What is acne?
Acne is the result of your hair follicles getting plugged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. These oil, dirt, and dead skin cells on your skin’s surface clog your pores which cause pimples (small, localized infections). Acne solutions aim to get rid of the bacteria and dry up the excess oils which cause acne. Lifestyle remedies, topical and oral medication, and medical procedures are the different types of acne solutions.
The acne solution that fits you will depend on the condition of your acne. If you have mild and moderate acne (for example, whiteheads or blackheads), your acne solution should be quite easy. But if your symptoms of cystic or inflammatory acne (the large and painful red cysts below your skin’s surface), your acne solution may be a lot more difficult. You can consult your doctor or dermatologist to help you determine the type of acne that you have.
Lifestyle Changes
Most people with mild to moderate acne can handle their skin condition with some changes in their lifestyle. Excess oil is one of the major causes of acne, so you should keep your face clean. You should also try keeping your hair away from your face, especially if it is greasy. Excess oils from your hair and face can also build up on your bed sheet or pillowcase. Make sure to change your bed sheet or pillowcase once every week to prevent this build-up.
You can also try washing your face 2 to 3 times a day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser (make sure it’s not abrasive). Don’t scrub your facial skin too hard, as it can irritate your skin even more. You should also try not to use skincare products like scented lotions or oil-based makeup since they can cause irritation. Instead, use moisturizers and sunscreens that are non-comedogenic; these products will not clog your pores.
These lifestyle changes can take a lot more time to resolve mild to moderate acne. If you’re looking for a stronger treatment option, you can try topical or oral medication.
Topical Medications
Lotions, gels, and creams are some topical medications that you can apply to your skin. These are usually applied in the morning after taking a bath and after washing your face before you go to sleep. Some of these topical medications are available over the counter, while others may need a prescription.
Over-the-counter acne solution products typically contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which reduce the amount of oil produced by your body. These substances also fight inflammation, help treat blemishes and prevent the formation of new ones.
Prescribed topical medications are used when over-the-counter products are not strong enough. These acne solutions, gels or creams, may contain tretinoin or the retinoid drug that comes from Vitamin A, a stronger type of benzoyl peroxide or antibiotic known as clindamycin. These substances are better in killing bacteria, especially if you have moderate to severe acne.
Oral Medications
Acne solutions such as oral medications (also known as systematic treatments) are absorbed throughout your whole body. They are medications that are not available over the counter and are only prescribed by doctors. These drugs are usually used in treating moderate to severe acne that doesn’t react to topical medications.
There are 3 types of oral medications that you can use to treat moderate to severe acne — antibiotics, birth control pills, and isotretinoin.
Antibiotics
Your doctor may advise you to take an antibiotic pill such as tetracycline daily, which helps in fighting bacteria and infection from the inside out. Antibiotics are usually taken with topical medications if gels and creams can’t handle your skin condition.
Birth Control Pills
Regulating the levels of your hormone can significantly improve the skin condition of some women. However, birth control pills should not be taken if you’re pregnant. Ask your doctor what acne solution is best for you during pregnancy.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a strong drug belonging to the retinoid family, which reduces the size of oil glands, thus minimizes the oil that they make. It can also help in regulating your skin cell turnover so that cells won’t block the bacteria and excess oil released from your pores.
Isotretinoin is usually used by people with severe cystic acne. Your doctor may advise you to take it if other acne solutions are not working for you. Unfortunately, side effects from this drug can be serious, so it isn’t recommended for everyone.
Procedures to Treat Acne,
Although it is not prescribed as often as medications, some medical procedures can be used in treating severe acne. These procedures can usually be performed in the office of your doctor. In some cases, some medical procedures can be painful and may cause scarring. Some health insurance plans don’t cover these medical procedures, so make sure that your health insurance plan covers these medical procedures before scheduling them.
Drainage and Extraction
Your doctor manually drains large cysts formed below your skin during drainage and extraction. They get rid of the fluid, dirt, pus, and dead skin cells inside the cyst to minimize pain and infection. Your doctor may also inject antibiotics or steroids into the large cyst to speed up the healing process and minimize the risk of leaving any scars.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a medical procedure that can also help in improving your acne infection. Laser light can help in reducing the number of bacteria present on your skin which causes acne.
Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion get rid of the top layer of your skin. During this procedure, whiteheads and blackheads are get rid of.
Having acne can make you lose your self-confidence. Fortunately, there are many acne solutions that you can find nowadays. If you’re having a hard time deciding what’s the best acne solution for your skin condition, we at Scinature Aesthetics can help. Learn more about acne solutions, schedule your consultation, and contact us today!
