Avoid Embarrassment With Effective Facial Acne Treatment
Facial acne can be embarrassing and upsetting but there are many treatments
available to help get rid of it. In order to better understand how different
facial acne treatments work it is important to learn what facial acne is and
its cause. The face has tiny hair follicles under the skin. Surrounding these
follicles are tiny sacs called sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, a skin lubricant.
The hair follicle can become plugged when there is too much sebum which blocks
dead skin cells from leaving. This small blockage can then become enlarged and
infected, resulting in a pimple.
Topical Acne Treatments
Most mild cases of facial acne will respond very well to topical over-the-counter
treatments. The main ingredient in these products is usually benzoyl peroxide.
This is an astringent, which helps to dry the excess secretions as well as the
resulting pimples. These products usually contain mild anti-bacterial agents
as well that helps them to heal any infections under the skin.
Topical treatments are available as gels, creams, ointments and lotions. The
best method of treatment for oily skin is in gel form because this does not
contain excess moisture. However, creams and lotions are also good alternatives.
You should also use a facial wash made specifically for acne treatment. After
washing your face apply a topical treatment and allow it to dry completely.
You can reapply the treatments several times throughout the day if needed.
Wash your face only twice a day as this can be too drying to the skin. It may
take up to six weeks to see any improvement when using any treatment and topical
treatments may not work well for some people. If not, you may need to see a
dermatologist who can provide stronger treatment.
Oral Antibiotics
Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics if your acne situation warrants it. Antibiotics
are usually prescribed as part of another ongoing treatment with topical methods.
Antibiotics are an attempt to cure the underlying flare up of infection under
the skin. This is a temporary treatment and should help bring the infection
under control within several weeks.
Once the infection is resolved the dermatologist will help to provide ongoing
treatment so that further infections can be avoided. While using oral antibiotics
you should not apply topical treatments that also contain antibiotics. Talk
to your doctor about any possible side effects and interactions if you are taking
other medications.
Oral Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is an oral treatment for those with moderate to severe facial acne.
Commonly called Accutane, this drug must be prescribed by a doctor and is often
used when other measures to get rid of acne have failed. Isotretinoin is a retinoid
preparation that works by decreasing the size and secretions of the sebaceous
glands. It can help clear the acne without leaving facial scarring.
A strong drug with some side effects, isotretinoin is not for everyone. It
has been the source of controversy because of possible birth defects associated
with its use and any women who are taking it should not get pregnant. While
there are other side effects, they can be minimized and avoided if monitored
properly by a doctor.
Doctor Procedures
Some procedures are available to help treat acne and can be done during a doctor
visit. These procedures include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion
and laser treatments. These are all becoming more popular treatments that can
be done in the doctor's office. These are all somewhat new therapies for acne
treatment and should be discussed further with your dermatologist. However,
these treatments can often help to get rid of acne without scarring.
Whatever facial acne treatment you use, make sure to continue its use for at least a month
before giving up. When your acne is severe you should see a dermatologist who
can recommend a path of treatment specifically for you.
New Acne Treatments
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