There are a large number of acne treatments to choose from these days. These treatments can be classified into two different types, topical acne treatments (these are applied to the affected areas of the skin) and oral acne treatments which are medicines taken by mouth. Milder types of acne can often be treatable with over-the-counter products, but more aggressive types of acne may need treating with prescription medicines. It is advisable to start using the treatments as soon as possible, early treatment can make acne scars less likely to occur.

Topical Acne Treatments

These are usually creams which the patient applies to the affected areas of skin. Topical products include topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics. Topical benzoyl peroxide is most often used for treating mild to moderate types of acne, topical antibiotics can also be used for treatment of mild to moderate acne. Topical retinoids are frequently used in the treating of moderate types of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is frequently the best acne product to begin with as an acne treatment. It comes in a selection of different strengths and is most often applied to the affected areas twice daily. It can occasionally cause dry and irritated skin, applying the medication less frequently then building up to the full dose can often help to get around this problem.

Oral Acne Treatments

Oral acne treatments like antibiotics, retinoids, and hormone pills are used for cases of moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin is often used in the treatment of severe cystic acne. The action isn’t completely understood yet, but it is believed to act by reducing the size of and the amount of sebum output by the sebaceous glands. Women who can become pregnant should not take this medication without contraception, since isotretinoin can have serious side effects on pregnant women and their unborn children.

Availability of Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide can normally be purchased over-the-counter. Topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics and hormone pills usually require a prescription.

Herbal Treatments

Many people favour the use of herbal acne treatments, of which there are several available. A few of these are:

-Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is said to have anti-bacterial properties and is normally applied topically when it has been diluted to a concentration of 5-15 per cent.

-Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract, like tea tree oil, is believed to have anti-bacterial properties.

-Olive Leaf Extract

Extracts of olive leaf also are believed to have anti-microbial properties.

-Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract has antioxidants and bioflavonoids which are believed to be useful in treating acne.

Nutritional Changes

It has been said that a change in a person’s daily diet can help to prevent outbreaks of acne. Reducing the intake of junk food and refined foods and increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables and wholefoods has been said to reduce acne. Increasing the consumption of zinc and antioxidants has also been purported as being useful in preventing acne.

See the author’s site for more information on which is the best acne treatment.

Mild or moderate acne is usually better with creams and ointments for topical use. The most severe cases of acne can be treated in a variety of alternatives, including antibiotics both orally and in topical creams, ointments are also used, and there is also the alternative to physical treatments, whether peeling, the drainage or chemical exfoliation.

Physical treatments must be performed by a dermatologist either exfoliation or other alternatives. Pop the kernels is a form of physical treatment, but it is a clear example of an unfortunate physical treatment.

As mentioned, the kernels explode all that occurs is that acne is extended, as the bacteria spread to neighboring areas, and can also create brands which are very difficult to remove. Physical treatments in controlled environments (in consultation with the doctor) decrease the risk of infection appears more or trademarks, and also increases the options for a better outcome with treatment.

Exfoliation

The first layer of skin or peel can be removed either by chemical means or by abrasion. In chemical peeling is used usually salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These products work by destroying a microscopic layer of skin cells, helping to unblock pores and remove dead growth of epithelial cells.

The same effect can be achieved using an abrasive cloth or a liquid applied in areas with lesions. Chemical treatments with glycolic acid is recommend every two to four weeks for a period of six months in the case of treatments with salicylic acid abrasion is more moderate and even included in the non-prescription medicines that can be purchased at any pharmacy . These medications can be used daily.

Extraction of blackheads and white dots

The comedones (blackheads and white dots) can be extracted by a dermatologist using sterile instruments. An anesthetic cream is applied around the area to be treated and then the comedones are extracted using a tool shaped like a pen, which opens the upper end of the lesion and allows the output and removing the dead cells that were stuck inside the pore, and the output of sebum.

As a complement to treatment is then applied an antibiotic cream to avoid any infection. It is important not to try this at home, bursting or squeezing the pimples, as this may cause a higher infection and which are permanent marks.

Drainage

Severe acne can sometimes result in the formation of cysts under the skin. These cysts can be painful and disfiguring his face. Smaller cysts can be treated with injections of cortisone to crush injuries in a couple of days. Larger cysts may need to be drained before it can be removed surgically. Drainage can help relieve pain associated with cysts and also reduces the possibility that the patient stay with brands.

This procedure is always done in consultation with the dermatologist sterile instruments. It is important not to try to repeat this process at home as it could cause a severe infection in the area manipulated, and also may cause marks to be made permanent.

Light and laser therapy

The light and laser therapy is sometimes used to fight bacteria that cause acne. It is especially useful for treating acne that develops in areas difficult to reach, but there is the problem that is only a short term solution because it does nothing to reduce the production of sebum or the accumulation of dead skin cells .

Laser therapy is useful for treating the scars caused by acne. Can be used for superficial scars level, and for brands that are located on a deeper level of epithelial tissue, which are caused by more severe cases of acne.

Much research is ongoing on the use of lasers for treating acne. Various approaches are being explored as possible, remove the bag of the follicle that produces hair, attacking the gland that produces sebum, or oxygen to form within the bacteria to thereby kill all bacteria present.

Not enough data to firmly assert that the treatment of acne through the laser will not cause any permanent damage to the skin, but it has been shown to be safe and good alternative.