Get same-day acne treatment online

Clear skin starts here. Book an affordable video visit with a licensed provider and get a prescription for retinoids, antibiotics or another acne medication sent to your preferred pharmacy if eligible.

Book Now

Thousands of doctors and specialists

$50,000,000+ saved by patients

95% patient satisfaction

4.5 on

Trustpilot

Get clear, vibrant skin in 3 simple steps.

1. Pick your providerBrowse provider reviews, same-day time slots, and upfront prices before you book.
2. Meet with your provider Talk through your breakout symptoms and treatment options during a face-to-face video call with a board-certified dermatologist or provider of your choice.
3. Pick up your prescriptionIf oral or topical acne medications are prescribed, your provider will send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Browse top-rated providers for acne treatment.

About Acne treatment

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when pores on the surface of the skin become clogged by hair follicles, oily skin, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Common acne symptoms include:

Blackheads: Small, open pores that can look dark in appearance due to oil and skin cell buildup Whiteheads: Clogged pores that are closed to the air, causing a white tip Papules: Small, red bumps caused by oil and dead skin cells clogging pores on the surface of the skin Pustules (or pimples): Small red bumps that are similar to papules, but are filled with pus Nodules: Firm, skin colored bumps that live deep under the skin. These bumps can be painful and difficult to treat with over-the-counter medication Cysts: Large, inflamed, and painful lesions that are found deep beneath the skin. Cystic acne can be very difficult to treat, and can lead to scarring if improperly treated

People of all ages can develop acne, but it’s most common during puberty, when certain hormones activate oil glands within the skin. Other common causes of acne include:

  • Medications: Certain medications such as corticosteroids, birth control pills, or testosterone can cause hormonal change and can lead to clogged pores
  • Makeup or personal care products: Some cosmetic products and oily skin care products (like oily lotion, pomade, and face cream) can cause pores to clog. Most products are now tested to avoid clogging pores and are labeled as "non-comedogenic"
  • Air pollution or weather: Heavy polluted air, or humid air can cause excess sweat and oil build up on the skin, which can lead to clogged pores
  • Clothing: Clothing pressed tight against the skin of the torso, legs, or face can cause irritation, which leads to clogged pores
Treatment Options
There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter treatment options used for acne. During your appointment, talk to your provider about the treatment plan that's best for you.
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics like clindamycin, minocycline or doxycycline may be prescribed by your skin care provider to help fight acne-causing bacteria in the skin and the body.
  • Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid (Azelex) is a topical treatment that can help reduce redness and pimples caused by acne.
  • Retinoids: Retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene are compounds derived from vitamin A. They help treat acne by rapidly exfoliate the skin and prevent the clogging of hair follicles. In cases of severe acne, Accutane (isotretinoin) may be prescribed. Please note that Accutane prescriptons are available only through Sesame's monthly Skincare Rx subscription, as the prescription process requires ongoing monitoring from a healthcare provider (including frequent pregnancy testing for those able to become pregnant).
  • Spironolactone: This medication can help treat hormonal acne by blocking certain hormones from overproducing sebum (the oily substance that can clog pores)
  • Steroids: Cortisone steroids can help reduce inflammation caused by cystic acne. The doctor performing this procedure will inject the steroid directly into the cyst, and you may experience skin thinning and discoloration where the shot was administered. However, cortisone steroid injections can help rapidly improve the skin’s condition and lessen pain associated with severe cystic acne.

There is no shortage of over-the-counter medications to treat your acne. You can get cleansing lotions, gels, foams and more with active ingredients such as:

  • Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is believed to work by killing the bacteria that causes acne. Additionally, it helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oil from your skin. Not only is benzoyl peroxide effective, but it’s also well tolerated by most people. Be careful while applying it, as it can bleach your hair and clothing.
  • Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid helps to correct the abnormal shedding of cells, unclogs pores, and prevents them from becoming clogged.
  • Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): There are two types of AHAs that are commonly used in OTC acne medications: glycolic acid and lactic acid. They work by removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation. They also help to stimulate the growth of new skin, which helps to minimize acne scars and gives the impression of smaller pores.
  • Sulfur: Sulfur helps to remove the excess oil and dead skin that clog pores. Sulfur is commonly combined with other ingredients on this list.

Save more with Sesame,
insured or not.

If you're uninsured...

  • Get acne treatment at a low, upfront price
  • Skip the lines at the clinic
  • Know what you’re paying without any hidden fees

If you're insured...

  • Our prices are often cheaper than your co-pay
  • Avoid long wait times for in-network providers
  • Generic acne medications are covered by most insurance plans

Pay with Credit Card, HSA or FSA

Sesame FAQs

Frequently asked questions about acne treatment on Sesame

Acne is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria inside your hair follicles. It can be triggered or irritated by hormonal changes, medications, makeup or personal care products, air pollution, and even tight-fitting clothing.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your acne, book an in-person or online skin consult with a licensed healthcare provider. They can work with you to narrow down possible causes and come up with a treatment plan.

Acne treatment can vary depending on the cause of the acne. Treatment frequently starts with over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies, but in some cases prescription treatments may be necessary.

To find out which acne treatment is best for you, talk with a licensed medical provider. Your provider can offer personalized medical advice catered to your needs and prescribe medication if appropriate.

Yes. If deemed clinically appropriate, an online doctor or provider on Sesame can prescribe medication and other treatments for acne. Any prescriptions will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup.

Sesame also offers convenient, online acne management through Skincare Rx, a $59 monthly subscription that includes video consults with a provider of your choice, messaging & prescriptions for acne medication if appropriate.

Yes! If deemed clinically appropriate, Sesame providers may prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane) through Skincare Rx, a $59 monthly program that includes video visits and continuous supervision from a healthcare provider alongside your acne prescription.

Please note that ongoing monitoring, including frequent pregnancy testing for those able to become pregnant, is a mandatory part of the prescription process for Accutane. Isotretinoin is known to cause fetal harm and cannot be prescribed to those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may soon become pregnant.

No. Sesame does not accept insurance to keep prices low and transparent – the upfront price you see next to your provider’s name is the price you pay!

However, you can pay for your online visit using your Health Savings Account (HSA) card or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card if you have one.

If you do have insurance and are prescribed medication during your appointment, your prescription may be covered depending on your plan.

You will also receive a prescription savings card from Sesame if medication is prescribed. The prescription savings card is often cheaper than a co-pay on your prescription, so we recommend comparing your insurance co-pay to the savings card price before filling your prescription.

Yes! Sesame is available to all patients regardless of insurance status. Simply browse Sesame providers, select a price and an appointment time slot that works for you, and get the care you need without hidden fees or surprise bills.

If medication is prescribed during your appointment, you will also receive a prescription discount card that you can show to your pharmacist when you pick up your medication for even more savings.

While many types of acne can be effectively managed online, severe or complex cases may require in-person evaluation.

Before starting any treatment, especially for acne medications and creams that may cause side effects, it's crucial to discuss your complete medical history with your provider. This includes current medications, diagnosed conditions and any other concerns you may have.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your provider as some medications may not be safe in these situations. Your provider will use this information to create a tailored treatment plan. All prescriptions and treatments are at your provider's discretion in order to prioritize your health and safety.

  1. Home
  2. Acne treatment
Join our mailing list for exclusive promos, curated health content & more.
Give $10Refer a friend
Refer a friend
FacebookXLinkedIn
Sesame is accredited by Better Business BureauVerify LegitScript Approval
© 2025 Sesame, Inc. All rights reserved.