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 treatments. The type of treatment 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. Acne home remedies are 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.
Over the Counter Treatments
There are many commercial products that are available for the treatment of acne.
- 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 one 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 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 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 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 - 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 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 acne that doesn't respond to other methods of treatment,
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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