Acne is a common skin issue that can occur for a variety of reasons including hygiene, hormones, bacteria, sebum production, skin irritation and issues with shedding dead skin cells. Whatever the contributing factors, acne, especially acne that occurs in prominent areas of the skin, can be embarrassing and even painful. Luckily, with acne being such a common problem, many treatment options are available to address the issue.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the most common forms of acne treatment. Found in many over-the-counter acne cleansing products, Salicylic acid works by penetrating blocked hair follicles on the face and facilitating in shedding dead skin cells. This can treat current acne outbreaks and help prevent future outbreaks by keeping the follicles free of dead skin cells.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is another typical acne treatment product. Also found in many over-the-counter acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into blocked pores. According to the Mayo Clinic, one major contributing factor to many acne outbreaks is the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, which thrive in environments that are without oxygen. By penetrating the follicle and introducing oxygen to the bacteria, benzoyl peroxide kills the acne-causing bacteria, helping to clear up the pore.
Sulfur
Sulfur is another typical acne-fighting product. Sulfur, which is commonly found in prescription and over-the-counter treatment products, works by drying out the skin. Drying the skin forces the outer layer of skin cells that are affected by acne to peel off. This also helps prevent oily buildup, which can combine with dead skin cells to plug follicles.
Retinoids
Retinoids are also commonly used to treat acne. Derived from vitamin A, these products come in prescription strength, as tretinoin or isotretinoin, and non-prescription strength, such as retinol. Retinoids work by correcting problems with the shedding of dead skin cells. This helps prevent dead skin cells from mixing with sebum and clogging the pores.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can also be used to treat acne. Antibiotics target and kill the P. acnes bacteria, which is often associated with serious acne outbreaks. These drugs are given only by prescription and are typically reserved for serious cases only to help prevent the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics.
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