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.
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.

photo credit: kosmokomik

Acne prevention is all about preventing acne outbreaks, and you can do a lot to help avoid outbreaks. Prevention comes in many forms, from the daily preventative things you can do to the acne products and treatments which are available to buy. The object of cleansing is to remove the excess oils which are produced by your skin. The action of scrubbing the skin will just push the oil and the dead skin back into the skin’s pores. You can buy a lot of acne treatments that will clean the skin, but don’t buy treatments which will dry your skin. Our skin needs to have moisture and if the skin is dry, the pores might make even more oil. Also important is avoiding the temptation to squeeze or scrape at your acne. Picking or squeezing can lead to worse problems. It can mean that you are spreading the bacteria over the skin of the surrounding area and could potentially lead to permanent scarring.

Use products which are non-comedogenic (these products don’t block your skin pores) if you use cosmetics or suntan creams and lotions. Try to avoid the use of moisturizer on areas of your skin that are prone to acne. If you have to use a moisturizer, try to ensure that it isn’t acnegenic. Use of topical treatments like nature’s cure medicated spray on areas where you get breakouts can help. The pore-blocking usually happens 2-3 weeks prior to any blemishes becoming visible on the skin. As the salicylic acid in the body spray acts as an exfoliant, it can help to remove dead skin. It’s best to wash the skin gently using cleanser or a mild soap. When washing, use warm water (avoid using hot water)and wash twice daily. Hot water or cleansers which are harsh can irritate the skin and make things worse.

photo credit: ochus b

Isotretinoin is manufactured in 10 mg capsules and 20 mg capsules, under several trade names, including the trade name isotane®. In some other countries, other brands of isotretinoin include accutane®/roaccutane® and the trade name oratane®. Most people undergoing isotretinoin treatment have a course of isotretinoin for between 16 and 30 weeks (between 4 and 7 months), but some people may need it for a longer period of treatment. For some people, continuous treatment can be prescribed for the long term, normally at a low dosage or intermittent periods. If required, it may be prescribed for children in addition to adults. If you have been prescribed isotretinoin it is extremely important to read the instructions and understand how to take the medication. If you are in any doubt or are confused, ask your physician or dermatologist to explain anything you don’t fully understand. Avoid giving your medication to other people. It is extremely important to not start taking the medication if you think you may be or are pregnant, and avoid becoming pregnant while taking the course of treatment as it could potentially cause major birth defects. Do not hesitate to contact your physician or dermatologist if you have any worries about your treatment.

Isotretinoin should be considered to be a toxic drug, but when it has been prescribed and has been monitored properly, it can result in a significant  improvement in a patient’s severe acne. However, isotretinoin can potentially cause mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal, ophthalmologic, neuromuscular, rheumatologic and psychiatric  side effects, as well as the previously mentioned birth defects. Some of the minor side effects of isotretinoin are dry mouth, and cheilitis. 90% of patients who experience adverse effects on the skin and in the subcutaneous tissues have dry skin, erythematous rash, localised exfoliation, and dermatitis. The likelihood of experiencing these side effects usually increases during the first 4 weeks of undergoing therapy and subsequently diminishes at about week 12 to week 16. Around week 4 of therapy, facial rash and dry skin often occur, possibly with a simultaneous acne flare. Nosebleeds and dry eyes  are also commonly experienced. People who normally wear contact lenses may have to avoid wearing them during treatment because of discomfort. Sometimes patients may also have impaired night vision.

How often should benzoyl peroxide be used?

Benzoyl peroxide is normally used either once or twice daily. It’s usually recommended to start with just one daily application to check how your skin will react to the medication. It’s best to check the directions on the package and to follow them carefully. 
photo credit: fidophoto
If there is anything you are not sure about, you should consult your doctor or a pharmacist who will explain anything which  you don’t understand. Do not be tempted to use a different amount than recommended or to use it more frequently than you were told to by your doctor.  If you don’t follow the correct amount and number of daily applications, the treatment may fail to work.

Dry Skin Or Oily Skin?

Whichever benzoyl peroxide acne treatment you choose, it needs to suit your particular type of skin. For people who have dry skin, it is normally better to use treatments with a low percentage of benzoyl peroxide to combat the acne and at also to regularly use mild cleansing facial washes to ensure that the skin is clean. Since benzoyl peroxide can cause skin dryness,  if you have skin which is dry it is better to make sure that you avoid using too much of any treatments containing it. People with oily skin need to choose a different type of acne cream. The appropriate acne cream for people who have an oily skin type is one which won’t block the skin’s pores. This could potentially make the acne worse. When you are buying acne treatment creams, it is a good idea to look for products which are described as non-comedogenic. Treatments which are sold as being oil-free or which are described as being water-based are also recommended for the treatment of oily skin.

photo credit: Z||Q|Y -zaq

For many years, tea tree oil was used by indigenous Australians as atreatment for a number of different ailments. The modern World has only recently begun to realise its benefits. The anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil have been known for some time. The use of tea tree oil to treat acne is relatively new. It was found that tea tree oil and green tea cream have many similarities to benzoyl peroxide, a topical cream used for acne treatment. Tea tree oil and green tea cream will take a little longer than benzoyl peroxide to give results. This is on account of the potency, being 5% of the potency of benzoyl peroxide.

Both of these natural treatments are simple, work well and don’t cost much as a way of treating acne. Natural acne treatment can be assisted by making some small changes in your daily routine. When treating acne naturally it is helpful to look at your eating habits. The best diet should have more fruit and vegetables,  and as much as possible avoid junk food.

Natural acne treatments are becoming increasingly popular as people look to natural remedies and treatments for their skin problems. If you are considering choosing natural acne treatments, there are several reasons why they can be better to use. You will often find that the natural treatments for acne are a lot cheaper, as they use natural ingredients. Another reason is that natural treatments are better because they don’t expose your skin to harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your skin. There is less chance that you will suffer a bad skin reaction to the natural products and you are less likely to have irritation or dryness of the skin. It’s quite obvious then, why a lot of people are opting for natural acne treatments for their acne.