How Do Acne Treatments Work?

Acne treatments work differently, so it is important for patients to know what these cures can do so that they can find what is appropriate for their level of condition and for their type of skin. Below is an overview of how common acne cures work.

Antibacterial acne treatments

The most common of this type of cure are topical creams or lotions with benzoyl peroxide. There are also those that contain sulfur or salicylic acid that can be applied to the affected areas. Topical antibacterials work by getting rid of bacteria and by peeling off or removing dead skin cells. Since these topical treatments act like skin bleach, they do not allow bacteria to build a resistance against them over time like other acne cures usually do. These treatments, though, can cause mild irritation or pigmentation when used excessively. They are good for mild to moderate conditions.

Contraceptives and hormonal treatments

Contraceptives, or anti-testosterone medications, are effective for women who suffer from acne. They work by reducing the levels of androgenic hormones in women which are believed to cause acne breakouts. Cortisone, another form of hormonal treatment, can be injected directly to the pimple to reduce inflammation. This form of treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist first before being used since it can cause certain negative reactions, particularly the loss of natural skin color.

Laser procedures

Laser treatments act on acne by burning away the sebaceous gland that produces the oil-causing pimple. It also destroys the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, which causes zits. Lasers are basically effective in curing acne, but skin damage and dryness are potential risks associated with this form of treatment, thus, the use of laser in treating acne should be discussed first with a skin expert. Added to the potential risks is the cost of the treatment which is definitely higher than mere topical or oral cures.

Regular pampering

Having regular facials or steaming can also help cure acne. If the condition is only starting, prevention is still your best option. Pampering your skin or getting it treated regularly will help in preventing pimples from starting. The idea behind facials and steaming procedures is to open the pores of the skin and make dirt and bacteria easier to remove. The procedures are also not just for treating acne but also for making sure that your skin stays clear, smooth and healthy.

Acne treatments vary in how they work. The type of remedy would depend on the level of condition, the type of skin and the treatment's affordability. In any case, a discussion with a skin expert is the first step that we should take to make sure that we don't regret the choice that we will make.

Acne Healthcare, Programs and Treatments

Acne Healthcare, Programs and Treatments
There is hope. Although acne is not curable, it is treatable. And dermatologists now know more about the controlling and prevention of acne than ever before. One secret to acne management acne is prevention or stopping the condition before it starts or reoccurs. Another is to use any of a variety of treatments that work best for you under the guidance of your healthcare provider or dermatologist. And after you find a treatment solution or solutions, use them regularly. We’ve already looked at preventative measures, so now let’s take a look at treatment options available today.

First of all, timing can make a difference in acne treatment. It can be prudent to begin treatment as soon as the first signs of acne appear in order to avoid the most minimal damage. And even after the blemishes fade, you may need to continue treatment to keep new outbreaks at bay.

Next let’s take a look at research below that represents a compilation of a wide variety of acne healthcare, programs and treatments available today. They are basically listed in alphabetical order below. Wherever possible, websites have been included so that you can follow up at your leisure for additional information.

ABY SkinCare – A management and treatment program that combines Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulfur and Glycolic Acid. Their Acne Kits are customized to individual skin care needs with strength varying from 2.5 percent to 15 percent (factoring sensitivity and prior usage).

Accutane - This retinoid prescription medicine, also known as Isotretinoin, is used to help treat severe acne when other methods like antibiotics fail. It is generally packaged in 30-day portions at a time, closely monitored under a physician’s care because the medicine has important precautionary measures. Possible severe side effects have been reported including birth defects with pregnant women, mental lethargic issues and suicide. The medicine cannot be combined with Vitamin A and take care with contact lens wearing and a decrease in night vision.

Acne Clearz - This DHEA-free and fragrance-free Night Serum, for adults and teens, boasts a sensitive or low irritation ingredient mixture with moisturizers, deep penetrating yet clear and gentle for skin. It’s considered a super strength pore clearing medicine that combats existing and returning pimples and blackheads and helps cover acne scars, featuring Hydroxy and Anti-Oxidant protectors, helpful in the control of oil generation. www.teramec-direct.com

Acne Treatment Clinic - This California-based clinic offers a variety of acne helping products via mail order upon completion of a skin assessment questionnaire. They ask clients to email or call them to share details about their progress with using their products during the first few months. And their product selections include cleansers, cosmetics, masks & peels, moisturizers, sunscreens, topical medications, vitamins; like BENZOYL Peroxide Medication, Glycolic Gel to help prevent new acne and reduce scarring, Sunscreen Crème to help prevent sunburn and pore clogging, and miscellaneous items like sponges and applicators to use with their products. www.acnetreatment.com or http://stores.yahoo.com/acnetreatment

AcneControl Thera Line - Developed by Biomani Scientific SkinCare, this product line was formulated by a physician specifically to treat acne. It features sebum production and oil control properties, acne bacteria destroyer, acne preventative measures, dead skin cell exfoliation and removal, pore minimizing treatments, white and black head dissolvent and prevention treatment and skin soothers. Their product line includes TheraGel, containing acne-causing bacteria Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid and Sulfur to help with acne treatment and prevention. (Results have been reported in as little as six weeks of use.) Another product in their line up is a therapeutic cleanser containing tea tree and botanical extracts that help control oil and remove makeup and extra pore-clogging sebum and dirt, boasting immediate results. They also have a therapeutic toner, Sun TheraCare and TheraScrub to aid in skin care. www.acnecontrol.com

Acne-Ltd III - This is a new topical treatment that destroys bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses in areas where applied. Compacted and highly concentrated with Zinc oxide, Iron oxide, Sulfur, Sodium chloride, Polyethylene glycol and Manganesium sterate, you simply glide the product’s applicator over clean, wet skin (infected area only). Blackhead elimination and pore clearing begins in the infected areas at once, moisturizing, not aggravating, the skin in the process. www.acne-ltd.com

Acnesil – This topical cream’s active ingredients include non-skin drying Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. It has been reported to reduce whiteheads, when applied at the first sign of a breakout, doesn’t dry out skin and can be used for larger infected areas or smaller targeted spots. The cream can speed up the length of time it takes to heal, helping completely remove all traces of acne. www.acnesil.com

Acne Spot Dry - This non-irritating, hypoallergenic blemish treatment by DAK Pharmaceuticals is made of Aluminum Magnesium Silicate, Camphor, Iron Oxides, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur and Zinc Oxide. Blot it on trouble spots and it fights acne-causing bacteria and dries out the problem areas including the blemishes themselves. Immediate results have been reported. www.acnespotdry.com
Acnevention – This pimple treatment, also by DAK Pharmaceuticals, contains Chitosan Ascorbate, Glycolic Acid, Green Tea Extract, Kola Nut Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Salicylic Acid, and Ubiquinone (CoQ10). Similar to Acne Spot Dry, this product features these benefits: it destroys harmful bacteria, dries blemishes, unclogs pores, heals damaged skin, moisturizes, helps prevent scars, nourishes and soothes, and helps prevent the return of blemishes. When used, this product leaves a skin soft and refreshed. www.acnevention.com

The Body Shop – This company has many products to help with acne treatment and prevention that feature tee tree oil, a known helpful remedy. The anti-bacterial tea tree oil is reported to seep deep into the skin, keeping oily shine under control and helping control acne problems. It is said that the Bundjalung aboriginal tribal group have had knowledge of tea tree oil healing properties for a long, long time - approximately 40,000, years! And The Body Shop offers lots of healing items with it including Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues, Tea Tree Oil Facial Wash, Tea Tree Oil Facial Scrub, Tea Tree Oil, Tea Tree Oil Daily Cleansing Wipes, Tea Tree Oil Face Mask, Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick, Tea Tree Oil Daily Foaming Facial Wash, Tea Tree Oil Mattifying Moisture Gel and Tea Tree Oil Freshener. They also sell Tea Tree Oil Nose Pore Mask, Tea Tree Oil Blemish Pads and Tea Tree Oil Pressed Powder. www.thebodyshop.com