About Proven Acne Treatments

Acne represents the most common skin condition in America, with up to 50 million acne sufferers. Mostly teenagers spend at least $1.2 billion fighting pimples each year in America, according to the American Academy of Dermatology or AAD. Although there's no instant cure for the condition, proven acne treatments include over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and physical procedures.

Cause and Effect

Male hormones, such as testosterone, drive acne outbreaks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Hormones cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to over-produce sebum, a type of skin oil, which then clogs pores and encourages the growth of bacteria. Since the body begins to produce those hormones, known as androgens, in the early teenage years, teenagers suffer from pimples more frequently than other age groups.

Non-Prescription Products

Benzoyl peroxide, which the AAD claims is the most effective of the over-the-counter acne treatments, works by killing bacteria that causes acne, and by clearing pores to prevent pimples from forming. Other proven acne medications available without a prescription include products containing resorcinol and salicylic acid. The AAD warns against using products labeled as herbal or organic, as the effectiveness of these products has not been proven.

Prescription Medications

Proven prescription medications for acne include topical tretinoin, best known as the brand-name product Retin-A, which helps the pores shed blockages. Dermatologists may also consider prescribing oral antibiotics, which fight infection by acne-causing bacteria.
In cases where acne is particularly stubborn, your dermatologist could prescribe isotretinoin, a powerful medication that can clear severe acne, but which carries a risk for serious side effects. Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or nursing, as it could cause birth defects.
According to the AAD, isotretinoin side effects could include severe chest or abdominal pain, severe headache, trouble swallowing, blurred vision, dizziness, bone or joint pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, dryness of the eyes and nose, depression or thinning hair.

Laser and Other Procedures

Dermatologists often recommend physical procedures to curb acne. Several different types of lasers, including diode lasers and pulsed dye lasers, can help clear pimples by shrinking the sebaceous glands. Blue LED light therapy kills the bacteria that contributes to acne, notes the AAD, leading to gradual clearing.
Some large acne cysts may require surgical draining and extraction if these fail to respond to prescription medications.

Considerations

While mild acne cases can be treated with proven over-the-counter medications, most people with moderate to severe acne will require a dermatologist's help. Since severe acne can cause scarring, dermatologists urge those with bad acne to seek help sooner, which may prevent scars from forming. If you think you fall in this category, consult with a dermatologist.