Say Goodbye to Acne

Non prescription acne medicines are available for mild acne. These are actually topical acne products tried first prior to consulting a dermatologist. These have the capacity to control the excess oil in the skin. It reduces shedding of skin cells and exterminates bacteria.

Here are some common non prescription treatments available for acne:

a) Antibacterials

These soaps and cleansers work towards exterminating the bacteria that produce acne. The main ingredient in antibacterials is Triclosan. It is a germ killer. If used in excess, these products can result in excessive dryness of the skin.

b) Benzoyl Peroxide

This is a common treatment for, acne that’s widely available. One requires to use this product on a regular basis for mild acne. It is available in the form of creams, lotions and cleansers. These kill bacteria that cause pimples. Benzoyl peroxide is also available in different strengths such as 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The skin on the bodies is thicker than the face. Hence 10% Benzoyl is usually prescribed for body acne.

c) Salicylic Acid

This medication works differently. It doesn’t work towards killing bacteria like the other medicines mentioned above. It loosens the clogged pores that prevent pimples from forming. It is widely used in cleansers, astringents and lotions. When it comes to eliminating whiteheads and blackheads, this medication is really effective.

d) Alpha-hydroxy Acids

This medicine usually found in combination with several other acne fighting substances. It is derived from acids found in fruit, sugar and milk. It does not kill bacteria. It assists in removal of dead skin cells that may clog pores. You can get alpha-hydroxy acid under the name of fruit extracts, beta-hydroxy acid and tri-alpha-hydroxy acids.

Acne treatment with prescription medicines:

a) Retinoids

It is a common treatment for acne. Retin – A is offered as a lotion, cream and gel. It is very effective as it gets under the skin in order to enhance the process of shedding of skin cells and loosen plugs. It also helps in fading marks on skin that are a result of earlier pimples.

b) Topical antibiotics

These are effective on moderately severe acne. These medications work towards destroying the bacteria on the surface of the skin.

c) Oral antibiotics

These drugs work within the body. Oral antibiotics are generally prescribed for a period of three years. These exterminate the bacteria that contribute to acne. However, they can even take many months to enhance the condition of skin. Erythromycin, tetracycline and minocycline are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.

d) Accutane

It treats severe cases of acne. The medication is prepared from vitamin A and performs several functions. It prepares oil glands smaller and reduces the amount of sebum produced. It also minimizes the shedding of skin cells and kills bacteria. Blood tests are required when the patient is on this drug.

There are several effective treatments available for acne these days. Contact a dermatologist for best results.

By: Bertil Hjert

About the Author:

Solve your acne & skincare problems at http://www.acnepimplezits.com

What bigger agony than to be getting ready to go to a Summer Ball, only to find a row of red prominent zits appearing all over our face?

It can make you feel worse inside than you actually look. Many shy and embarrassed youngsters between the ages of twelve and twenty four suffer from acne in some form or another. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing, although not strictly life threatening. Boys tend to fall victim to it more than girls at the onset of puberty, probably because of the increased level of the hormone testosterone in the body. Acne is generally caused by bacteria filling up clogged pores, resulting in zits breaking out.

The zits usually spread over the face, back, shoulders, chest and neck. Some doctors think it may be hereditary. There is a whole industry dedicated to finding cures for acne, and there is a plethora of advice when it comes to supposed acne cures.

To some people, the acne condition seems so bad to them emotionally, they seek medical help and advice from their own doctor, or even specialist dermatologists to try and find a cure. Some sufferers use over the counter treatments, some have prescription treatments and others prefer to use natural methods. There is a lot of anecdotal promotion of the merits of one treatment or another and it all gets very confusing. You just have to see which acne cures work for you and it may be a case of trial and error. There are some experts who say there is no such thing as a cure and that you should disregard such claims. One thing is for certain with that advice – if you can grin ( and hide the zits) then you will certainly save your pockets with all the ‘Quack’ cures that do the rounds every year. In fact, it is a superb market to be in, as every year, and constant stream of newcomers march in search of a cure for acne.

Whatever the claims and counter claims of different sorts of treatment, prevention is certainly preferable to acne cures. It’s definitely worth a try, as most prevention stems around eating habits and cleanliness. Attention to diet is important and avoiding fried fatty foods (sorry – burgers and chips or fries are definitely out while the zits are popping all around your mouth, also with refined and processed foods in general is a good start. Also, try to cut down on caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks and tobacco. I know, just the stuff you are starting to survive on!

Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, and drink plenty water. Eating irregularly can cause constipation and this can promote acne because the toxic material has to break out somewhere.

It may not be possible to prevent the acne but you may be able to lessen its effects. If all measures fail, it’s time to decide on which of the acne cures to try. There are numerous gels, lotions, creams and solutions on the market. Benzyl Peroxide is a common ingredient in over the counter medications and some people have found that it works very well, especially when combined with regular cleansing and moisturizing. Other acne cures are antibiotics, salicylic acid and sulfur.

Unfortunately, some of these so-called cures can leave a strange smell lingering around the sufferer’s face, so they get hit two ways socially. You should always ask a good friend to check if any sulfer based products for instance are causing any lingering whiffs.

For other people, they prefer to try remedies that work from the inside, and prefer to try vitamins or natural herbal remedies. You can find all of these easily available as acne cures. Vitamin A and Niacin is recommended, and also Zinc tablets. There are a number of home remedies that you could try.

Some sufferers apply orange peel crushed with water or lemon juice. Another acne cure is coriander or mint juice mixed with a little bit of turmeric powder. Others apply grated cucumber leaves or crushed garlic cloves. You could also try an overnight face mask made from mashed up fenugreek leaves, to be washed off when you wake next day. Tea Tree Oil is said to be another acne cure. You can also bathe in a soothing hot tub of Epsom Salts.

Whichever method you decide to use, don’t undo the benefits of your acne cures by picking at the skin. Also, don’t make it worse by scrubbing at the acne with any harsh material. Be kind to yourself! And don’t, whatever you do, take part in the messy ritual of squeezing the extra large zits.

I’m going to try apple cider vinegar when I get it in a few days, but I needed my back and shoulder acne to be at least a little better sooner. I tried baking soda (baking soda+water as a scrub in the shower) and it definitely helped, but not completely (which I expected) How long or about how many uses until this treatment clears mild body acne? Thanks
So far yes! It has improved my acne in one use!