The best acne treatments and prescriptions are really dependent on the person. Factors like the severity of acne, skin type and efficacy of previous treatments often dictate what works best for you. Some products help to reduce excess oil and remove dead skin that can clog pores. Others cause cellular turnover and lessen inflammation that can speed the healing of acne lesions. The varying effects of acne treatments can make it valuable to consult a dermatologist when more moderate to severe acne is a recurrent problem.
Retinoids With Antibiotics
Topical prescriptions containing a retinoid and an antibiotic are one of the more effective forms of treatment, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. The combined effects of both medications make them more successful than when used separately. While the retinoid works to reduce the obstruction in the pores, the antibiotic kills the bacteria causing the infection.
Benzoyl Peroxide With Antibiotics
The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends a topical prescription that combines an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide. Much like the previous acne treatment, the two agents are often more successful when used together than apart. Besides killing bacteria, drying excess oil and shedding dead skin, benzoyl peroxide coupled with erythromycin or clindamycin reduces bacterial resistance. Without the peroxide, the antibiotics become less effective with subsequent use, and are therefore no longer an acne treatment option for you.
Retinoids
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can often treat acne with retinoids alone. Tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene are the three topical retinoids commonly prescribed by doctors and dermatologists. Regardless of the prescription, this medication reduces obstructions while encouraging cellular turnover, which reduces inflammation and speeds the healing of acne lesions.
Salicylic Acid
Not as effective as a retinoid or as a retinoid combined with an antibiotic, salicylic acid can also help treat acne. Available in both prescription and nonprescription strengths, it helps to dry excess oil, remove dead skin cells and even kill bacteria. If your skin is unable to tolerate retinoids and other prescription medications, salicylic acid is a viable treatment option.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Much like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide can effectively treat acne on its own, asserts the Mayo Clinic. It is available in both prescription and nonprescription strengths. Benzoyl peroxide helps to dry excess oil, remove dead skin cells and kill bacteria, which can improve the appearance of the skin.
Oral Contraceptives
Women have an additional option available in the form of oral contraceptives. When acne develops as a result of hormonal changes, oral contraceptives are likely to improve the complexion by balancing the hormone levels. The American Academy of Dermatology states that the FDA has approved two types of oral contraceptives for acne treatment: norgestimate with ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate with ethinyl estradiol.
Member Comments