Acne, a condition long associated with hormonal surges in adolescence, can actually persist into adulthood or even begin in middle age. Four factors contribute to the development of acne blemishes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The cycle begins when your body secretes excess oil and that oil accumulates to clog skin pores. Bacteria infect the oil plugs, causing inflammation in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and pus-filled cysts. Anti-acne treatments address one or more parts of this acne cycle.
Prevention
A good anti-acne regimen starts with preventive measures. Wash your face once or twice a day with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm water, the AAD recommends. Avoid excess scrubbing as well as any foods that seem to make your acne worse. If you decide to wear makeup, choose products labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.
Mild Acne
Mild acne responds best to topical gels, creams, solutions and lotions, according to the AAD. Some are available over the counter, but your doctor may prescribe products containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, salicylic acid or retinoids, which dry up excess oil, kill bacteria and help remove dead skin cells.
Moderate to Severe Acne
Oral antibiotics are the best treatment for moderate to severe acne, as well as acne that doesn't go away with topical treatments, and acne on large areas of the body, according to the AAD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has approved doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline as anti-acne treatments. Your physician may prescribe a combination of oral antibiotics and topical products for best results. Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, may be effective against moderate to severe acne in women.
Severe Acne
Isotretinoin is the only medication approved by the FDA for the worst form of acne that causes pus-filled cysts, according to the AAD. Since this medication can cause severe birth defects if a woman takes it during pregnancy, all women of childbearing age have to register with the FDA's iPLEDGE monitoring program before a doctor can prescribe the drug.
Resistant Acne
If your acne does not respond to recommended treatments, your doctor may suggest laser treatments that damage the oil-producing glands, or light-based therapies that attack bacteria. Other office-based procedures such as chemical peels, chemical fillers and dermabrasion can make your acne scars less noticeable.
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