Acne affects about 17 million Americans each year. In fact, it's a normal part of growing up. Everyone has sebaceous glands--glands that produce oil. Before people hit puberty, these glands are inactive. Once the body starts producing hormones, the sebaceous glands kick into gear. Pimples form when dead skin cells build up in the pores and develop into bumps. Whiteheads and blackheads are a result of oil getting trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Breakouts are unsightly, but can be easily treated with some over-the-counter products and medication.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most popularly used spot-on acne medications. Daniel Kern, founder of the Acne website, writes, "Benzoyl peroxide oxygenates skin. Acne bacteria cannot live in oxygenated environments." Benzoyl peroxide comes in formulations of 2.5, 5 and 10 percent.
Benzoyl peroxide can be extraordinarily drying. So it's best to start with the lowest dose, 2.5 percent. Apply to each blemish twice every day. Be sure to moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer after applying the medication.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid works by clearing the pores of dead skin cells. It also stunts the shedding of cells inside the hair follicle, preventing blockages, and consequentially, lesions from developing. Salicylic acid also helps break down whitehead and blackhead pimples. The National Institutes of Health reports, "Topical salicylic acid comes in several strengths, including certain products that are only available with a prescription. Topical salicylic acid may be used as often as several times a day or as infrequently as several times a week."
When it comes to determining the dose and strength that works for you, it's best to begin with the lowest dose, apply once in the morning and once at night. If after several weeks you do not see sufficient results, try the next dosage up. Adjust your regimen until you find a plan that works best for you.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol is used for breaking down hard, rough skin and works well on diminishing whiteheads and blackheads. When you use resorcinol, it is advised to avoid using abrasive soaps and cleansers, facial products made with alcohol, and other topical medications like benzoyl peroxide and Vitamin A acid, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some common side effects of resorcinol include redness and skin peeling.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic medication that can only be obtained by prescription. It's used to kill and stop the growth of bacteria. A doctor will prescribe this medication after you have tried other over-the-counter remedies. Clindamycin can quickly clear acne and prevent breakouts, but it only works for inflammatory acne, not blackhead or whitehead pimples. So pores still remain clogged.
Topical Retinoids
Healthcare South, a physician association in Massachusetts, reports that topical retinoids are an extremely effective acne medication. They works by preventing acne and treating existing acne. Retinoids prevents the shedding of dead skin cells in the hair follicle. Retinoids can be combined with prescription medications like antibiotics, and over-the-counter medications like benzoyl peroxide. Some brand name topical retinoids include Retin-A and Differin.
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