What’s The Best Acne Treatment?
If you have suffered with acne or know someone who has, you know what a painful and difficult thing it can be to deal with. It can also be overwhelming to find the right treatment plan, when so much of the treatment will depend on trying things out and discovering what works.
Luckily, there are treatments that have been proven effective; once you know what kind of acne you’re dealing with, you can easily and effectively treat it properly.
Mild acne is generally defined as a cluster of whiteheads of blackheads and simple pimples. Treating mild acne is fairly easy and shouldn’t be overdone. Many people make the mistake of over treating mild acne, which can only serve to make the problem worse. The best treatment for those with mild acne is to wash the face with a mild soap and to follow with a benzoyl peroxide treatment. This is often followed by the application of a product with salicylic acid. If these simple treatments don’t work, a doctor will usually prescribe lotions that have a bit more intensity.
Moderate to severe acne is harder to deal with. The treatment usually involves deeper and more intense products specially designed for acne; this kind of acne might include nodules or cysts and that could leave scars over time. For people with this kind acne, a doctor might first prescribe oral antibiotics, which can kick start the healing process.
Treatment for moderate to severe acne usually includes a combination of products and treatment regimens. Treatment is usually customized for the unique problems of each patient.
Some treatments for moderate to severe acne include using benzoyl peroxide, using prescription retinoids in lotion form, using prescription gels, creams and lotions that contain antibiotics and taking oral retinoids. The most commonly prescribed retinoid is Accutane. Sometimes a doctor will drain larger pimples and cysts or require the patient to apply azelaic acid.
It can take six to eight weeks for some treatments to begin working; sometimes the acne gets worse before it gets better. Sometimes lifestyle changes are ordered along with treatment options; these can include a change in diet, changes in hair or other product that might come in contact with facial skin, and avoiding the sun. The sun can exacerbate acne problems in some people, especially those on medications for acne.
Acne can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to live with, but it’s not incurable. There are many things people can do to make acne less of a lifestyle problem and more of a simple nuisance that requires regular care and attention.
Worrried about the side effects of those acne treatments you’re using? Why not try natural acne treatments that clear up your acne and don’t do anything nasty to your skin?