Every case of acne is different because everybody's skin is different. However, there are some treatments that have been shown to be highly effective at treating acne. Whether you have mild, moderate or severe acne, there is likely to be an acne treatment out there that will work for you. These acne treatments have been recommended and prescribed by dermatologists for years because of their high rate of effectiveness.
Benzoyl Peroxide
The majority of over-the-counter (OTC) acne products contain benzoyl peroxide as the main acne-fighting ingredient. Cleansers and creams commonly contain benzoyl peroxide in concentrations ranging from 2.5 percent to 10 percent. This key ingredient clears up blemishes by drying up excess oil, unclogging pores and fighting P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's Acne Net Website, the main side effect of benzoyl peroxide is over-drying of the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is often used by dermatologists as part of a treatment program to maximize the effectiveness of other medications, such as antibiotics.
Antibiotics
For more moderate to moderately-severe cases of acne, your dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic such as tetracycline. Antibiotics are administered in the form of a pill once or twice daily. Antibiotics fight the P. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation, making them highly effective at treating chronic acne. An antibiotic regimen typically lasts up to six months, starting with a higher dose and then tapering off. The downfall of antibiotic treatment is that the bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotics. If this happens, acne may begin to return. Combining topical benzoyl peroxide treatment with an antibiotic regimen may prevent this from happening.
Retinoids
Topical retinoids are often prescribed for moderate to severe acne. They work to slowly unclog pores and keep them unclogged, thus preventing further blemishes from forming. Sun sensitivity may occur with topical retinoid treatment. For severe chronic acne or cystic acne, an oral retinoid called isotretinoin may be prescribed. Isotretinoin unclogs pores, reduces excess oil production, fights bacteria and decreases inflammation. One four to five month course of treatment is often all that is needed to fully clear the skin. Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment available for acne, but is only used in severe cases due to the high risk of adverse effects. Depression, headache, bone and joint pain, trouble swallowing, drying of the skin and eyes, nausea and vomiting could occur with treatment. In addition, women are required to use two forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy due to the high incidence of birth defects associated with isotretinoin use.
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