Over-the-counter or non prescription products to help reduce acne can be purchased in creams, lotions, cleansers, pads or toners. Active ingredients in these products include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, sulfur or resorcinol. Benzoyl peroxide works by penetrating the skin pores, and eliminating the blemish causing bacteria that grows deep in the skin. Salicylic acid works by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. The facial cells are renewed quickly which helps to reduce future breakouts.
Many popular acne products contain benzoyle peroxide in amounts from 2.5% to 10%. Topical acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide include:
There is scientific research which demonstrates the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in reducing or eliminating acne in three to twelve weeks.
Acids can be purchased in peels including lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. If you have never used peels or can’t decide which might be the best for your acne, you can buy a peel kit sampler which contains enough product for several weeks of peels. Acids vary in strengths from .5% to 2%.
The dermatologist most prescribed treatment is Accutane. Accutane is one of the best for cystic acne. Usage of this product should not be taken lightly. It can cause terrible side effects sometimes worse than the original bad skin.
Renova and Retin A are also prescription medications. These products help clear the skin and reduce aging. However, they have not been proven to reduce acne. One of the downsides for usage is sunlight and other topical acne treatments must be avoided while using either of them.
Another method for treatment of acne is blue light therapy followed by red light therapy. The FDA approved narrow-band, high-intensity blue-light therapy for treating acne is now widely advertised. Blue light works by killing the acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes, and is being used to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris that has not responded to other acne therapies. Red light works to clear inflammations and lesions.
Acne develops when one or more of the following occurs: excess sebum production, rapid production of P. acnes, skin cells shed too quickly, and release of inflammatory substances. For treatment to work it must interfere with what is causing the acne. This is why the acne treatment prescribed by a dermatologist often requires patients to use more than one medication. Many acne suffers require a multi-targeted approach.
