While acne typically is a temporary cosmetic issue for most people, doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that acne can cause emotional trauma and permanent scarring. Adolescents are the most likely to develop acne that requires treatment, although women going through menopause and other adults with hormone imbalances also can struggle with bouts of acne and the accompanying lesions that can leave scars. There are a number of products available over-the-counter and through a doctor's prescription that can help to alleviate acne and acne scars.
OTC Topical Products
Topical creams help reduce acne by drying up the oil that causes the blemishes. Acne products also can increase the reproduction of skin cells and help to slough off dead skin that prevents new growth. You can also treat bacterial infections that irritate the oil glands and cause pimples with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend using OTC topical products that contain benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid and sulfur to treat mild acne. The OTC products are mild and generally help with less severe cases of acne. Topical OTC products can take up to four to eight weeks to show any improvement.
Prescription Topical Products
A physician or dermatologist can prescribe a topical product to clear up acne that doesn't respond to OTC products. Effective topical creams that are made from vitamin A include tretinoin, which comes in brand names such as Retin-A and Renova, and lotions made from adapalene. Mayo Clinic doctors report that patients often need more than one prescription lotion to clear up particularly stubborn acne. The Mayo Clinic also warns that prescription topical products may cause the acne to worsen before it clears up.
Injections
Doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology report that acne treatment products that are injected into the cysts can help to heal pimples that cause scarring. Inflamed cysts have a good chance of erupting and leaving a hole in the face. Cysts that are severely inflamed can be injected with a diluted solution of corticosteroids to promote faster healing. An injection into an acne lesion can clear up the pimple in as little as three to five days.
Cosmetic Surgery Products
Cosmetic surgery products used to treat acne and acne scars include laser light therapy and dermabrasion. Laser light products can destroy underlying oil production glands that cause acne while leaving little or no damage to the surface layers of skin. Light therapy also destroys bacteria that promote acne and can be useful in eliminating light acne scars. Dermabrasion and chemical peels utilize products that are typically used to reduce the appearance of fine lines on the face. The products can also be effective in controlling acne and removing acne scarring. The procedure removes most light scars, although patients may experience slight redness for a few days following any facial cosmetic procedures.
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