For many of us, acne was an unfortunate side effect of puberty that fortunately went away as we entered adulthood. For some however, it is an ongoing problem, and even in teenagers, it can be serious enough to warrant an equally serious treatment. There are a variety of treatments available, from creams and cleansers available at the cosmetics counter to some serious prescription drugs. The treatment you choose will depend greatly on the severity and duration of your acne.
There are a number of creams, gels, lotions and soaps containing benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin (Retin-A) two of the most common anti-acne drugs. Benzoyl peroxide is available over the counter and can be found in some popular products like Clean and Clear, Oxy, Clearasil and Neutrogena Acne. Products containing Retin-A are available by prescription only. They typically come in cream, liquid and gel forms and are applied topically. Adapalene is another treatment sometimes used instead of Retin-A. Some have found it to be slightly more effective.
Both Benzoyl peroxide and Retin-A work by irritating the skin just a little bit. This encourages old cells to come off, and opens up pores previously blocked. Benzoyl peroxide is also effective in killing the bacteria which contribute to turning black heads and white heads into pimples.
If neither Benzoyl peroxide nor Retin-A seems to be doing the job, it might be time to look into a more serious treatment. Your doctor might consider prescribing Isotretinoin, or Accutane. This drug works by shrinking the glands that produce sebum. Since acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum, this is usually a very effective treatment. Keep in mind however, that Accutane can have some serious side effects like birth defects. Because of this risk, it is usually only prescribed in cases where acne is unusually severe or disfiguring.
Another possible treatment for acne involves the use of oral antibiotics. These work to kill the bacteria that cause the creation of pimples. One treatment found to be particularly effective is the combination of the antibiotic erythromycin and topical benzoyl peroxide applications.
An area where modern technology has stepped up to help is in laser skin treatments. Although laser treatments cannot prevent acne, they can recondition skin that has been permanently scarred by it. Laser treatments burn away the damaged layers of skin, and expose a new, undamaged surface.
In addition to the treatments above, there are some things you can do to help prevent and minimize acne. Make sure your face stays clean, but don’t let it dry out too much. Use an oil-free moisturizer if necessary. Take a multi-vitamin, and chromium and Vitamin A supplements. All of these combined can help minimize sebum production. If you must wear make-up, be sure that it is water-based, and remove it completely before bed-time. A healthy diet and exercise can do a lot to keep your skin healthy, along with the rest of your body.
Acne is an unpleasant condition, but fortunately there are a number of treatments. Start by trying some of the over-the-counter options, and if those don’t do the job, see your doctor. Try wearing only mineral foundations and organic cosmetics.