Acne Treatments And Home Remedies - What's Best For You?
There are many available over-the-counter products that claim to be the best acne treatment. The type of acne treatments necessary will depend on the cause and severity of your acne. Mild acne can often be successfully treated with topical over-the-counter remedies. Severe acne needs to be treated by a dermatologist. Cystic acne also needs specialized treatment. A natural acne treatment is also popular and can be just as effective, but it depends on how bad your acne is.
Acne is caused by clogged pores or hair follicles. These hair follicles have a sebaceous gland that produces sebum, a type of oil that lubricates the skin and hair. If the follicles become clogged the result is a buildup of oil and skin cells under the skin. This produces whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. When they become infected they produce bacteria and can become red and painful. This is why you need to know your skin type in order to get the best acne treatment that will work for you. Over the Counter Treatments
There are many commercial products available that are marketed as effective acne treatments.
- Benzoyl Peroxide - This is the most common ingredient in over the counter medications for acne. It works by killing the bacteria on the skin. It comes in various forms such as cleansers, soaps, creams and lotions. Benzoyl peroxide is available in various strengths ranging from 2.5% to 10%. While it may be tempting to use the strongest acne treatment, always consider first where you will be using it. The skin on the face is much too sensitive for the strongest solution and it can cause irritation and drying. Use the lowest strength on your face. The stronger solutions are good for body acne such as that on your back or arms.
- Salicylic Acid - Another common ingredient in acne treatments it works by loosening up clogged pores, which can prevent pimples and whiteheads from forming. It can also help to reduce excess shedding of skin cells that also contributes to clogged pores. It is most effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads. It does not kill the bacteria associated with acne.
- Alpha-hydroxy Acids - Also known as AHAs, these work by removing dead skin cells. They do not kill bacteria but are often found in acne products that combine AHAs with other acne fighting ingredients. AHAs are made using fruit acids that not only help unclog pores but helps to prevent them from becoming clogged. They can produce skin irritation so you should use them sparingly.
Prescription Medications
If your acne is severe or does not respond to other OTC or natural acne treatments you may need to see a dermatologist. He can evaluate your acne and suggest possible treatments. Often combining two different treatments methods helps to both rid the skin of the current irritation as well as helps to prevent future outbreaks.
- Antibiotics - Not an acne treatment as such, but used as a temporary measure, these help to combat the infection and reduce the bacteria of the current acne outbreak so that it can be treated more easily. Topical antibiotics are often used to apply to the affected areas to help ease the pain and inflammation of the acne.
- Retinoids - Made from vitamin A, retinoids are topical acne medications that can treat the underneath skin where acne starts. They help to speed up the shedding of dead skin cells and loosens up clogged pores, opening them up. Retinoids also help to reduce the redness that is left after acne is gone. This treatment generally takes several weeks to take effect so you should be patient when using it.
- Accutane - For serious cases that don't respond to other methods or acne treatments, Accutane may be the answer. It is a strong oral medication that helps to clear acne. It is usually not taken for more than 6 months. There can be side effects and it can be dangerous to unborn children. Discuss the risks and side effects with your doctor before using it.
Acne Cream
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