Acne can occur at any time of life, though it's most common in the teenager years. Women tend to suffer from acne more often as adults because of hormone fluctuations. In any case, acne can be treated in a variety of ways. Whether you opt for home remedies, over-the-counter treatments or prescription medications, there are acne treatments for all types of skin.
Home Remedies
Home remedy products that you buy or make yourself are sometimes all you need to treat acne breakouts. Tea tree oil is especially effective because it calms redness and irritation. Oatmeal is also useful as an acne mask. All you have to do is cook the oatmeal, let it cool, then apply to your face for 10 minutes before rinsing. This helps extract oil and bacteria from your pores.
Over-the-Counter Creams
Over-the-counter products are what most people reach for to treat blemishes. Popular brands include Clearasil, Oxy, Clean & Clear and Neutrogena. Popular ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or even fruit acids like glycolic acid. These treatments work by either killing acne bacteria and soaking up oil or helping dead skin cells slough off at a faster rate to prevent clogged pores. These products are affordable yet effective for mild to moderate acne.
Prescription Treatments
In cases of severe acne, it might be necessary to seek out prescription treatments or medications. Stronger concentrations of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid might be the first option, but if these don't work, a topical retinoid like Retin-A might be prescribed. These drugs are much stronger, and while effective at eliminating acne bacteria, they may leave your skin dry, itchy and red. For women, an oral contraceptive may be prescribed to regulate hormones. Antibiotics (topical or oral) are also sometimes used to kill bacteria. Accutane is prescribed in very serious cases, and while effective at getting rid of acne for good, it can cause severely dry skin, liver damage, depression, suicidal thoughts and birth defects.
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