The table below shows how to treat and manage acne in adolescents and young adults.
| | Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| 1st Line Treatment | Benzoyl peroxide (BP) or topical retinoid
-OR-
Topical combination therapy**
BP + antibiotic
or retinoid + BP
or retinoid + BP + antibiotic | Topical combination therapy**
BP + antibiotic
or retinoid + BP
or retinoid + BP + antibiotic
-OR-
Oral antibiotic + topical retinoid + BP
-OR-
Oral antibiotic + topical retinoid + BP + topical antibiotic | Oral antibiotic + topical combination therapy**
BP + antibiotic
or retinoid + BP
or retinoid + BP + antibiotic
-OR-
Oral Isotretinoin |
| Alternative Treatment | Add topical retinoid or BP (if not on already)
-OR-
Consider alternate retinoid
-OR-
Consider topical Dapsone | Consider alternate combination therapy
-OR-
Consider change in oral antibiotic
-OR-
Add combined oral contraceptive or oral spironolactone (females)
-OR-
Consider oral Isotretinoin | Consider change in oral antibiotic
-OR-
Add combined oral contraceptive or oral spironolactone (females)
-OR-
Consider oral Isotretinoin |
**May be prescribed as a fixed combination product or as separate component.