Treatments and Solutions
No acne cure, whether bought over the counter or prescribed by your doctor, will be a miracle overnight cure. Most treatments take two to four months to yield maximum effects, however, there is good news, acne can be treated. Acne treatments are available over the counter or by prescription only and fall into the following categories
• Topical treatments – these treatments, in the form of creams, gels or lotions, are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin and provide symptomatic relief. Most of these products contain benzoyl peroxide and a topical antimicrobial which kills the P. Acnes bacteria in the clogged pores. There is the risk that benzoyl peroxide can dry the skin, cause premature skin ageing, and impair healing. It is also associated with a higher risk of skin cancer. Topical retinoids are only available on prescription and are used to treat small bumps under the skin and blackheads. Topical retinoids may cause irritation, sensitivity to sunlight or flare ups of certain skin conditions.
• Oral acne treatments – these can be effective in controlling the hormonal fluctuations that contribute to adult acne. Medications that can minimize hormonal fluctuations in women include some oral contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some women may not be suitable candidates for these treatments and they should never be taken during pregnancy. Oral antibiotics for acne may be prescribed, sometimes in combination with a topical retinoid.
• Oral isotretinoin – if acne is severe or resistant to treatment, oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) may be prescribed. However, there are some serious side effects and risks associated with this medicine, including itching, inflammation and scaling of the skin, and depression, aggravation of existing depression, aggressive tendencies, anxiety, and changes in mood. Pregnant women should never take isotretinoin as it can severely damage the unborn foetus.
• Laser and light treatments – some types of laser, IPL or active light can be used to improve acne and address acne scarring. Different types of light have different effects on the skin and so the treatment you have will depend on the type and severity of your acne. Blue light has been shown to help kill off the acne bacteria whereas UV light can reduce inflammation. Some people with acne find that it improves in the sun and using laser and light treatments has a similar effect without the risks of sun damage exposure to UVA and UVB carries.
• Chemical peels – chemical peeling can be effective for people with some forms of acne. A peel is a way of exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells. Because this natural process if is not working effectively in people with acne a peel can be used to remove the dead skin and prevent the excess sebum clogging up the pores. Many peels also include active ingredients which can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Never pick, squeeze or pop your spots as this can make the acne worse and cause scarring. Always wear a high factor sun protection and use oil-free, non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic skin and hair care products to avoid adding extra oil to the face and pores.
