Dealing with acne can be frustrating, but understanding your skin and the available treatments is the first step to clearer skin. The best approach depends on several factors, including the type and severity of your acne, your skin’s oiliness or dryness, your gender, any medications you’re taking, and whether you are pregnant or might become pregnant. Because of these variables, a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works.
Fortunately, numerous acne treatment options exist. Don’t be discouraged if the first treatment you try isn’t effective; persistence is key. With the variety of options available today, doctors can successfully manage most acne outbreaks, especially when treatment begins early. Ignoring acne in hopes it will disappear is usually ineffective. You can explore over-the-counter medications at your local pharmacy or consult a doctor for more potent prescription treatments.
Topical treatments are a popular choice for mild to moderate acne. These come in gels, creams, lotions, or medicated pads applied directly to the skin. Common over-the-counter topical treatments include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Stronger prescription versions of these are also available. Doctors may also prescribe ointments containing sulfur, tetracycline, erythromycin, or retinoids. Often, a combination of these treatments yields the best results.
Salicylic acid and retinoids target clogged hair follicles, the root cause of acne lesions. They penetrate pores and help dissolve dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tetracycline, and erythromycin are antibacterial ointments that combat inflammation and eliminate bacteria within the blocked follicles.
For moderate to severe acne, oral medications might be necessary in addition to topical treatments. The main types of oral medications include antibiotics, hormones, and isotretinoin, all requiring a prescription.
Tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, and doxycycline are frequently prescribed antibiotics. They are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel to the hair follicles, where they kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. This approach is typically used when topical antibiotics are insufficient.
Hormone therapy is an option for teenage girls and women. It usually involves birth control pills, which increase female hormone levels in the bloodstream. This reduces androgen production, subsequently lowering sebum production.
Isotretinoin is often prescribed for severe acne. This powerful medication addresses all the skin changes that contribute to acne, including killing bacteria, reducing sebum production, and slowing skin cell growth.
Before starting any acne treatment, carefully consider all options. Like all medications, acne treatments carry potential risks and side effects. For over-the-counter treatments, read product labels and warnings to determine if the product suits you. For prescription treatments, discuss potential side effects with your doctor.