Acne Treatments & Products

Acne causes great suffering for those afflicted with it, and needs to be treated as soon as possible. Early treatment should limit the severity of acne and prevent the physical and psychological scarring that may otherwise result.

Available treatments for acne today include medicated cleansers, exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, topical antibiotics, physical treatments, oral antibiotics, intralesional corticosteroids, hormonal therapy, systemic corticosteroids, accutane, and natural treatment formulas.

The major side effect of benzoyl peroxide arises from its drying properties. Even at the lowest concentrations, many users experience excessive peeling and, sometimes, rashes. Discontinue immediately if redness, itching, or excessive drying and peeling develop, and consult with a physician or dermatologist for alternative treatment measures.

Retin-A (tretinoin)

A derivative of vitamin A, (combination of retinoic acid and vitamin A acid), Retin-A is designed to treat acne, wrinkles, and sun damage.  It supposedly does this by unplugging follicles and turnover of dead skin cells. 

Retin-A is currently the most effective externally applied medication to rid the skin of comedones.  Not only does Retin-A eliminate existing blackheads and closed comedones, but it also prevents new ones from forming and thus alters the entire process that leads to the development of papules, pustules, and other inflammatory blemishes.

Most users will suffer some degree of stinging, redness, and peeling.

Topical antibiotic (e.g. clindamycin)

These kinds of externally applied antibiotics are formulated as water-alcohol solutions, creamy lotion, gels, and ointment.  They are applied directly to the skin and are very effective in mild-to-moderate acne and dry up pustules quickly.

Alcohol content in the solution causes some users dryness, peeling and itching.

Oral antibiotic (e.g. tetracycline pills)

Oral antibiotics are the usual treatment for moderate-to-severe acne, and a necessity to control severe acne in which there are deep papules, large pustules, and cysts. Tetracycline is the first oral antibiotic to be used to treat acne, also the most popular one. Side effects are sometimes a problem, including gastrointestinal upset, stomach irritation, swallowing discomfort and sun sensitivity. Women may develop vaginal yeast infection.

Hormone treatment

Androgens (male hormone) increase the size and oil production of the sebaceous glands, and contribute to the development of acne. Estrogens (female hormone) or anti-androgens block the action of androgens on the oil glands and thus help improve an acne condition.

These medications are usually restricted to severe acne cases. They do help acne, but risk multiple possible side effects, including nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, mood change, spotting , and blood vessel problems.

Accutane (Isotretinoin)
(common misspelling Isotetinoin)

Accutane is a powerful drug derived from vitamin A and normally prescribed only for severe acne where other treatments have failed.  Accutane is usually taken for 4-6 months and with it the most severe forms of acne can be controlled and even cured.

The downside to Accutane is the high occurrence of side effects, some very serious.  Potential side-effects include dry skin with itching and rash, eye irritation, liver and bone problems. For women, it may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and serious birth defects and malformations.

Because of the severity of certain side effects, Accutane is a potentially dangerous drug in unskilled hands - qualified medical supervision is essential to responsibly manage the attendant risks.

Accutane is best reserved to cases of severe acne with large papules and cysts that do not respond to other forms of treatment, and where pregnancy is neither present nor likely.

Salicylic Acid 

This is another widely used formula in controlling acne, especially preventing future breakouts.  Salicylic acid helps slow down the shedding of cells inside the follicle.  It is available in many over-the-counter treatments.

Sulfur 

Sulfur is used in acne control mainly to promote drying and peeling of the skin.  This may be good for eliminating existing acne but its effects on preventing future acne are questionable.

Herbal Remedies 

A relative newcomer to mainstream acne fighting are herbal remedies.  It is thought that certain herbs are effective in regulating oil levels and other bodily functions that pertain directly to acne.

e.g. Natural treatment product -  Dr. Zhao's 101E Acne Getaway

Developed by a dermatologist, Dr. Zhangguang Zhao, 101E Acne Getaway battles blemishes with a hydrolytic action. It hydrolyzes and drains the pores, thus preventing new pimples from forming, and its enhanced bacteria-killing properties help prevent acne from coming back.

Unlike most acne medications, which leave the skin dry and irritated, 101E Acne Getaway contains an anti-bacterial agent that moisturizes the skin while fighting bacteria. It is an optimized mixture of compounds extracted from natural medicinal plants. It is safe and has no side effects. 

Summary

Control of acne is an ongoing process. All acne treatments work by preventing new acne. Existing blemishes must heal on their own. Improvement takes time. If your acne has not improved after 6 to 8 weeks, you may need a change in your treatment.

See Recommended Acne Products for top rated OTC solutions. 

See Acne Product Reviews for detail about individual products.