Acne Treatment for All Stages of Acne

 

Modern dermatology offers acne treatment for all stages of acne. Treatments may initially include one or a combination of topical and oral medications. The best acne treatments inhibit sebum production, limit bacterial growth, and encourage shedding of skin cells to unclog pores. Washing with soap and water usually isn’t enough to eliminate acne, however, some cleansers contain topical ingredients for treating acne. Mild acne is typically treated with topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or sulfur, among others. They help to destroy bacteria associated with acne and must be used consistently to prevent acne from returning.

Oily skin is a major cause of acne. At home acne treatments include regular face washing every morning, evening, and after heavy activity. However, overwashing may produce more oil because it stimulates oil production glands. Keeping skin moisturized also helps to produce less oil.

Initially, topical retinol gels or creams are used to prevent more pimples from forming. They must be used consistently, and cause increased cell turnover to unblock pores. Topical acne treatments can also clear up moderate to severe acne, and can be used in combination with other topical and oral treatments. Topical antibiotic treatments are available in gels, creams, lotions, and other solutions, but they typically only address surface acne and not acne that is deep-seated in glands.

Oral medications for the treatment of acne typically include a number of antibiotics such as azithromycin, minocycline, doxycycline and sulfamethoxazole, among others. Some antibiotics are also anti inflammatory and are effective against combating bacteria. They are usually combined with topical treatments for greater effectiveness.

There are some prescription drugs that are used to address severe acne that have not responded to earlier treatments. There are potential side effects and health risks associated with some of them, as with many prescription drugs.

Acne treatments for all stages of acne is dependent on what causes it, and which available treatments work best for you. Acne is a common skin condition that affects a large percentage of teenagers, and continues into adulthood for a small number of people. It can lead to permanent scarring if not treated, even in cases of mild acne.

There are two types of acne: comedonal consisting of white heads and black heads; and inflammatory consisting of pustules, papules, nodules or cysts. They both begin in hair follicles and oil glands when the pores clog with dead skin cells or oil. Inflammation occurs when bacteria multiplies in the pore and leads to redness and swelling. Acne most commonly appears on the face, chest and back, but can occur anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles.

Acne treatments for all stages of acne are constantly being developed. Newer treatments include chemical peels and laser dermatology treatments for patients with oily skin. Both are non-invasive and can reduce pore size as well as improve skin texture. They can help to improve the overall look of skin. Experienced dermatology experts can develop a treatment program to help the skin feel and look better today.