The volume of products which have been developed for combating acne are mind-boggling. Your local skin store probably stocks hundreds of acne creams, cleansers, and scrubs. You can imagine how difficult it must be for someone just starting to treat their acne to navigate the shelves for the right product. Even acne veterans can have a difficult time deciding between two products at the store. You often see people turn to a dermatologist to evade confusion. What these people find is that dermatologists have their own supply of prescription medications which be vast and equally perplexing. In an effort to remove the confusion surrounding both over the counter and prescription acne medications, we have provided an explanation of how the active ingredients in these products work below.
We are first going to start with over the counter products. A large portion of OTC acne creams and gels contain benzoyl peroxide, either by itself or with a number of other additives. This additive accomplishes two primary functions in the treatment of acne. First, it targets the p. acnes bacteria which allow inflamed lesions to form. Second, it helps the skin eliminate the main cause of acne, which is dead cells plugging pores.
Benzoyl peroxide is just as effective in low concentrations as it is in higher ones. You will experience more irritation with the 10% cream than you will with its 5% cousin, without any added benefits. This is fine if you use moisturizer, however, it doesn't make much sense to up the concentrations. Bottom-line: stick to the 2.5% form. Some other popular products in acne treatments are sulfur and salicylic acid. These act in much the same way as benzoyl peroxide and are also good choices.
Dermatologists generally prescribe patients multiple medications. The topical medications they prescribe are designed to control acne bacteria and help improve skin cell turnover. For the bacteria, they often recommend medications such as Erythromycin and even benzoyl peroxide. Skin cell turnover is improved with topical retinoids like Retin-A which are derived from Vitamin-A. Sometimes, oral antibiotics are required to further regulate bacteria, the most popular being Tetracycline. Severe cases of acne warrant a medication known as Accutane, which completely halts oil production. Without a trace of sebum, acne cannot form. This is prescribed when other conventional treatments have not worked and as a result the patient is suffering tremendously from the disorder.
When determining what treatment is best for you, you need to properly asses the severity of your acne. Whiteheads and blackheads which signal a more mild case of acne can typically respond well to over the counter products. Inflamed lesions like pustules and cysts should be examined by a dermatologist for proper treatment. Prescription medications are often the best course of treatment for this form of acne.
We are first going to start with over the counter products. A large portion of OTC acne creams and gels contain benzoyl peroxide, either by itself or with a number of other additives. This additive accomplishes two primary functions in the treatment of acne. First, it targets the p. acnes bacteria which allow inflamed lesions to form. Second, it helps the skin eliminate the main cause of acne, which is dead cells plugging pores.
Benzoyl peroxide is just as effective in low concentrations as it is in higher ones. You will experience more irritation with the 10% cream than you will with its 5% cousin, without any added benefits. This is fine if you use moisturizer, however, it doesn't make much sense to up the concentrations. Bottom-line: stick to the 2.5% form. Some other popular products in acne treatments are sulfur and salicylic acid. These act in much the same way as benzoyl peroxide and are also good choices.
Dermatologists generally prescribe patients multiple medications. The topical medications they prescribe are designed to control acne bacteria and help improve skin cell turnover. For the bacteria, they often recommend medications such as Erythromycin and even benzoyl peroxide. Skin cell turnover is improved with topical retinoids like Retin-A which are derived from Vitamin-A. Sometimes, oral antibiotics are required to further regulate bacteria, the most popular being Tetracycline. Severe cases of acne warrant a medication known as Accutane, which completely halts oil production. Without a trace of sebum, acne cannot form. This is prescribed when other conventional treatments have not worked and as a result the patient is suffering tremendously from the disorder.
When determining what treatment is best for you, you need to properly asses the severity of your acne. Whiteheads and blackheads which signal a more mild case of acne can typically respond well to over the counter products. Inflamed lesions like pustules and cysts should be examined by a dermatologist for proper treatment. Prescription medications are often the best course of treatment for this form of acne.
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