Popular Acne Treatments

There are many types of acne treatments on the market. So many, in fact, that you might be wondering how to decide which acne treatment is the right one for you. Some common types of topical treatments include: alcohol based solutions, creams, foams, gels, lotions, and ointments. Some acne treatments are available over the counter and some are available by prescription.

The Bottom Line

First, a dermatologist can tell you what type of acne you have. This will be important in finding an effective acne treatment. Some of the different types of acne include:

Keeping the face clean is the best way to combat acne, but sometimes even the cleanest face can still develop acne. That is because acne can also be directly related to excess oil production of the pores due to hormonal changes. When the skin produces too much oil even the best skin care regimen can fail. This is when treatments acne can not stand up to come in.

Next, a dermatologist can perform some procedures during your office visit that can immediately improve your complexion. There are many procedures available including:

Acne Surgery: This is a simple in office procedure to remove blackheads and whiteheads. Mircrodermabrasion: This removes the upper levels of skin to generate new, healthier skin Chemical Peels: This removes blackheads and whiteheads and allow new skin growth

Topical medications are the most common types of treatments. Acne is treated at the surface with these methods. The downfall of this type of treatment is that it often dries out the skin and produces a less than favorable look. They should be used as spot treatments and excess use is to be avoided. You can do such treatments without consulting a dermatologist, however, for better solutions you might want to turn to him for advice and solutions.

Topical Creams or Lotions: Some of these creams contain Vitamin A, some contain benzoyl peroxide, and some contain antibiotics.

Oral Antibiotics: Oral medication may be useful in clearing some types of acne by reducing the amount of bacteria in the skin.

Differin: Differin is similar to Retin A in that it is a topical prescription medication derived from Vitamin A. It is less drying than Retin A and a good alternative if you find that your skin is irritated by the Retin A. As with Retin A, be sure to use proper sun block.

Dermatologist treatments are going to be the best solution to an acne problem. It can be hard to handle the situation yourself with over the counter treatments. Acne can be difficult t clear up on your own without having side effects from OTC medications that just make things worse. For treatments acne can not fight you should see your dermatologist.