Acne Medication
Acne is a skin disorder that affects millions of people each year.
While it is most common in teenagers that are going through puberty,
acne can affect almost anyone male or female at any age. Most acne
symptoms are usually mild in severity; however some people do
experience moderate or severe symptoms. While there is no cure for
acne, there are plenty of treatments available for all types and all
levels of severity. One of the ways to treat acne is through
medication. Medication that treats acne can either be over the counter
or require a prescription.
The most common types of medication available for acne include:
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the
most common and effective ways to treat common forms of acne. Benzoyl
peroxide is effective at treating mild to moderate forms of acne. It is
usually applied to the face daily and comes in a topical solution.
Products that use Benzoyl Peroxide as their active ingredient include;
Benoxl, Benzac and Clearasil. Benzoyl Peroxide usually works by
unclogging skin pores and neutralizing bacteria that cause bacteria. It
is an extremely affordable and effective treatment.
Salicylic Acid
This is another medication that
is used to treat common types of acne. This medicine works best with
mild to moderate forms of acne. It works by drying out the skin and
removing the top layer of the skin. It is available without a
prescription, but must be used as directed in order not to damage or
harm your skin. Some brand name Salicylic acid products include Propa
pH and Stri-Dex.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics come in either oral or
topical form. They work by killing the bacteria that cause acne,
specifically P. acne. Antibiotics require a prescription from your
doctor and can range in type and potency. Two common antibiotics used
for acne treatments include clindamycin and tetracycline. Antibiotics
are used to treat moderate to severe forms of acne.
Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids are often
used in conjunction with antibiotics. Topical retinoids help unclog
pores and allow antibiotics to easily enter the skin s pores and kill
bacteria feeding off of sebum. A few examples of topical retinoids are
tretinoin and tazarotene. Topical retinoids are usually prescribed to
treat moderate to severe forms of acne.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is an extremely potent
medication used to treat severe forms of acne. It is usually prescribed
under the name Accutane and while extremely effective at treating acne,
it can have adverse side effects. Isotretinoin is a prescription
medication that treats acne on many fronts. It is usually effective in
fighting the most stubborn and severe forms of acne.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone that can be
effective in treating moderate to severe forms of acne in women.
Estrogen works by countering the hormone testosterone. Testosterone can
be instrumental in over production of sebum (oil). Estrogen must be
prescribed by a doctor and usually comes in the form of birth control
pills.