Acne Cream
Triple-action topical for acne: antibiotic (clindamycin + erythromycin) and antifungal (ketoconazole). Covers bacterial and fungal acne.
Cream
from $139/mo
Taken by mouth · Once a day
AcneOral antibioticModerate to severe
Doxycycline
Doxycycline: oral antibiotic for moderate to severe acne. Reduces bacteria and inflammation. Often combined with topical treatments.
- Oral antibiotic effective against acne bacteria
- Anti-inflammatory effect beyond bacteria reduction
- Combines with topical tretinoin or salicylic acid
- Monthly$119/mo
- Every 3 monthsBest value$297 billed up front$99/mo
- Free, discreet shipping
- Licensed U.S. pharmacy
- Board-certified physicians
Disclaimer: Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Products are compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The FDA has not reviewed or approved compounded products for any use for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved brand-name products.
- How
- Taken by mouth
- How often
- Once a day
- Each shipment
- 30 tablets
- Strengths
- 2 options · 20–50 mg
What is doxycycline for acne?
(broad-spectrum oral antibiotic)
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces skin inflammation. It is prescribed for moderate to severe acne, usually alongside topical treatments like tretinoin or salicylic acid. Typical doses are 50-100 mg daily; results take 4-8 weeks.
What's in it
- Doxycycline HycalateAntibiotic for acne bacteria
Oral
antibiotic with proven efficacy in moderate to severe acne
Do not take with dairy or calcium supplements (reduces absorption). Sun sensitivity increases; SPF 30+ is essential. Avoid during pregnancy.
Is it right for you?
Who it's for
People with inflamed acne or rosacea that creams did not control.
What sets it apart
A low-dose antibiotic by mouth, used for its anti-inflammatory effect.
Worth knowing before you start
Take it with a full glass of water and stay upright for 30 minutes. It makes skin burn faster in the sun.
What to expect
Initial breakout possible
normal with tretinoin; usually resolves by week 4
Patience required
acne improvement takes 4-8 weeks minimum
Steady improvement
new spots form less often; existing marks fade
Sun protection essential
tretinoin and doxycycline increase photosensitivity
How acne treatments work
Week 1
Start with acne cream or low-dose tretinoin. Mild irritation and initial breakout may occur (normal; hang on).
1Week 2–4
If using doxycycline, bacteria count decreases. Topical treatment continues; acne begins to flatten.
2Week 4–8
New comedones form less frequently. Redness fades. Results become visible.
3Month 2–3+
Acne significantly improved. Reduce oral antibiotic if prescribed. Continue topical treatment indefinitely at lower frequency for maintenance.
4
Individual results vary. Benefits reflect what Zepym Health members commonly report to their physician at check-ins; they are not the results of a clinical trial.
How you use it
This is the starting dose the pharmacy prints on the label. Your physician sets yours and adjusts it with you.
- How
- Taken by mouth
- Dose
- 1 tablet (20 mg)
- How often
- Once a day
- Each shipment
- 30 tablets
- Pharmacy label
- Take 1 tablet (20 mg) by mouth once daily for 30 days. Take with a full glass of water; do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking.
A sample week
- M
- T
- W
- T
- F
- S
- S
Once a day
Strengths the pharmacy carries
- 50 mg
- 20 mg
The science of acne treatments
Doxycycline reduces Cutibacterium acnes populations and decreases inflammatory cytokines. It is effective in combination with topical retinoids.
Your physician prescribes based on acne severity and considers duration (often 3-6 months, then discontinue if acne improves).
Learn moreImportant safety information and common side effects
Topical acne treatments are generally well tolerated; salicylic acid and tretinoin can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation, especially at first. Tretinoin is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. Doxycycline is an antibiotic; inform your physician of other medications or allergies, and avoid dairy and calcium supplements (they reduce absorption). Doxycycline increases sun sensitivity, so daily SPF 30+ is essential. Tell your physician about any isotretinoin use history (Accutane). Stop and seek care for severe irritation, signs of allergic reaction, or persistent worsening of acne.
Every plan includes
- Personalized, physician-guided plan
- Monthly and 3-month plans
- Dispensed by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy
- Unlimited protocol adjustments and messaging
- Ongoing support and check-ins
- Pause or cancel anytime
- Reviewed by our in-house physicians
How it works
1.Connect with a physician
Answer a few questions online and a US-licensed physician reviews your health, history and goals to make sure treatment is right for you. 100% online. No in-person visit required.
2.Get your discreet shipment
If approved, your treatment is compounded by a US-licensed, LegitScript-certified pharmacy, inspected for quality, and shipped discreetly to your door.
3.Receive continuous support
Start with one goal, then keep building over time. Unlimited physician messaging, easy refills and dose adjustments, all from the Zepym Health app.
Doxycycline educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MDDoctor of Medicine, board-certified in Family Medicine
Charles R. Drew University and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take Doxycycline?
Taken by mouth, once a day. The starting prescription is 1 tablet (20 mg) each time. Your physician sets your own dose and it is printed on your label.
What strengths does Doxycycline come in?
The pharmacy carries 2: 20 mg, 50 mg. Your physician chooses which one you get.
How much arrives in each shipment?
30 tablets at the starting strength, shipped to your door from a licensed US pharmacy.
Do I take doxycycline indefinitely?
No. Typical courses are 3-6 months. Once acne clears, you usually stop the antibiotic and continue topical treatment. Prolonged use increases antibiotic resistance risk. Your physician sets a timeline and reassesses every 8 weeks.
Can I use all four treatments together?
No. Typical layering: salicylic acid or tretinoin topically, plus doxycycline orally if moderate/severe, plus Clarity for healing. You don't need all four. Your physician chooses a layered plan based on acne severity.
When do I know if a treatment is working?
Give topical treatments 4 weeks and oral antibiotics 8 weeks before deciding if they work. Acne cycles naturally; don't switch treatments too quickly. If no improvement after 8 weeks, your physician will adjust.
What if I develop antibiotic resistance?
Doxycycline courses are typically 3-6 months, then stopped to minimize resistance risk. Continuing topical treatment (tretinoin or salicylic acid) maintains results and prevents relapse.
Can I use acne treatments if I'm using other topicals?
Space them: tretinoin at night, vitamin C or niacinamide in morning. Avoid mixing tretinoin with benzoyl peroxide or retinol. Your physician advises on layering safely.
Clear skin through layered therapy.
Acne Cream with Tretinoin
Acne treatment combining antibiotics (clindamycin/erythromycin/ketoconazole) with tretinoin for faster clearance and post-acne healing.
Cream
from $139/mo
Brightening Cream
Stronger prescription cream for stubborn melasma and dark spots: hydroquinone 6% with tretinoin, hydrocortisone, kojic acid and vitamins C and E. A short course, usually up to 8 weeks.
Cream
from $149/mo
Clarity Cream
Acne and post-acne formula combining azelaic acid, niacinamide, clindamycin, and tretinoin. Anti-inflammatory and cell-renewing.
Cream
from $149/mo
The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Individual results vary.
Sources
- 1
Tretinoin in acne: efficacy, retinization, and long-term maintenance.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2017 - 2
Doxycycline in moderate acne: antibiotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Antibiotics, 2019
Doxycyclinefrom $99/mo