What is an Effective Acne Treatment?

A large percentage of teens suffer with acne and a small percentage of adults as well and are all looking for the most effective acne treatment available. Acne can be a serious problem for those who are afflicted with it, causing greasy skin, blackhead, red or yellow spots, deep lesions, and scarring. While they are many things that you can do to help your acne problem, let’s first talk about what you need to know about acne. The number one no is picking or squeezing the pimples. This only causes further damage and definitely leads to scarring. There are some medications that promote acne, such as epilepsy medicine and steroids; and it has been shown that some contraceptive pills ad to acne; so speak to your doctor about this. There are also some cosmetics that make acne worse.

What causes acne?
First off - Acne is not caused by a poor diet or poor hygiene habits but does not help the matter. Secondly, acne can be hereditary. We all have glands that secrete oil and keep the skin smooth and nourished.  These are called sebaceous glands.  People with acne seem to have sensitivity to testosterone, which is found in both sexes, and this triggers the sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum and become overactive. Another leading cause of acne is that the dead skin cells are not shedding properly and clogging up the pores or the hair follicles. As a result, oil builds up and cause blackhead and whiteheads to form. This build-up of oil creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow (Propionibacterium acnes). The skin becomes inflamed and even cysts can develop beneath the surface.

How do I find the cause of my acne problem?
For a true diagnosis of your particular problem and the most effective acne treatment, you should see a dermatologist. He or she will be able to tell you what type of acne you have after examining you and taking a medical history.

What are effective treatments for acne?
There are a variety of treatments to treat acne. These are not cures; they simply control the symptoms. Most doctors prescribe a medication and give it a six-week trial period to see if it is most effective treatment for the patient. Whatever treatment your doctor prescribes, it is also important to keep all areas of the face clean. Wash twice a day with a gentle cleaner that has no perfumes. Do not scrub the face.
•    There are many acne medications sold over the counter.  These all have antibacterial agents, (benzoyl peroxide). Two well-known products are Clearasil Max and Oxy. These are effective for treating mild acne as they dry the skin, causing the dead skin to shed, which unclogs the pores. For more severe acne, doctors may prescribe a preparation with benzoyl peroxide. You may experience redness at first with these medications, but this usually subsides with extended use. You must realize that these medications are not miracle cures; you need to be patient as these take weeks or months to work.

Many other medications need to be prescribed by a doctor.
•    Azelaic acid may not make your skin as red as benzoyl peroxide.
•    Retinoids dry up the outer layer of skin.
•    Clindamycin or erythromycin are antibiotic lotions and controls the bacteria, Propionibacterium.
•    The antimicrobial ingrediant combined with other acne medication is effective in acne treatment.
•    Medicines with vitamin A are prescribed in cream form.
•    Antibiotics, such as tetracycline are also used to treat acne.
•    Some oral contraceptives help women with acne. A combination ethinylestradiol with cyproterone acetate suppresses testosterone and sebum production
•    Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid, also available as a cream dries up oily secretions. This drug can have serious side effects and must be monitored by a doctor.