Acne Treatments – How To Get Rid of Acne

Acne is an extremely common skin condition that affects a large percentage of the population. Acne is most common in teenagers aged around 14-19, however, people in their 20′s and 30′s sometimes still suffer from the condition.

Acne is caused by inflammation of the small oil glands and hair follicles. This results in pimples appearing on the face, chest and back. Both men and women are equally likely to have acne. Generally, the most severe cases of acne peak in people at around 17-19.

What Are The Causes of Acne?

Acne is usually caused by an increase of androgen hormones during puberty. The higher hormone levels cause the sebaceous glands in the hair follicles produce excessive sebum. If too much sebum is produced then extra cells block the opening of the hair follicles. The blockages cause mild forms of acne and blackheads to appear.

Acne Treatments

There are two main forms of acne treatments. Topical treatments are applied to the skin and oral medicines are taken by mouth. Mild acne usually responds to topical treatments, however more serious cases of acne may require prescription medicines.

Home and Over-The-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter treatments are suitable for mild types of acne. You can buy these products from your pharmacist without the need for a prescription. Here are some of the more popular types of over-the-counter treatments.

Skin cleaners – skin cleansers are available over the counter and are useful in the treatment of mild acne. Some of the more popular skin cleansers on the market are Oxy and Clearasil max.

Benzoyl peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide contains antibacterial properties that help to decrease the amount of bacteria on the skin. This will help shed any excess skin and unblock hair follicles and decrease skin oiliness.

Topical Prescription Treatments

Topical prescription treatments are suitable for anybody suffering from moderate to severe acne. Topical treatments are applied to the skin. Your doctor will be able to recommend which of the following treatments are best suited to you

Topical Retinoids – Topical retinoids clear follicles and cells. They are chemically related to vitamin A and are not to be used during pregnancy and are available only on prescription.

Topical Antibiotics – Topical antibiotics are applied to the skin in order to reduce bacteria and sebum. They are not used to treat blackheads or whiteheads but pus-filled spots.

Oral Prescription Medicines

Oral prescription medicines are suitable for moderate to severe acne sufferers. Again, oral prescription methods are only available from your doctor.

Oral Antibiotics – Oral antibiotics are prescribed for moderate to severe acne. Treatment with these usually continues for months, often in combination with products meant for topical application.

Oral Antibiotics – Oral antibiotics are often used in combination with topical treatments. Oral antibiotics are usually used for months in order to see the best results.

Isotretinoin - Isotretinoin is prescribed for the most severe forms of acne. Isotretinoin is a chemical relative of Vitamin A and helps to reduce sebum and results in fewer skin bacteria. Isotretinoin is not usually used in combination with topical acne treatments.

Hormone contraceptive pills – Hormone contraceptive pills are used by females and these help regulate hormones that are responsible for greasy skin acne and acne.

It is important to remember that acne treatments can take time to work. You should not stop using an acne treatment if you don’t see an instant effect. During the initial stages of some acne treatments you might find that your skin dries out, however, your skin will usually adjust after some time. If your acne does not get any better then talk your doctor or pharmacist.