Acne vulgaris is the scientific name for acne. Acne vulgaris encompasses many forms of acne, including comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pustules and papules, and more severe forms of acne, such as cysts and nodules. There are many skin products available on the market to treat acne, ranging from over-the-counter (such as salicylic acid) options, to more potent prescription treatments.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the first line of treatment for acne vulgaris. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid extracted from the bark of a willow tree. Once applied to a acne affected areas of the skin, it penetrates the pores and slows down the shedding of dead skin cells. This reduces the amount of dead skin cells available to combine with sebum oil and create plugs in the follicles.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide targets a bacteria known to contribute to infection and inflammation of acne called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The P. acnes bacteria is unable to survive in environments with high oxygen content. Benzoyl peroxide works by penetrating the pore and introducing oxygen to the bacteria, effectively killing it.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid can also be used to treat acne vulgaris. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, azelaic acid helps treat acne in three main ways: reducing the levels of P. acnes bacteria in the acne lesion, treating irregular skin cell shedding in the follicles and reducing inflammation.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics, such as erythromycin, may also be prescribed to treat acne vulgaris. Antibiotics can be used both topically and orally, and work by reducing the amount of P. acnes bacteria present in the acne lesions. This helps kill off the bacterial infection, which can help heal the acne.
Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids, such as isotretinoin, are also popularly used to treat acne vulgaris. Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A, and can work in several ways. For example, isotretinoin treats acne by shrinking the sebaceous glands, which reduces the overall production of sebum. It also helps keep skin dry to prevent the P. acnes bacteria from overpopulating the skin. It can also help reduce inflammation in inflammatory acne lesions.
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