Acne Treatment
There are many acne treatments to choose from. But it is essential to consult a doctor to know which of the treatments will suit your skin and type of acne. It is usually not enough to buy over-the-counter acne treatment and in worse cases, the acne can become aggravated with it.
The following are the more common acne treatments you may find and/or recommended by your doctor:
- Adapalene - is an acne treatment that comes in creams or gels. Adapalene modulates keratinization, inflammatory processes and cellular differentiation in the pathology of acne vulgaris, according to pharmacological and biochemical studies.
- Benzoyl Peroxide - is one of the most common acne treatment ingredients that can effectively treat mild and non-inflammatory acne. It is safe for both young and adult acne patients, and can be used with other topical or oral acne treatments.
Benzoyl peroxide destroys P. acnes [the bacteria that cause acne]. It works like an oxidizing agent and antiseptic, and it reduces the number of blocked skin pores. Results usually show after 2 to 3 weeks of using this acne treatment.
It is recommended to continually use Benzoyl peroxide even if you see that your skin is clearing. This treatment does not increase your natural resistance to the P. acnes bacteria. If you stop the treatment, your acne will eventually return.
- Antibiotics - doctors usually prescribe oral antibiotics with a combination of topical acne treatments. The most common names of oral antibiotics are minocycline, tetracycline, erythromycine and doxycycline.
Antibiotics work the same way as Benzoyl peroxide. It stops the bacteria and controls the breakouts, and it also decreases the inflammation. It also takes weeks or months to see the results.
Stopping antibiotics will cause the acne to return. Doubling your intake is not an option if you wish to speed up healing. It will, however, may cause irritations and side effects.
- Isotretinoin - is a retinoid that helps inhibit keratinization and sebaceous gland function. Nodular acne can benefit greatly from this type of acne treatment due to the reduction and control of sebum formation.
Most common Isotretinoin brands are Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret and Claravis.
- Tretinoin - is a topical acne treatment specifically for acne vulgaris. Long-term usage, efficacy and safety in treating other skin disorders have not been proven.
Most common Trtinoin brands are Retin-A, Vesanoid, Avita and Renova.
- Contraceptives or birth control pills - is recommendable for female patients with acne that is resistant to common acne treatments. The excessive production of androgen hormones also causes high production of oil glands that lead to acne.
The following are clues that doctors may look for if they suspect that you have hormone-influenced acne:
- First-time acne appearances in adults
- Acne break-outs prior to female menstrual cycle
- Irregular female menstrual cycle
- Elevated androgen levels in the blood steam
- Excessive hair growth or hairs on unlikely areas
- Salicylic Acid - is a mild type of acid that helps treat acne by encouraging the sloughing of dead skin cells. It is safe for treating mild acne, textural skin changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and oily skin.
Salicylic acid encourages the top skin layer to peel and the clogged pores to open. This type of acne treatment does not affect sebum production or the bacteria. If you stop using it, your acne will return.
Herbal Acne Treatment
Some people choose herbal treatments to cure their acne. However, herbal remedies have no clinically proven results since they are not required to undergo clinical screening. Safety should always be a concern even with herbal remedies.
Herbal remedies usually come in the form of teas, supplements, oils or topical creams. You should always consult your dermatologist/doctor if you are looking into herbal acne treatment as an alternative.
Click here to read more on Acne Treatment
Understanding Acne Treatment Recommended Resources:
UM University Health Service
University of Maryland medical Center
