Acne is an extremely common skin affliction affecting around 85% of teenagers and young adults as well as a significant proportion of adults.

With a plethora of acne information available, it may also be difficult to establish what is the right treatment and/or medication. In a previous article I suggested that as all of us are individuals, it is likely so to will the treatment for each person’s acne.

Let’s delve a bit further into treatments and medication. In the case of mild or even slightly worse acne, a good preventative and treatment regime if rigorously followed is often found to control the affliction.

However there are obviously sufferers with severe acne where over the counter or non prescription treatments have not had the desired impact. Whilst I would suggest in this instance finding a reputable dermatologist you will likely find that an acne treatment regime still has a place in assisting the overall treatment.

It would be extremely advisable for those prescribed medications for the more severe acne affliction to carefully research the medication prior to commencing. The clear example of this is the medication for “recalcitrant modular acne” being Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis & Sotret). The US Food and Drug Administration provides significant information in relation to this particular drug however in short it is known to cause birth defects and is being examined in relation to reports of suicide or suicidal thoughts associated with the use of the drug.

A Risk Management program called iPLEDGE in relation to this drug is in place with information and updates available.

The program is ensuring adequate controls are in place in relation to the use of this drug and the important message is “Do not purchase this drug over the internet”.

There are a range of prescribed medications available with those applied to the skin for more mild to moderate cases and oral medications for more severe.

Some of these include:

? Oral antibiotics
? Oral contraceptives
? Azelaic Acid
? Benzoyl peroxide
? Clindamycin
? Erythromycin
? Sodium sulfacetamide
? Tazarotene
? Tretinoin
? Adapalene

The message is still however to do the appropriate research as information on some drugs may change significantly over time.

Summary
Whilst medications are vital in the treatment of a significant number of conditions aside from acne, it is always wise to research the medication to allow a balanced approach or weighing up the benefits prior to commencing.

This is obviously extremely clear in the case of the drug Isotretinoin for severe acne.

There are several products that can be the best acne treatments depending on your situation.

Not all acne products will be the best acne treatments for you. For each individual, there will be something that does work and something that does not work for you. Each time that you attempt to treat your acne, you should carefully consider which options you have and then give them the best possible method of working. Acne is not fun and it can be very stressful to many young and old people.

What Products Do Work?

There are two main types of products to consider for the best acne treatment. First, you should consider natural acne treatments as these can often be the best for your body all around. They are usually full of necessary vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and acids to help your body to fight off this infection. Natural products are often the easiest products to use and for your body to tolerate.

Next, you may want to consider acne treatments that will help you through acne medications. These are chemicals and should be used only according to their manufacturer’s directions. Once you use them, you’ll see within a few days or a week if they are working for you. Acne medications can also come from your doctor in the way of hormone regulating products as well as antibiotics to treat the infections on your skin.

Now They Are Gone, But???

Once your acne begins to clear up you may be disappointed with the acne scars that are left behind. Before you begin to worry about these though, realize that you may be able to have acne scar removal techniques done. Some work through natural products others through chemical. There are even laser scare removal treatments that work very well for many individuals.

When you have acne, the best thing that you can do to begin to control it is to use acne cleansing and skin care products. Look for a good quality and even a natural skin care product to work for you. Then, use the acne medications and natural treatments that you find. You’ll find relief from your acne this way and find the best acne treatment for you.

There are a plethora of acne medications currently on the market. Some of these are prescription medications, such as accutane. Others are over the counter chemical compounds, such as benzoyl peroxide. There are even herbal based acne medications, such as tea tree oil. However, many of them are not as effective as advertised.
Part of the problem with finding the right acne medication is that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to acne. Different people respond differently to the various medications and treatments. However, there are several acne medications that have been clinically proven to be effective in treating acne, and these are the medications that will stop acne for most people.
Prescription Acne Treatments
Of the prescription medications, Accutane is one of the best. It is a chemical derivative of vitamin A, and is often referred to as the “miracle drug” for acne. Accutane is most effective in the treatment of severe cystic acne, and not to be taken lightly. For some people, the many side effects can be worse than the acne itself. However, this is one treatment that works.
Retin A and Renova are also prescription medications. These are topical derivatives of vitamin A, and are also good at clearing up fine lines, wrinkles, and slight skin discolorations. One of the biggest downsides is sunlight and other topical acne treatments must be avoided while using either of them. However, they are proven to reduce acne.
Birth control pills and antibiotics round out the acne medications most commonly prescribed. Birth control pills are used exclusively by women to help regulate hormones, and therefore lessen the hormonally related acne that many women experience. Antibiotics work by attacking the acne causing p.bateria as it grows deep in skin pores.
Over the Counter Acne Treatments
There are some over the counter acne treatments that work well. The two best are benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide works by penetrating the skin pores, and eliminating the acne causing bacteria that grows deep in the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is the most commonly used acne treatment because it is affordable, easily available, and nearly as effective as most prescription medication.
Salicylic acid works by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. This helps the skin renew itself faster, and decreases the chance for pore blockage and a subsequent acne breakout.
Herbal Acne Treatments
The vast majority of acne treatments fall under the heading of “herbal” acne treatments. The reason is because of the lack or regulation for herbal products. This can be very frustrating to the general consumer, because it is impossible to tell which herbal treatment will work to stop acne, and which ones will do very little at all.
Of every herbal treatment available, there are only 2 that are currently proven to stop acne. Tea tree oil will help get rid of acne, and so will green tea cream.
Tea tree oil is an oil derived from one tea tree plant that is unique to Australia. For several hundred years it was touted as a cure all, until penicillin was introduced to fight bacteria. However, tea tree oil has seen a recent revival due in part to study conducted in 1990 that proved it is as effective in treating acne as 5% benzoyl peroxide. Furthermore, it had none of the side effects that benzoyl peroxide does.
Green tea cream has been validated more recently, at the 2003 American Academy of Dermatology conference. It was proven that green tea is as effective in treating acne as a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution. Though the study has not been corroborated yet, it demonstrated that there is another herbal treatment besides tea tree oil.
These are some of the acne medications proven to work. For those who are experiencing acne, any of the aforementioned treatments would be well worth trying.
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and the editor of http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Acne can become a bothersome problem not only for teens but for adults as well. Many factors come into play for controlling acne and other skin problems and taking antibiotics for acne is one way to help combat this situation. Consulting with a dermatologist can provide answers and help to have improved and clearer-looking skin.

Some doctors will recommend that not all people need to take antibiotics for their acne and instead prescribe a selection of products for each skin problem. Mild acne is usually controlled by “over-the-counter” products that can be found at most pharmacies and do not require a prescription from a doctor. There is a large selection of products available but it is important to find a successful one and be constant in using it, above all because changing from product to product can cause a more dramatic skin problem. If the acne develops into a complicated skin problem or lasts for many weeks, consulting a dermatologist is recommended.

Dermatologists recommend Benzoyl Peroxide to help kill bacteria on the skin’s surface. Benzoyl Peroxide works as an antiseptic and helps to reduce the number of clogged pores. This method is successful in killing the existing acne but does not prevent new bacteria from growing. The most common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide are skin dryness or irritation. If this should occur, using a 5-10% solution should help to lessen the irritated area. Some people experience an allergy to Benzoyl Peroxide that can manifest itself as itchiness and redness. If an allergic reaction does occur, use a lower strength of Peroxide or stop using the product to help the skin to heal.

Salicylic Acid is also prescribed to unclog pores and start skin renewal. This product should be used consistently to see results. This medication can lead to a drying of the skin and could result in a redness or skin peeling effect. While using these products, avoid harsh abrasive soaps, alcohol-based cleansers, any skin drying or medicated cosmetics or any other products to be applied to the skin unless directed by a doctor. Using this product can affect pregnancy, as it is absorbed by the skin, so you should certainly consult a health professional before using it. Avoid use of Salicylic Acid also if using Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulfur or Retin A.

A product called Tretinoin or Retin-A can give the skin a healthy glow as it causes sloughing, in which the first skin layer is gently removed to promote healthy new layers to form. This is a product containing Vitamin A and is used in topical form, applied directly onto the skin up to several times per day. Skin can become very sensitive and be affected by sunlight.

Oral antibiotics usually prescribed by dermatologists include Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxcycline and Erythromycin. These are all taken orally, and are usually combined with topical solutions. Most antibiotics for acne can cause side effects. For example, sunburn risk is heightened as the skin becomes photosensitive, and other possible problems may include an upset stomach, lightheadedness, rashes, lupus-like symptoms and discoloration of the skin. In most cases the side effects are only slight to moderate, but you should notify your doctor if any changes arise. Continue to take all prescribed medications until the doctor advises differently.

Acne is a troublesome situation that can affect many people throughout their teens and into adulthood. In order to combat it, you should always follow your doctor’s advice, while taking antibiotics and other medications can certainly help to control the most troublesome symptoms.