Overview
Acne is caused when excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells clog a pore and cause bacteria to grow, which in turn causes the pore to swell and become a pimple, blackhead or whitehead. There are many treatments available to treat acne and it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you to keep breakouts from getting worse. The medication you use will depend on whether your skin is too oily or too dry, or whether you have mild or severe acne. Always do your research first or talk to a dermatologist about the best way to get your breakouts under control.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a multi-use acne treatment that is particularly good for people with oily skin. Lower doses of it can be purchased at any drug store, but higher doses require a prescription. Benzoyl peroxide works by drying out pimples and causing the skin to peel. It also reduces the amount of bacteria on the skin. However, benzoyl peroxide can sometimes be too drying, so it should be used in moderation. It can also bleach hair and clothes, so be careful when using it.
Salicylic Acid
Like benzoyl peroxide, low-dose salicylic acid is available at the drug store, while higher doses require a prescription. Salicylic acid causes dead skin cells to properly and quickly shed and prevents the pores from getting clogged and infected with bacteria. It’s also effective in treating blackheads and whiteheads, as well as pimples. Salicylic acid is also commonly used to treat dandruff, psoriasis and warts. It has a tendency to sting and dry out skin, so use it in moderation if it’s causing irritation.
Differin
Differin is used for more moderate to severe acne, and is available only with a prescription. It works in the way many other acne treatments do, by clearing dead skin cells out of the pores and preventing bacteria from growing. It can be extremely drying and isn’t recommended for daily use initially. It can also cause more breakouts in the beginning as the skin gets used to the treatment.
Retin-A
Retin-A is another common treatment that requires a prescription. It’s made from vitamin A and is usually applied as a cream; once it absorbs into the skin, it strengthens and thickens the tissues, increases blood vessel development, decreases clogged pores and makes the cells divide faster. It can cause burning, itching, peeling and redness.
Accutane
Accutane is available by prescription only and is used to treat severe, persistent acne. It works by reducing oil production, decreasing cell build-up and bacteria and reducing inflammation. Accutane is used especially for cystic and nodular acne. Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, women must pledge not to become pregnant while taking it and take monthly pregnancy tests. Because of the potentially severe side effects, it is usually considered a last-resort treatment.
