Acne can be distressing and lower your self esteem. There can be many causes of acne. Hormones can play a large role, which is why it is so common in teenagers. Other common causes include pregnancy, menstrual cycles and birth control pills. Severe forms of acne can cause permanent scars. There are many options available to heal acne.
Step 1
Start with over-the-counter treatments. These treatments are milder than prescriptions and may be all you need to heal the acne. Over-the-counter medications generally work to dry up excess oil, kill bacteria or promote sloughing of dead skin cells. There are a few types of treatment to try such as medications containing benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or lactic acid.
Step 2
Visit your doctor or dermatologist to discuss prescription treatment options. Your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics to fight inflammation and kill bacteria. Prescription lotions---such as Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac---are also an option. Many of these products are derived from vitamin A and help promote cell turnover. Women can consider oral birth control pills containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol to help improve their acne. Your doctor may recommend a combination of multiple treatments.
Step 3
Ask your doctor about Accutane for severe cystic acne. This medication is reserved for treatment-resistant cases, as it has the potential to cause severe side effects. Accutane can cause severe birth defects, so women are advised to stay on birth control during the course of treatment through an FDA-approved monitoring program. Other side effects include nosebleeds, sun sensitivity, dryness, itching, muscle aches and poor night vision. Accutane can also cause an increased risk of depression and suicide.
Step 4
Consider cosmetic procedures to help control or heal acne. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are examples of cosmetic procedures that can be used in conjunction with other treatments. Chemical peels use agents such as glycolic acid to loosen blackheads and decrease papules. Microdermabrasion involves blowing crystals onto the skin that work to "polish" the skin's surface. The crystals and excess skin cells are removed via a vacuum tube.
Step 5
Ask your dermatologist if drainage and extraction, or acne surgery, is a viable solution to your acne. This procedure properly drains acne using a sterile technique, decreasing the chances of scarring and pain. Another option to ask your dermatologist about is laser and light treatments that target P. acnes, one of the bacteria that causes acne.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter acne medication
- Prescription acne medication
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