What Are Treatments for Acne?

Acne can be problematic and embarrassing no matter your age or gender. Fortunately, there are several treatments available for acne. Some treatments can be purchased without a prescription from any drug store, while others must be prescribed or performed by a dermatologist.

Skin Care

Keeping the skin clean is the first step in treating acne. However, people prone to acne should not over-clean the skin or scrub it too vigorously. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with acne should use a mild cleanser that is labeled as non-comedegenic or non-acnegenic. These types of cleansers helps to keep pores from becoming clogged, which can lead to acne.

Topical Medication

Topical medication can be effective in treating acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over-the-counter topical medications that contain sulfur, sodium sulfacetamide or benzoyl peroxide can be used. There are also prescription topical medications that contain both benzoyl peroxide and antimicrobial medications that can also be effective. Retinoids can be used for acne-related bumps or blackheads.

Oral Medication

In cases involving severe acne or acne that doesn't respond to topical medications, a dermatologist may prescribe an oral medication as part of treatment for acne. Oral medications for acne may include antibiotics, hormonal medications or a type of medication called a retinoid. Retinoids can cause severe birth defects, so women should take extra care to not become pregnant while taking this medication.

Dermatology Procedures

Some people decide to go to a dermatologist for procedures that can treat acne more quickly than oral or topical medications. A dermatologist can safely help reduce the appearance of acne, usually by injecting a corticosteroid directly into a pimple or acne cyst. According to the Mayo Clinic, dermatologists can also perform different types of light therapy which help treat acne. They can also perform cosmetic procedures, often called microdermabrasion, to help lessen the appearance of acne.

Anti-Acne Makeup

Some women find that using makeup that contains some of the medications found in over-the-counter acne treatments on a daily basis can help treat minor acne and prevent future breakouts. Foundation, cover-ups and moisturizers are some of the types of anti-acne makeup available. They will often contain lesser amounts of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid than the amounts found in topical medications.

Resources

• AAD, 12 Ways to Get Better Results from Acne Treatment