Overview Acne Treatment
Forget about the saying beauty is only skin deep. Everyone wants to look beautiful and we like beautiful things and people. It's natural. Beauty make us beaming with joy and pride. It brings out the confidence and satisfaction in us. But the onset of acne put a dent into our beauty appreciation and admiration. Our appearance with acne and acne scars cause us to have low self esteem and embarrassment.
We are sure you would like to have a blemish free skin complexion (place mouse pointer here)
Then you have to control it by seeking treatment.Do you know that acne causes premature aging of the skin, just like sunlight exposure. So controlling acne not only improve your appearance (as the above photo shown) but also prevent premature aging of your skin.
Acne won't outgrow by itself. The longer you delay seeking treatment, the more serious will it become. The best method to treat acne is by prevention, that is before any outbreak of acne can be seen.This is easier said than done. Once acne develop,we should treat it immediately to prevent any permanent damage to our skin tissues.
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With the poliferation of available acne treatment accompanied by heavy advertising nowadays, it is difficult to decide which acne treatment to try. Keep in mind that what is suitable for our friends might not work for us. It depends on our body chemistry,skin type and the type of acne we have.
So what kind of acne treatment we want?Of course,we want acne treatment that works.We also want it to be safe and easy to apply and not messy.But if you want acne treatment that works instaneously,then you have to keep looking. Acne treatment takes time to work.It might take months, if not weeks or days. Most acne treatments work by
- reduce sebum production in the follicles
- reduce bacteria on the skin
- shedding of dead skin cells
- reduce swelling due to inflammation
Topical treatment
Treatment that we apply to the acne prone area is known as topical acne treatment.Normally they comes in the form of gel or lotion .This can involved :
- over the counter (OTC)- for mild or moderate acne, or
- prescription - for severe acne
Most OTC treatments contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide,salicylic acid,glycolic acid, sulfur etc.These are normally drying agents that unblock the pores and kill bacteria. Prescription acne medication consist of higher dosages of benzoyl peroxide mixed with antibiotics , tretinoin (Avita,Retin-A,Renova),adapalene (Differin),oral contraceptives, Isotretinoin ( accutane) Prescription acne treatments usually take more time to work.
Over-the-counter Acne Treatment
Benzoyl peroxide
The most widely used OTC acne treatment,benzoyl peroxide is an alpha hydroxy acid that kill P. acnes bacteria and removing dead skin cells on the skin surface.It has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce free fatty acid concentration in the follicles. OTC acne treatment,benzoyl peroxide is an alpha hydroxy acid that kill P. acnes bacteria and removing d skin cells on the skin surface.It has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce free fatty acid concentration in the follicles. Availability form: cleanser,cream or lotion .Available in 2.5% to 10% concentration
Side effect: can cause excessive dryness of skin .Care should be taken when treatment is applied as it can bleach hair and fabrics.
Note:Watch out for excessive skin dryness caused by benzoyl peroxide even though it might bring you positive result.Lower the concentration percentage or stop using it as it might not suitable for your sensitive skin .
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a mild beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that correct abnormal skin cell shedding and unclog pores.
Side effect: can cause skin irritation ,but won't be severe as those caused by benzoxyl peroxide
Availability form : lotion,cleanser or pad available in 0.5% to 2%
Target:comedone (whiteheads and blackheads)
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an exfoliator that clears skin, however, it doesn't unclog pores as well as salicylic acid. Dermatologists use both glycolic acid and salicylic acid in chemical peels that exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage new skin growth.
Sulfur
Sulfur,being an age-old treatment,stops blemishes in their tracks and unclog pores. It reduces bacteria and inflammation around the pores. Normally combined with resorcinol due to its unpleasant odor.lfur,being an age-old treatment,stops blemishes in their tracks and unclog pores. It reduces bacteria and inflammation around the pores. Normally combined with resorcinol due its unpleasant odor.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is normally used to control small acne lesions or comedones by removing buildup of dead skin cells.Besides acne,it is also used to treat eczema and psoriasis.It is rarely used alone. Acnomel Adult Acne Medication is an highly effecive product that contains resorcinol which is used to treat adult acne.
Alcohol and Acetone
Alcohol is a mild antimicrobial agent which can kill P.acne bacteria while acetone removes excess oil from the skin.This combination works by make the skin drier.
Prescription Acne Treatment
A dermatologist prescribes acne treatment which can be topical ointments or oral antibiotics.
Retinoids
Retinoids are a topical treatment and vitamin A derivative that reduce oil and inflammation by unclogging pores. Prolonged usages reduce wrinkles, freckles and sun damage to the skin. Dermatologists often prescribe retinoids for mild to moderately severe acne. It may causes irritation and sensitivity to the sun so it is important to apply sunblock and avoid overexposure to the sun. Products such as Retin-A and Tazorac fall under this category.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, or more specifically Accutane, is a vitamin A-derivative that is used to treat severe nodular and cystic acne. It greatly reduces the production of oil by keeping pores unblocked. Improvements to the skin have been show to last years. However,its can cause extremely dry skin and lips, nosebleeds, and joint and muscle pain.
Topical antibiotics
Topical antibiotics reduce bacteria. They can help to reduce clogged pores and inflammation. Examples are clindamycin and erythromycin.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are taken in a pill-form and used to reduce bacteria and inflammation. Examples are Minocycline and Doxycycline (tetracycline antibiotics) Some side effects may include increased susceptibility to the sun, yeast infections, joint swelling, headaches, blurred vision, or pigmentation changes in the mouth.
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, may control acne in teenage girls and women. It balances the androgen hormones that change during the monthly cycle.Examples are Yasmin and Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal skincare lines consist of plant-based medicinal ingredients and natural cosmetic products.
Green tea is an antioxidant.
Queen of Meadow reduces oil and tightens pores.
Witch hazel controls oil and reduces pores size.
Lavender is used as a disinfectant and on an open acne lesion.
Licorice, arnica, and allantoin reduce redness and swelling.
Aloe vera, calendula and menthol cool and calm inflamed skin.
Tea tree oil is an antiseptic that controls oil and treat acne without irritation or peeling.
Vitamins
Vitamin C reduces post-acne marks.
Vitamin C and E combination provide hydration for sensitive skin.
Vitamins A, C, and E promote antioxidants to help regulate the free radicals in the body that damage skin and cause premature aging.
Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C and E. Meats, cereals and dark, leafy greens contain vitamin B, which regulates blood circulation and aids in the skin's healing process.
Peas, blackberries and pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which stimulates collagen production, shields against infection, reduces swelling, and improves vitamins A and E effectiveness.
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