There are a number of over-the -counter medications that can be quite effective in treating mild acne. They include benzoyl peroxide gels and creams and salicylic acid compresses. These can be purchased quite inexpensively from most pharmacies. There is quite an array of acne treatments available only by prescription. These include topical and oral antibiotics, topical and oral retinoids, oral contraceptives, and steroid receptor-blocking agents.