Acne blemishes form from overactive oil glands beneath the skin. Excess oil can clog pores creating a closed pustule, such as a whitehead, or an open plug, commonly referred to as a blackhead. Hormones can contribute to excess oil production, making acne most common in teenagers, pregnant women and premenstrual women. Treatments for acne range from mild at-home remedies to complicated cosmetic procedures.
Self-Care
Mild or infrequent acne often responds well to self-care and preventative measures. Washing your face with a mild soap twice daily keeps your skin clean and reduces your risk of clogged pores. Harsh cleansers can irritate acne-prone skin. Avoid using greasy cosmetics and lotions on your skin to prevent breakouts and avoid making existing acne worse. Products labeled as noncomedogenic will not clog pores and are the best choice if you feel you must use cosmetics or moisturizers. Use sunscreen if you must expose your face, shoulders and other acne-prone areas to the sun.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Topical over-the-counter lotions, creams and gels can help clear up breakouts and prevent new pimples before they surface. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur are common acne-fighting ingredients found in store-bought products. Start with one application per day and gradually increase the number of applications up to the maximum amount stated by the product's manufacturer. Topical acne medications can dry the skin and cause redness, stinging and peeling in some people.
Prescription Medications
Both oral and topical prescription medications can help fight moderate to severe acne. Prescription acne lotions often contain vitamin A derivatives that help promote cell turnover, reducing the chance of clogged pores. Benzoyl peroxide is often combined with topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin and erythromycin, in prescription lotions to fight bacteria on the skin.
Oral antibiotics can help fight inflammation and kill harmful bacteria that contribute to breakouts. Isotretinoin, or Accutane, is a prescription medication reserved for severe acne characterized by large, painful cysts. While isotretinoin is extremely effective in clearing up acne, the risk of serious side effects makes it a last resort treatment. Talk to your dermatologist if preventative measures and over-the-counter treatments fail to control your acne adequately.
Alternative Treatments
Some over-the-counter acne gels contain tea tree oil as an option for mild to moderate acne. While tea tree oil might take longer to produce noticeable results, it can be an option for people sensitive to other acne medications. Certain supplements and herbs might help fight acne in some people. While evidence isn't strong to support the use of supplements, some studies have found zinc, guggul and brewer's yeast to be beneficial for people who suffer from acne, according to MayoClinic.com. Laser and light-based therapies can damage the oil glands, prohibiting them from producing excess oil. Other types of light therapy aim to kill the bacteria that causes inflamed pimples and pustules.
Scar Treatment
Acne can leave behind scars. While most scars fade with time, you might wish to take steps to remove them or lessen their appearance, particularly if they are large or painful. Laser therapy removes the top layer of skin and stimulates new growth in deeper layers, which can reduce the appearance of scars. It can take several sessions before you notice a significant difference. Indented acne scars, also called icepick scars, can often be smoothed by a punch excision where a surgeon removes the scar tissue and then lifts the remaining skin. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments can help lighten red or dark scars.
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