Acne Treatments

Acne is a common skin irritation that afflicts millions of teenagers and adults each year. While it can be a stubborn problem and may last for years, there are a wide variety of Acne Treatments available which are all very effective in removing acne and clearing the skin so it's dry and clear and free from pimples and blemishes. For some people, a regular skin cleansing regimen along with over-the-counter medication seems to work fine. For others, they need to consult with a dermatologist for more aggressive treatment that includes prescription medication targeted to fighting acne and prevent acne scars.

For mild acne, there are over-the-counter Acne Treatments that include cleansers, pads, creams and lotions which are designed to get rid of mild and moderate acne. A skin regimen that includes a gentle scrubbing of the face with a special astringent cleanser is usually a good start. Then there are acne creams and lotions which contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or lactic acid as the active ingredients. These lotions and creams work by drying up the excess oil, killing the bacteria that causes irritation and promoting the sloughing of dead skin cells. For many people, these over-the-counter remedies are all that is needed to control their acne problem.

For more severe acne, there are acne treatments that can be prescribed and performed by a dermatologist that are very effective in treating more severe forms of acne. These treatments can include prescription lotions known as trentinoin and adapalene. These are vitamin A based treatments which promote cell turnover and prevent the plugging of the hair follicles. These are often used in conjunction with topical antibiotics that kill excessive skin bacteria, which can promote acne.

In addition to topical treatments, there are several oral Acne Treatments that are available. Dermatologists may prescribe oral antibiotics to help reduce the bacteria and fight the inflammation. Sometimes these antibiotic treatments can go on for months and are often used in conjunction with topical treatments. Oral contraceptives have been shown to improve acne in women; however, they are likely to cause side effects that need to be discussed with a physician before they are used.

When other Acne Treatments have failed or deep cystic acne has formed, dermatologists may turn to isotretinoin, also known as Accutane to treat difficult cases of acne. This is a highly effective medication, especially for cystic acne. However, it does have side effects which should be considered before treatment is started. Pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant cannot take Accutane because of the risk of birth defects.