Acne is a common skin condition that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. It affects about three in every four people aged 11 to 30.
Thankfully, acne is treatable. But if your acne is stubborn, it’s best to seek professional help. Treatments include lifestyle remedies, topical medications, oral medication and medical procedures.
Topical medications
There are a number of different acne medications that doctors prescribe as part of an effective treatment plan. These include topical retinoids (such as tretinoin), benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics.
Topical retinoids are commonly used to treat mild to moderate acne. They help your skin shed dead skin cells and reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. These medications are available over-the-counter or with a prescription.
Benzoyl peroxide is another common acne medication that can be applied to the skin once or twice a day. It can be irritating to the skin and may cause dryness and flaking. It can also bleach your clothing, towels, and bedding if you wear it often.
The most important thing to remember when using any acne medication is that it needs time to work. It might take a few months before your skin clears up completely. If you notice any side effects, stop using the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
If you have severe or persistent acne, you might need to try a stronger medication. Your GP will be able to refer you to a dermatologist for further treatment.
Moderate acne typically involves more pus-bumps, cysts and nodules than mild acne. It usually affects the face but can occur on other parts of your body as well. This type of acne is more difficult to treat.
To control moderate acne, you need to use a combination of medications that include topical treatments and oral antibiotics for about 3 months. Medicated cleansers with oil control properties are essential for controlling acne, as are gentle, non-abrasive soaps.
You should also avoid picking at your pimples. This can irritate them and lead to infection and scarring.
A dermatologist can help you select the right medications for your individual needs. They can recommend an appropriate medication for you, explain how to use it, and provide instruction on applying it correctly.
Many people find that they need to switch between a few different medications before finding the one that works best for them. This is normal, as it takes time for your skin to clear up and each medication works differently on everyone.
Oral medications
Acne is a very common condition, and many people experience it at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, it can be painful and can leave dark scars on the skin. That’s why a good acne treatment plan is so important.
When acne is moderate to severe, a doctor may prescribe oral medications as part of your treatment plan. These medications can be effective for treating inflammatory breakouts, such as pus-filled pimples and cystic acne, as well as preventing future breakouts.
Oral antibiotics work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause acne. They also decrease the production of sebum, which can reduce clogged pores and prevent future outbreaks.
The effectiveness of oral antibiotics depends on the type of acne, how severe it is, and how often you take them. Your Curology provider will review your medical history and skin condition before deciding on an appropriate medication.
In general, a course of antibiotics will start to show results after about three months. That’s why it’s important to take your medication as prescribed, and follow the directions carefully.
Antibiotics can also cause side effects, including upset stomach, dizziness, and nausea. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. They may need to lower your dose or discontinue the medicine.
Depending on your age, health, and severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe other oral acne medications as part of your treatment plan. These include tetracycline and minoycline, which are used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause acne.
These oral medications are most commonly used in patients with moderate to severe acne who have tried other acne treatments. They can help clear up inflammatory acne and minimize the appearance of existing breakouts, and can be combined with other acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.
Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, can help reduce hormonal breakouts by balancing sebum production in the body and reducing the effect of androgens. However, they can reduce the effectiveness of other acne treatments and should be avoided by pregnant women.
Hormonal treatments
Hormonal acne is a type of breakout that occurs when your hormones cause an overproduction of sebum (skin oil) in your pores. The sebum clogs the pores and causes pimples to form, leading to cystic zits, blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of breakouts.
This type of breakout is most commonly seen on the lower face and body, but it can also appear on the chin or jaw line. It can affect both young women and adults.
If you are experiencing hormonal breakouts, a dermatologist will work with you to understand the causes of your acne and find the most effective solution for you. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you medications that are specifically designed to address the underlying factors contributing to your skin’s condition.
The two most common hormones that influence your acne are androgens, which stimulate the growth of sebaceous glands, and estrogens, which slow sebum production. The higher the levels of these hormones, the more likely you will experience breakouts.
There are a few oral treatments that can help with your hormonal acne. These include Spironolactone, a drug that is often prescribed to control blood pressure but can help lower testosterone levels and reduce excess sebum production. Birth control pills, like those used for contraception, can also be helpful with regulating your hormones and reducing the likelihood of breakouts.
These drugs can also be combined with topical retinoids, which can reduce inflammation and clear up acne in the long run. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat mild to moderate acne and prevent the development of bacteria that can aggravate your condition.
You may need to use these antibiotics for the shortest amount of time possible, so you can prevent the risk of developing resistant bacteria. You should also tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking to ensure that they are not going to aggravate your acne condition or interact with the prescribed drugs.
Your dermatologist can also recommend over-the-counter remedies, such as spot treatments and acne-fighting products. Keeping your skin properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water, staying away from excessive sun exposure, and keeping up with your regular facial hygiene routine can also help.
Surgery
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the pores in your skin become blocked. It usually affects the face, chest and back but can occur in other areas too.
Whether you have moderate to severe acne, or just an occasional pimple, there are several treatments that may help clear up your skin. Some are topical, while others are oral.
Some medications work to kill the bacteria that cause acne, and others reduce oil in your skin. Depending on your individual situation, your dermatologist will recommend the right combination of drugs to help you get clearer skin.
Laser resurfacing is one of the most effective methods for treating scars caused by acne. Lasers can be ablative (wounding) or non-ablative (non-wounding). A stronger ablative laser removes the top layer of your skin and the scar, triggering a natural healing process that helps improve the appearance of your scars.
The recovery time for laser treatments will vary, but on average you can expect to see results after two to five sessions. However, the type of laser you receive will also play a role in how long it takes to see results.
Cryotherapy is another treatment that can reduce inflammation in blemishes and can sometimes clear up active acne. It involves the application of a liquid to the skin, either carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. The liquid will stay in contact with the area for a short period of time, and can promote peeling of the skin.
If you have more serious acne, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the impacted tissue. This is usually reserved for patients with large and painful blemishes.
A dermatologist can perform an incision and drainage procedure to treat a pimple, cyst or nodule. This can also help remove bacteria that cause inflammatory blemishes, which can lead to other types of acne.
Other surgical procedures that can be used to treat acne include dermabrasion, chemical peels and injections. These can be combined with other acne treatments to boost the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
Having acne can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it does not have to keep you from feeling great about yourself. Using the right medications and following your treatment plan can help clear up your skin and minimize acne scars.