat multiple acne triggers at once.
WHAT’S NEW: BRAND NAME PRESCRIPTION TOPICALS FOR ACNE
1. TWYNEO® (TRETINOIN + BENZOYL PEROXIDE)
This one has generated a lot of buzz for good reason—it’s the first and only fixed-dose combination of tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide. Traditionally, dermatologists advised against using these ingredients together because benzoyl peroxide can deactivate tretinoin. TwYneo uses a patented delivery system that keeps them stable and separate until they’re applied to the skin.
Why it’s exciting:
You get the pore-clearing, anti-aging benefits of tretinoin with the bacteria-killing power of benzoyl peroxide in one pump—without the usual dryness or irritation.
2. EPIDUO FORTE® (ADAPALENE 0.3% + BENZOYL PEROXIDE 2.5%)
An evolution of the original Epiduo, this higher-strength version contains a more potent dose of adapalene (a synthetic retinoid) to target moderate to severe acne. Adapalene tends to be more stable and less irritating than tretinoin, making it a great option for sensitive or younger skin.
Why it’s exciting:
It combines two of the most effective acne ingredients into one streamlined formula, and adapalene doesn’t get deactivated by benzoyl peroxide like tretinoin can.
3. AKLIEF® (TRIFAROTENE)
Trifarotene is a next-generation retinoid that’s more selective in how it binds to receptors in the skin. That means it’s designed to work harder where you need it (inside the follicle) with less irritation to the surrounding skin. It’s FDA-approved to treat both facial and truncal acne—something not all prescription topicals are cleared for.
Why it’s exciting:
It’s the first new retinoid molecule in over 20 years, and it works beautifully on body acne as well as facial breakouts.
4. AMZEEQ® (TOPICAL MINOCYCLINE FOAM)
Minocycline is a powerful oral antibiotic that’s now available as a topical foam. This new delivery system allows you to treat acne-causing bacteria directly on the skin—without the systemic side effects that come with long-term oral use.
Why it’s exciting:
It reduces inflammatory acne without disrupting your gut microbiome or contributing as heavily to antibiotic resistance.
5. ZILXI® (TOPICAL MINOCYCLINE FOR ROSACEA)
While Zilxi is technically approved for rosacea, it’s often used off-label for inflammatory acne, especially in adults dealing with persistent redness, sensitivity, and breakouts. Like Amzeeq, it delivers minocycline as a foam, allowing for easy absorption with less risk of irritation.
Why it’s exciting:
It’s a gentle option for clients with reactive or rosacea-prone skin who still want the power of an antibiotic.
6. WINLEVI® (CLASCOTERONE CREAM 1%)
Winlevi is in a class of its own. It’s the first and only topical anti-androgen approved for acne. That means it blocks the effects of hormones like testosterone right in the skin—specifically at the sebaceous glands—without affecting hormone levels elsewhere in the body.
Why it’s exciting:
It addresses one of the root causes of acne (hormonal oil production) without the side effects of oral medications like spironolactone or birth control.
WHAT THESE NEW TOPICALS DON’T DO
As promising as these brand-name treatments are, there’s one thing they don’t do: they don’t shrink your oil glands. Most acne treatments—whether over-the-counter or prescription—focus on managing symptoms: clearing blockages, killing bacteria, and reducing inflammation. But the oil gland keeps producing sebum, and that’s often the root of the problem.
That’s where AviClear® stands apart. It’s the first ever FDA-cleared device that permanently targets the oil gland, helping to prevent acne at its source.
WHO MIGHT BE USING THESE NEW TOPICALS?
At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we focus solely on AviClear® because it offers long-term results without the need for daily medications. Many clients come to us already using these prescriptions—and many choose to continue using them—while they wait for their full AviClear® results to develop.
These newer prescriptions may help manage flare-ups, hormonal breakouts, or body acne in the short term. For some clients, they feel like a helpful bridge during the early months after treatment, especially as their skin adjusts and clears.
If you’re currently using a prescription topical, we’ll talk through how it fits into your broader skincare plan and make sure there’s no conflict with your AviClear® treatments. Our goal is always to help you transition to a simpler, low-maintenance routine as your skin stabilizes.
WHY AVICLEAR® MIGHT BE THE BETTER LONG-TERM OPTION
Unlike creams and gels that require daily application, AviClear® is done in just three treatments. There are no pills, no prescriptions to refill, and no ingredient-related irritation. Over time, most clients find they can taper off all other acne medications and maintain results with just a gentle skincare routine.
If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and finally clear your skin for good, AviClear® may be the right fit.
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