The Best Acne Treatments Available

For most people, acne is a nuisance. It is a harrowing skin condition due to the overproduction of oil by the skin's oil glands. The oil that usually lubricates the skin gets enmeshed in blocked oil ducts and causes skin swellings such as pimples, dark formations of blackheads, and bumpy whiteheads on the skin's surface. Sometimes, acne also contains cavernous skin abrasions known as cysts that contain ooze or semi-solid substances.

Acne sprouts from the areas of the skin that has a large amount of oil glands. They can be found at the face, back, shoulders, and chest. In fact, acne can last up from three to 12 years. Women who have irregular periods and have a lot of facial and body hair are prone to acne. But the grimmest cases of acne tend to occur in men as their male hormones are responsible for stimulating acne formation.

Various acne treatments

There are numerous cures pertaining to acne treatment. Some of them can be prescribed by a dermatologist called medical treatments while others can try over the counter treatments. Actually, it all depends on the type of skin. Over the counter medications can range from cleansers to toners, soaps to creams, lotions to moisturizers.

* Medical treatment

It is wise to consult a dermatologist about medical treatments. The dermatologist can discuss about the medical treatments available. Depending on the type of acne and the seriousness of the condition, the dermatologist may recommend a topical treatment, an internal medication, acne surgical treatment, or a combination of these treatments.

Most prescribed topical treatments for acne are akin to those that can be grabbed over the counter. The only difference is that the prescription ointments, creams, and gels typically contain a more powerful dose of the active ingredient. These include any treatment that has salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulphur as the major active ingredient. Also, most dermatologists prescribe oral antibiotics for internal medication. These antibiotics have an anti-inflammatory component that can aid in healing swelled acne.

* Over the counter remedies

Over the counter acne medications can be found in any local apothecary. These over the counter treatment products are not that expensive in terms with prescription medicine and they often generate good results.

Benzoyl peroxide is definitely one of the most common and effective over the counter acne treatments. It seeps through the skin and exterminates the bacteria responsible for the acne eruption. It also unclogs skin pores and reduces acne growth.

Resorcinol and sulfur are other acne treatments which are available over the counter. These ingredients help in the lessening of excess oil. Salicylic acid is also known for effectively removing blackheads, whiteheads and dead skin cells.

* Home remedies for acne

While medical and over the counter acne treatments are great options, one can also treat acne by using home remedies.

Lemon juice and rose water are effective in treating acne. Lemon juice is a natural anti-bacterial agent. Rose water, which is squeezed from rose petals, also has anti-bacterial properties. Both ingredients, when combined, act as skin toner and are useful in alleviating acne inflammation.