Millions of people around the world fight the battle against one common enemy Acne. Acne breakouts are known to not only cause physical problems but also psychological discomfort. Acne is generally caused due to the excessive secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands. The oil clogs the pores of the skin and along with hair follicles they create the perfect germination ground for the acne causing bacteria.
There are various types of acne, and acne treatments and medications depend on the type and severity of acne. Some of the common types of acne are pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and cysts. Acne breakouts are not just limited to the face, it can erupt anywhere in the back, chest, genitals, or scalp. This disorder is also not just limited to the teenagers, but can also appear among adult men and women in their late twenties or thirties.
The market is flooded with a wide variety of acne medications that promise to clear off acne and acne marks. However, you must be careful before opting for acne medication. The acne medicine that works for your friend or relative may not work for you. This is mainly because different people have different types of skin. The chemicals present in the acne medications may not suit every skin type.
It is very important to consult a doctor before choosing a particular acne medication. Also remember that it is not necessary for the acne treatment medication to be expensive to show results. Many people believe that expensive acne medications are more effective. But this is not true. Give your acne medication some time to show results. Don’t expect it to clear your acne overnight. Have patience and let the medication do its work.
Acne Treatments
Acne medications are generally divided into four different categories which include prescription medicines, over-the-counter topical medicines, herbal therapies, and home made remedies.
The prescription acne medications are those that are prescribed by a qualified dermatologist. They must be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Accutane was considered the most recommended acne medicine in this category, however the drug has been removed from the market due to serious side effects such as suicide. Dermatologists now recommend other acne medications such as Benzamycin, Retina A, Renova, Benzaclin, Tazorac, etc. These can have harmful side effects as well. Retinoids can cause permanent liver damage.
When it comes to over-the-counter topical medicines, the most effective acne medications are the ones containing benozyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Both these chemical substances are known to effective help in clearing acne. However benzoyl peroxide has been linked to sun damage and cancer with use over a prolonged period.
Herbal acne remedies, like medications take time to show result but are free from any sort of side effects. Homeopathic remedies have an unknown effectiveness, but direct solutions of herbs such as Tea tree oil and Green tea are very effective in the treatment of acne.
Homemade acne remedies can really help clear your skin as well. Lemon juice, honey, oatmeal, nutmeg, goats milk, apple cider vinegar, potatoes, and garlic have all shown excellent results when used regularly to treat skin problems.
