Say Goodbye to Acne

The best acne treatments for various case levels differ in their formulation and in how they work. When it comes to pimple solutions, some medications work by killing the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, while others work by preventing inflammation. Some manipulate the activities of hormones and some normalize the shedding of dead skin cells to prevent pore blockage.

To know the best acne treatments for your kind of acne, take a look at the list below.

1. Non-inflammatory. Acne that is non-inflammatory or comedonal is considered a mild form of the condition. It can be either closed comedo or whitehead, or open comedo, which is also known as whitehead. For such conditions, topical ointments are often the preferred form of treatment. Antibacterials that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be used. Another option that can be explored is topical retinoids. These ointments are typically applied to the affected area to induce the destruction of P. acnes and prevent the pimple from getting inflamed and getting worse.

2. Inflammatory. This is also called mild papules, often characterized by redness on and around the area where the pimple appears. For inflammatory conditions, topical retinoids and antibacterials with benzoyl peroxide are the most commonly used treatment. Topical antibiotics are also common when dealing with this kind of acne. These medications are primarily used to ease the inflammation and kill the bacteria in the skin.

3. Moderate inflammation. This is a level slightly higher than mere inflammatory acne. Like mild inflammation, topical antibacterials with benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids are used. The topical treatments are often combined with oral antibiotics. The use of the combined therapy is usually monitored closely by skin experts since using both might cause the bacteria to build a resistance against the treatment.

4. Severe acne. Severe inflammatory acne is often treated with strongly formulated topical medications like Isotretinoin, a form of retinoid derived from vitamin A. Another option, specifically for women, is the use of oral contraceptives. The use of both options should be discussed first with a dermatologist, since both carry potential adverse effects.

5. Acne resistant to oral and topical treatments. If oral and topical medications do not work, a more advanced procedure might be used, such as laser therapy. Laser therapy burns away the oil-producing sebaceous glands and kills the acne-causing bacteria. Photodynamic therapy, or the use of blue-violet light, is another option being explored by dermatologists. Initial studies have shown that this form of treatment can reduce acne lesion by up to 70 percent. The use of photodynamic procedure, though, is yet to be established as a safe and accepted acne treatment and is rarely suggested by skin experts.

The best acne treatments can only be called “best” if they really work for the patient. Each level of condition requires a different treatment; and making the decision as to what is best for you should be done with the help of a dermatologist.

Acne treatments work differently, so it is important for patients to know what these cures can do so that they can find what is appropriate for their level of condition and for their type of skin. Below is an overview of how common acne cures work.

Antibacterial acne treatments

The most common of this type of cure are topical creams or lotions with benzoyl peroxide. There are also those that contain sulfur or salicylic acid that can be applied to the affected areas. Topical antibacterials work by getting rid of bacteria and by peeling off or removing dead skin cells. Since these topical treatments act like skin bleach, they do not allow bacteria to build a resistance against them over time like other acne cures usually do. These treatments, though, can cause mild irritation or pigmentation when used excessively. They are good for mild to moderate conditions.

Contraceptives and hormonal treatments

Contraceptives, or anti-testosterone medications, are effective for women who suffer from acne. They work by reducing the levels of androgenic hormones in women which are believed to cause acne breakouts. Cortisone, another form of hormonal treatment, can be injected directly to the pimple to reduce inflammation. This form of treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist first before being used since it can cause certain negative reactions, particularly the loss of natural skin color.

Laser procedures

Laser treatments act on acne by burning away the sebaceous gland that produces the oil-causing pimple. It also destroys the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, which causes zits. Lasers are basically effective in curing acne, but skin damage and dryness are potential risks associated with this form of treatment, thus, the use of laser in treating acne should be discussed first with a skin expert. Added to the potential risks is the cost of the treatment which is definitely higher than mere topical or oral cures.

Regular pampering

Having regular facials or steaming can also help cure acne. If the condition is only starting, prevention is still your best option. Pampering your skin or getting it treated regularly will help in preventing pimples from starting. The idea behind facials and steaming procedures is to open the pores of the skin and make dirt and bacteria easier to remove. The procedures are also not just for treating acne but also for making sure that your skin stays clear, smooth and healthy.

Acne treatments vary in how they work. The type of remedy would depend on the level of condition, the type of skin and the treatment’s affordability. In any case, a discussion with a skin expert is the first step that we should take to make sure that we don’t regret the choice that we will make.

ng acne depends on the type and severity of your acne. Treatment also depends on how dry or oily your skin is, if you are male or female, if you are taking any medications, if you are pregnant or might be soon. These various factors affect your treatment options and can make any one size fits all acne treatment method ineffective.

Lucky their are numerous acne treatment options, so while you might not find one that works the first time, do not give up just try another. Do to the numerous acne treatments available today doctors can control most acne outbreaks; with greater success the earlier treatments are started. Hopping your acne will go away will not work, your local pharmacy is filled with many over the counter medications you can try, or visit your doctor who can prescribe more powerful treatments if needed.

The most popular way to treat mild to moderate acne is by using a topical treatment. These treatments can be in the form of a gel, cream, lotion or on a pad. They are applied to the surface of your skin, hence the name topical. The two main over the counter topic treatments are Salicylic acid and Benzoyl peroxide. Prescription Salicylic acid and Benzoyl peroxide are also available in stronger doses if required. Doctors my also prescribe ointments containing sulfur, tetracycline, erythromycin or a retinoid. Many times you will need to use a combination of the above treatments for best results.

Salicylic acid and retinoids are used to treat the clogged hair follicles that are causing the acne lesions. They penetrate the pores and help the dead skin cells dissolve. Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tetracycline and erythromycin are antibacterial ointments used to treat the inflammation and kill the bacteria in the blocked follicles.

For people with moderate to server acne, in addition to topical treatments they my also require some type of oral medication to treat their acne. The three types of oral medications are antibiotics, hormones, and isotretinoins. All three require a prescription.

Tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, and doxycycline are the most common prescribed antibiotics. They work by being absorbed through the digestive system, then into the blood, and then into the hair follicles where they kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. This option would be used when topical antibiotic treatments were unsuccessful.

Hormones are an option available to treat teenage girls and women with acne. They are usually taken in the form of a birth control pill. They work by increasing the level of female hormones in the bloodstream. This helps reduce the production of androgen, which will then reduce the production of sebum.

For severe acne, isotretinoin is often used. It is a powerful drug that treats acne by stopping all of the changes in the skin that causes acne. It kills bacteria, reduces sebum production, and slows the growth of skin cells.

All of the above acne treatment options should be reviewed carefully prior to use. As with any type of medication they all present some type of risk or side effect. For the over the counter treatments read the product labels and warnings to see if the product is right for you. For prescription acne treatments discuss with your doctor all of the potential sides effects you may experience.

By: Mark Mackay

About the Author:

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