If you're struggling with acne, you may be wondering what your options are for treatment. While there are many acne treatments available, a few have been able to stand the test of time and prove effective for many years. Whether you're looking for a simple drugstore product or a powerful prescription acne medication, there is something out there for you. Three of the top acne treatments that have been used for many years are isotretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a powerful oral drug prescribed for severe or persistent acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet, isotretinoin is the most effective acne treatment available because it focuses on all the factors that put a person at risk for acne---excess oil production, clogged pores, inflammation and bacteria. A course of isotretinoin treatment consists of taking one or two pills per day for up to four or five months. One course of treatment is often all that is needed for a permanent remission of acne. Isotretinoin cannot be taken by everyone due to the potential for serious side effects. These include severe pain in the chest or abdomen; severe headache; blurred vision; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; depression; thinning hair; and dryness of the skin, nose and eyes. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must use two reliable forms of birth control because of the high risk for severe birth defects associated with isotretinoin treatment.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is the most common ingredient found in over-the-counter acne products. Many of the best-selling acne systems contain benzoyl peroxide as the cornerstone of their product. Benzoyl peroxide is primarily effective at reducing bacteria and removing dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. It also has a drying effect on the skin, making it particularly useful if you have oily skin in addition to acne. However, if your skin runs on the dry side, you may find higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide too drying. Look for benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient in many OTC cleansers and creams.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is another commonly used ingredient in OTC acne products. Salicylic acid is primarily effective at treating small, noninflammatory acne lesions. It helps prevent uneven skin cell sloughing, which in turn prevents clogged pores. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid does not reduce bacteria or oil production. The primary side effect of salicylic acid use is mild skin irritation. Look for salicylic acid as the active ingredient in many OTC cleansers, lotions, astringents and masks.
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