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 it’s right for you.

Yes. If deemed clinically appropriate, a dermatologist or skin specialist on Sesame can prescribe medication for acne during an online dermatology consult. Common prescription medications for acne include:

• Azelaic acid
• Antibiotics like doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, and topical sulfacetamide sodium
• Corticosteroids like betamethasone and fluocinonide
• Retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene
• Spironolactone

Any prescriptions will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pickup.

For ongoing acne medication refills, Sesame also offers Skincare Rx, a month-to-month subscription that includes video consults with a provider of your choice, messaging & prescription refills for acne medication.

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 dermatology 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 acne medication during your appointment, your prescription may be covered depending on your plan.

You will also receive a prescription savings card from Sesame if acne 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 acne prescription.

Yes! Sesame’s dermatologists and skin specialists are available to all patients, whether you’re insured or uninsured. To book acne treatment, simply browse Sesame providers, select a price and a skin consult time slot that works for you.

If acne medication is prescribed during your skin consult, 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.

Important safety information for acne treatment

While many types of acne can be effectively managed online, severe or complex cases may require an 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.