A Basic Guide on Medications for Acne

Over the years acne has affected millions of people in their early teens and for many on into their adult life.  Each year new acne treatments hit the market, each claiming to stop further acne breakouts.  Yet no one medication for acne has been proven to do that.

If you're like so many acne sufferers, and have a medicine cabinet full of various acne medications that don't work, you need to stop and get back to the basics of acne care.  Your first step is to become knowledgeable about what acne is and how it develops.  Visit your doctor, or better yet consult with a dermatologist about your acne condition. Your dermatologist may recommend over-the-counter medications for acne or if your acne is severe, you may need perscription acne medication.

Much of the medications for acne available today consist of several products (systems for controlling acne), which includes an acne face wash, exfolliator or toner and some lotion.  The combined use of these acne medications can have dramatic results in acne blemish control.  Though they will likely not cure your acne, they will, when used properly, significantly lessen the number of acne breakouts.

These acne blemish control systems include:

Face wash or cleanser:

The face wash or cleanser is used to fight bacteria.  Some are designed to combat bacteria, both on the surface and within the pores.  At the same time many contain tiny granules to help exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities. The two most common ingredients of face washes is either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Each of these ingredients approach acne control in different ways.

Benzoyl Peroxide:

Benzoyl peroxide used as an antiseptic to lessen the number of surface bacteria and skin yeasts.  It is available as a gel, cream, lotion or face wash in varying concentrations.

Salicylic Acid:

Salicylic acid helps to slow down shedding skin cells inside the follicle, which in turn reducing clogging.  It also helps breakdown, both blackheads and white heads.  Salicylic acid is available in varying forms, like gels, lotions and medicated pads (Stridex) and in varying concentrations.

Exfolliator or toner:

The purpose of this gel or cream is to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and remove excess oil. This one step is essential to acne blemish control.  While not visible to the naked eye, clogging of the pores are a major contributor to acne breakouts. Again, depending on the manufacturer, either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid or another medication for acne may be included in this step.

Lotion:

The final step is applying a lotion. These lotions are usually oil free and used to moisturerize, re-hydrate and reduce irritation of your skin.  Some lotions may contain benzoyl peroxide to heal inflammation, which helps prevent future breakouts.

No matter which medication for acne you choose to use, following the acne treatment listed above will help to lessen your acne breakouts.  Each step is an important step in active acne blemish control.  The combined use of these medications can help to keep your skin clear and acne free.  As with use of any medications, you should always consult with your doctor or dermatologists before starting any acne care treatment.