An Overview of Acne Treatment Options

Acne affects many people of all ages. Fortunately for those who have acne, there are many treatment options available. There are many different causes for acne, and finding the cause will enhance chances for success when attempting to find the appropriate acne treatment.

Traditional Over-The-Counter And Prescription Acne Remedies

There are three things that cause acne. The first is an overproduction of oil produced by the sebaceous glands, abnormal buildup of bacteria under and on the skin and irregularities in the ability to shed dead skin cells. Contrary to popular belief, acne is not cause because you love to eat chocolate.

Conventional acne treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription, work by decreasing the amount of oil that is produced by sebaceous glands. This helps to increase the amount of time skin cells take to regenerate, decreases the chances for bacterial buildup under the skin and decreasing inflammation.

Conventional Acne Remedies

Results are not immediate, however. It can take anywhere from two to eight weeks to see results from a traditional acne remedy. In addition, your acne may appear worse prior to improving.

Conventional Acne Remedies

Although most acne treatments are topical, meaning you apply them directly to the skin’s surface, there are also a number of oral medications you can try. Below is a list of the most common types of acne medications.

Over-the-counter topical treatments like lotions work by drying up the oil on the skin, killing bacteria and encouraging the dead skin cells to fall off faster. This remedy works the best on mild cases of acne. Side effects are generally mild and will dissipate after approximately one month of continued use. The main ingredient in over-the-counter acne medications is benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid as the main ingredient.

For people who have more severe cases of acne, or for those who traditional over-the-counter remedies aren’t working for, an acne clinic may be the answer. Here you will be diagnosed with which type of acne you’re affected with as well as factors that may be preventing you from clearing up. In addition to a history and diagnosis, you will be treated with one or more medications. These medications will likely be topical, but can also be oral.

Topical prescriptions that come from vitamin A are designed to prevent the hair follicles from becoming clogged as well as encourage increased cell turnover rates.

There are also topical creams that contain antibiotics. These creams are designed to rid the surface of the skin of bacteria.

Many topical prescription medications may cause many of the same side effects as over-the-counter medications. In addition, patients will be advised against sun exposure as this can cause skin reddening, peeling and burning very quickly.

Prescription oral antibiotics are used for those who are suffering from moderate to severe cases of acne. Those who have cystic acne will be treated with Isotretinoin. This medication is only used if other, more traditional treatments don’t work.

There are many risks as well as benefits from using acne remedies. Whether you’re suffering from a mild or severe case of acne, there is a treatment that will help. You just need to remember that any treatment is going to take time as there is no “instant cure.”

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