Pimples almost never affect your overall health, but a bad case of acne can have devastating effects on your life. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, so-called "common acne" afflicts up to around 85 percent of teens each year, potentially causing scars and drops in sufferers' self-esteem. Galderma S.A., a drug manufacturer, makes two different types of acne medications.
Causes
To treat acne, you need to address its root causes, which usually include excess skin oil and bacterial infection, according to MayoClinic.com. The excess oil produced by your skin can help to plug your pores, which then enables bacteria to colonize the pore, causing infection. Galderma's two prescription acne treatment products address excess oil, clogged pores and infection.
Features
Both of Galderma's acne treatments, Differin and Epiduo, are sold by prescription only. They each contain adapalene, a drug that helps to remove the clogs in your pores, according to Drugs.com. Epiduo also contains benzoyl peroxide, an acne treatment used to curb bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide also helps to reduce the oil on your skin.
Usage
Users generally apply Galderma's products Differin and Epiduo once every day in the evening, according to Drugs.com. Using more of the products than your doctor has prescribed won't help improve your acne any faster, and may irritate your skin. When applying either Differin or Epiduo, you should spread a thin layer across the entire area of skin affected by pimples.
Side Effects
Both Galderma products include the potential to cause side effects. The ingredient adapalene in Differin and Epiduo can cause mild stinging, burning, tingling or itching, especially during the first two weeks of use, according to Drugs.com. The benzoyl peroxide found in Epiduo also causes irritation and skin reddening in users, especially in the first month of use.
Considerations
You should take care while using Galderma acne treatment products not to cause additional irritation to your skin, especially during that critical first month while your skin adapts to treatment. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you always should avoid scrubbing your face or using harsh cleansers, since these can cause additional pimples to appear.
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