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Step 1
Determine if it’s truly acne. Sometimes pimples or small acne type bumps are actually a reaction to a face cream or cosmetic. If you develop acne type bumps over a period of time, especially after trying a new face cream or other topical lotion, stop using the new product for a while to see of the bumps go away. Generally, allergic reactions do not require acne medication.
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Step 2
Find out if you have inflammatory or non-inflammatory acne. Knowing which type of acne you have is key to finding the right acne medication to treat it. Non-inflammatory acne usually results from clogged pores. Generally a good cleaning regimen can prevent non-inflammatory acne.
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Step 3
Inflammatory acne, on the other hand, can range from an annoyance to a serious condition. Inflammatory acne usually requires a visit to the dermatologist and some sort of medication to resolve the outbreak.
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Step 4
Analyze the active ingredients. Benzoyl Peroxide is a common ingredient in some acne medications. It works best on non-inflammatory acne. It works by killing bacteria and cleans the skin thus helping to prevent blocked pores.
Salicylic acid, most people know as beta hydroxy acid is also effective on non-inflammatory acne. It works more like an exfoliant that helps to remove the dead cells. It reaches deeper than benzoyl peroxide and is able to access the follicle to help remove the dead skin within the follicle thus removing the blockages, which cause whiteheads and blackheads. -
Step 5
Analyze the active ingredients. Benzoyl Peroxide is a common ingredient in some acne medications. It works best on non-inflammatory acne. It works by killing bacteria and cleans the skin thus helping to prevent blocked pores.
Salicylic acid, most people know as beta hydroxy acid is also effective on non-inflammatory acne. It works more like an exfoliant that helps to remove the dead cells. It reaches deeper than benzoyl peroxide and is able to access the follicle to help remove the dead skin within the follicle thus removing the blockages, which cause whiteheads and blackheads. -
Step 6
Be wary of side effects. While most acne medication is safe as long as it’s used as directed, on occasion some people develop allergic reactions and suffer side effects. Test the acne medication on a small area and wait to see if you develop a reaction. It’s better to test for effectiveness on the back of your hand than to use the acne medication on your face only to suffer a severe and unsightly allergic reaction.
