Many people are dealing with acne, one of the most common skin conditions. It causes raised lesions, often called blemishes or pimples, on the face, neck, chest and upper back. Though it generally affects teenagers, adults also have to deal with breakouts. There are no overnight or miracle cures for acne but it can be controlled and clear skin is very much attainable.
Salicyclic Acid
A very popular acne treatment found in many face washes, creams, cleansing pads and lotions is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is available over the counter and mostly used for clearing mild acne by helping to exfoliating the skin thus ridding it of dead cells. This treatment may cause irritation and dryness but it often goes away after a month says Mayoclinic.com. Salicylic acid helps reduce the amount of breakouts by keeping the pores clear. For the best results, use salicylic acid over the entire area of problem skin and not as a spot treatment.
Benzoyl Peroxide
An anti-inflammatory topical agent, benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common treatments for acne. According to American Academy of Dermatology, it reduces Propionibacterium acne, normal bacteria that is found on our skin. With acne, this bacterium has multiplied and clogged up the pores producing acne. As an antiseptic, benzoyl peroxide kills some bacteria from the skin surface and is often found in acne creams and lotions and available in three different strengths. Those with sensitive skin should use the lowest working strength. It works very well as a spot treatment in reducing the redness and soreness that comes from an inflamed lesion. The most common side effect with this treatment is skin dryness which decreases after persistent use.
Trentinoin
For moderate acne that has not responded to over the counter treatments a dermatologist may recommend and prescribe trentinoin, commonly known under its brand name, Retin-A .This is another topical cream deriving from vitamin A. It works very well at removing keratin that has plugged up skin pores causing blackheads, according to dermadoctor.com. Trentinoin will cause the skin cells to grow and die quickly and new layers of cells rapidly grow which will prevent new acne lesions from forming in its place. As with other topical treatments, trentinoin can cause irritation and skin flaking. It may take weeks to see an improvement in the skin. Regardless of the side effects, this stronger acne treatment is highly effective in clearing moderate acne.
