Chapter 1: Acne Treatment
Most people will only need treatment for mild acne. The common treatments for acne are over-the-counter medications. These products contain active ingredients that can get rid of blackheads and acne causing bacteria and clean the pores to prevent acne.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is a crystalline phenol that can dissolve whiteheads and blackheads. It improves the skin condition by breaking down the upper layer of skin where dirt is trapped. Unfortunately, resorcinol cannot kill bacteria nor does it prevent its buildup. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a common active ingredient in acne products. It can kill bacteria and reduce the oil production. Benzoyl is crystalline peroxide that is used in bleaching. It can also work as a peeling agent that accelerates the skin’s shedding making the pores cleaner.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is effective in reducing inflammation. It causes skin to shed easily which makes room for new cells to grow. It prevents blackheads and whiteheads and reduces the production of oil.
Sulfur
Sulfur is a yellow crystalline solid in its natural form. It has been an ancient cure for acne, eczema and psoriasis. The elemental sulfur oxidizes to acid which can be an antibacterial agent.
Retin-A
Retin- A is an acne treatment which is derived from vitamin A. It is mostly used to treat mild to moderate acne. It is especially effective in eliminating whiteheads and blackheads. Retin-A works by speeding up the cell turnover and decrease the buildup of dead skin cells.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid can be used for mild to moderate acne. It kills bacteria that can cause pimples and reduces the inflammation. Azelaic acid strengthens the cells and lines the follicles and stop oil eruptions. It is also recommended for people who suffer from melasma or dark spots that occur after the acne has healed. Treating more severe cases of acne involves stronger medications that may need a prescription from a dermatologist.
These prescription medicines can be in the form of creams, lotions, and pills.
Corticosteroid injection
If acne turns into a cyst and becomes severely inflamed, a dermatologist can inject a diluted form of corticosteroid to prevent the cyst from erupting and scarring. It also helps speed up the healing process.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is prescribed for a severe cyst that antibiotics cannot handle. It is a powerful medication that is used when acne does not respond to common treatments. While it is very effective, it can also have severe side effects like birth defects for pregnant women, dry skin, and muscle aches. This drug should only be administered with the supervision of a specialist to avoid any dangerous effects.
Oral contraceptive
Oral contraceptives, like ethinyl estradiol, has been proven to decrease the acne of women. It can also cause side effects like breast tenderness and headaches. Women who want to use oral contraceptives as acne medication should consult their doctor first.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used for moderate to severe acne. However, people can build up a resistance to an antibiotic, which is why most doctors recommend stopping the medication once the symptoms are gone.
Acne treatment mistakes
For many acne sufferers, the wide variety of treatments and medications can be confusing. With wrong information, it is easy to commit mistakes and aggravate acne condition. Here are some common acne and blackhead removal mistakes to avoid.
Not trying acne treatment long enough
Skin may react to products slowly. Acne requires time to heal and improve. Give products at least one month to work and continue to use it if there is any improvement. It is also common to feel a little irritated during the first few days of a treatment. This only means that the product is reacting to the skin. However, these irritations should only be mild, discontinue the use of any products that causes severe side effects.
Over cleaning the skin
Aggravated scrubbing can only worsen acne because it removes the protective skin barrier and can lead to irritation. Use a pH balanced cleanser to clean the face gently. Washing the face more than twice can also strip the skin of its natural oil, making it drier and more susceptible to bacteria.
Trying too many products at once
Trying too many products at once can irritate the skin, especially in products with strong chemicals. Keep your skin regimen clean and simple. Some products also counter act the effects of other treatments. Be sure to consult a dermatologist if you have any serious side effects or want to know more about how a product will affect your skin.
Choosing the wrong products
Harsh cleansers and alcohol based products can worsen acne. People should choose products that do not clog the pores to prevent acne buildup.
Popping and picking acne
Picking on blemishes only prolong its healing process and increases the risk of scarring. Fingers can transfer bacteria to the wound and infect it. This only leads to more swelling. Wait for the pimple to dry out.
Waiting too long to see a dermatologist
Contact a specialist if acne is starting to get out of hand and when treatments do not respond to the acne anymore. Clinics are more equipped to deal with persistent acne and can prescribe stronger medication.
Over-using or under-using medication