Which Is The Best Acne Treatment?

There are many acne treatments which are available nowadays. They can be divided into two types, topical treatments (which are apllied to the skin) and oral treatments which are medicines taken orally. Less severe types of acne will usually be treatable with over-the-counter treatments, but more severe types may need prescription medicines.
It is a good idea to start treatments as soon as possible, as this will make acne scarring less likely.

Topical Treatments

These are creams which are applied to the affected areas. Topical treatments include topical benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, and topical retinoids. Topical benzoyl peroxide is normally used for treating mild to moderate acne, topical antibiotics are also for treating mild to moderate acne. Topical retinoids would be used in the treatment of moderate acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually the best acne thing to try out as a first acne treatment. It is available in a range of different strengths and is normally applied to the affected areas of skin twice a day. Roacutan
Creative Commons License photo credit: Américo NunesIt can sometimes cause dryness and irritation of the skin, applying less frequently then increasing up to the normal dose can help this problem.

Oral Treatments

Oral treatments such as antibiotics, hormone pills and retinoids (Isotretinoin or Accutane) are used in the case of moderate to severe acne.  Isotretinoin is normally used when treating severe cystic acne. The action is not completely known yet, but it’s believed that it acts by decreasing the size and the sebum output of the sebaceous glands. Women who could possibly become pregnant shouldn’t take this treatment without using contraception, as isotretinoin can have severe side effects on pregnant women and unborn children.

Availability

Benzoyl peroxide is normally available to buy over-the-counter. Topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics (e.g. Clindamycin or erythromycin), oral antibiotics, isotretinoin and hormone pills normally require a prescription.

Herbal Treatments

Many people prefer to have herbal acne treatments, and there are several of these available. Some of these are:

  • Tea Tree Oil

This is believed to have anti-bacterial activity and is normally used topically diluted to a concentration of 5-15 per cent.

  • Licorice Root Extract

Also believed to have anti-bacterial activity.

  • Olive Leaf Extract

Another herbal extract said to have antibacterial activity.

  • Green Tea Extract

Contains bioflavonoids and antioxidants which are said to help treat acne.

Nutrition

Some people believe that a change in diet can help to prevent acne. Reducing the amount of refined foods and increasing the consumption of wholefoods is one way that has been suggested to reduce acne. Increasing the intake of antioxidants and zinc has also been suggested as being helpful in avoiding acne.

Other Treatments

Other treatments which are said to be beneficial in the treatment of acne are acupuncture and hypnosis.



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