Information on Acne Treatment Medicine

Acne skin creams are essential for moisturizing the skin and cleaning the pores.

Acne is a common problem for teens and adults. Acne results for many reasons, including genetics, poor hygiene, stress and lack of proper skin care. Although acne can be treated, there is no solution to completely prevent acne. You must integrate creams, cleansers and proper skin care techniques to keep your skin free of acne. To maintain clear skin, it is vital that you stick to your skin care regimen.

Causes of Acne

Acne is caused by the buildup of sebum in our pores. Sebum is an oil that our body naturally produces. However, our body tends to produce more sebum during specific instances, such as during puberty, at times of high stress and before a menstrual period. Subsequently, the excess oil and dead skin cells clog the pores and provide the bacteria on our skin a good environment to thrive and grow quickly. This causes the pore to become irritated and inflamed, resulting in pimples. Factors such as genetics can determine how susceptible to clogging your pores are.

Topical Acne Treatments

Topical creams are essential for treating acne. These medications usually contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which clean pores and kill the acne-causing bacteria. Topical creams should only be applied to the affected areas. Applying to clear skin can cause redness, peeling and irritation. Topical ointments may take a few weeks to begin working effectively. However, it is vital that you continue to use topical medications periodically after your acne clears by applying a small amount to any new breakouts.

Systemic Acne Treatment

When topical treatments do not work, oral pills are prescribed by a physician. These oral remedies are much more effective at clearing acne and are only offered to patients with moderate or severe acne. Known as systemic treatments, these methods are generally taken orally through pill form, but can also be injected. They work by reducing the sebum production in your body and eliminating the acne causing bacteria. Systemic treatment options include antibiotics, anti-androgenic agents and birth control pills.

Acne Cleansing Procedures

There are several alternative acne treatment options that many find extremely useful. Chemical peels clean deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells and clean pores. Facials help acne by removing blackheads and whiteheads that would otherwise swell into pimples. Facials prevent scarring and the further onset of acne. Corticosteroid injections are done directly into cystic acne. They reduce irritation and prevent the pimple from swelling, thus promoting clear skin and preventing acne scars. Be aware that many of these procedures are harsh on the skin and may temporarily make the skin red and puffy.

Daily Skin Care

Clear skin is maintained by performing some simple daily skin care procedures. Use a face wash or scrub at least once daily to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin. Use a toner to remove even more oil and prepare the skin for the application of topical ointments. Once a week, apply a mud mask on your affected areas to soothe the skin and give it a healthier look. If you sweat during exercise, use a face wash to remove the sweat from the face and immediately clean the pores. These techniques take only a few minutes a day and should be done regularly.

References

• Acne Treatment
• Skin Care Physicians: Acne Treatment
• Health Care South: Acne Systemic Treatment