Tips For Stopping Acne

In order to stop acne you need to understand what it is and how it develops. Acne is a skin disease that affects the hair follicles. Under the skin, the hair follicles have sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a skin lubricant. When the production of sebum is too high it can cause the hair follicles or pores to clog. When this happens bacteria and dead skin cells build up causing infection and inflammation. These inflamed pores are pimples or acne.

Acne most often occurs on oily parts of the body such as the face, however it can also be found on the back, neck and arms. On the face, the oiliest area is the section down the middle of the face and the forehead. This is often called the "T-zone" and is the section where acne is most often concentrated.

Mild acne can often be treated successfully with over the counter topical medications. These are available in creams, lotions and gels as well as in liquid formulas. Many of the non-prescription treatments work well to stop the current outbreak of acne but may do little to keep more acne from forming.

Diet and exercise are also important factors in treating acne. Try to eat a balanced diet and eat foods that are high in antioxidants. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins from the body.

Nonprescription Treatments Over-the-counter treatments are all topical, meaning that they are applied to the skin. You may need to experiment using different products until you find the one that works best for you. Before purchasing the product take into consideration the type of skin you have, oily, dry or combination. Check the product labels to see what the active ingredients are.

Benzoyl peroxide is the most common ingredient in topical acne treatments. It is very effective for mild acne. It usually comes in cream or lotion form and is also available in cleansers. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria associated with acne. It comes in various different strengths - for example 2.5 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent. Generally you should use the product with the lowest percent that works. Lower strengths work best for facial acne while higher strengths are better for tougher skin such as that on the back or arms. Benzoyl peroxide has a drying effect and can cause irritation if used too often or if it is too strong.

Salicylic acid is also a common ingredient found in acne treatments. It works by loosening the clogged pores to prevent pimples from forming. It can also help keep skin cell shedding to a minimum. This ingredient works best for people with smaller type pimples and mild acne. It can cause dryness and possibly peeling.

With any over-the-counter treatments they may take several weeks or more to have any effect on your acne. Also, once you stop using the products your acne may return because the treatments are not classed as preventative.

Prescription Treatments Some prescription treatments are topical while some are oral. A dermatologist can determine what type of treatment will work best with your type of acne. Many times a combination treatment may be needed. The doctor can prescribe a topical lotion that is stronger than the ones that are available over-the-counter. A common topical prescriptive is called retinoid. Retinoid can work beneath the skin to help loosen plugged pores and to keep the pores from becoming clogged.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for short periods to help reduce severe acne infections so that other forms of treatment may be more successful. These are often given in conjunction with other topical treatments.

Accutane is a powerful oral medication used to treat acne. It can have some side effects and should not be used by women who may get pregnant. Still, it is a good way to treat severe acne. Talk to your dermatologist to see if you need to take this drug.

Acne Medications