Before we get into the best acne treatments, it’s important to acknowledge a few things before we start. Although this blog post will cover how to treat the acne, we also want to touch on how to deal with the psychological trauma that comes with such an embarrassing and visual problem.
Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples, zits, spots or whatever you like to call it, to appear on the face, neck, and back. Approximately 9 out of 10 teenagers have acne breakouts. However, acne and pimples are not just a teenage girl’s worst nightmare. What used to be only a teenage problem is now commonly seen in adults.
Acne is a common skin condition which causes oily skin, redness, and spots. It occurs mainly on the face but can also be present on other parts of the body.
There are different types of acne, each classified by location on the face, chest, back, neck. Acne may be mild to severe and have wide range of symptoms, including profuse sweating with increased facial oiliness (the second most common dermatological problem in adolescence) and increased sensitivity on the face (due to scarring), along with emotional distress.
Acne commonly develops during puberty as the result of increased production of male sex hormones. Sometimes it can then persist into adulthood, particularly in women.
Acne can be caused by various factors such as dead skin cells, bacteria, hormonal changes, diet, an overproduction of sebum, medication, genetics, stress or cosmetics. Many people believe that greasy foods, chocolate, or poor hygiene cause acne, however, there’s limited scientific evidence to support this. While good hygiene is essential, washing your face too often or too aggressively can actually irritate the skin and worsen acne.
There are numerous ways that acne may be treated and the best way to treat acne largely depends on its severity and the underlying causes. A multifaceted approach to acne treatment including topical treatments and lifestyle changes is typically most effective.
For mild to moderate acne, a doctor or dermatologist will usually prescribe antibiotic creams, lotions, or tablets to treat bacterial infections. They may also recommend a specific skincare routine to help care for your skin and avoid irritants which may make your acne worse. Choosing products with salicylic acid in and keeping your skin clean can also help to prevent further acne breakouts
For severe or cystic acne, acne medication such as Roaccutane and Accutane may be prescribed. It is not recommended for mild to moderate acne as side effects can be severe. Blood tests are also needed. It is advised to start using topical creams and oral antibiotics first before considering this type of medication.
We strongly recommend that you do not pick your spots, especially if you have acne, as this can lead to further skin infections and unsightly scars. It is best to leave avoid touching your skin, particularly patches with acne, and treat with recommended acne treatments.
The best acne treatment for mild to moderate acne requires a step by step approach starting with Benzoyl Peroxide. You can find several prescription acne treatment creams including Benzoyl Peroxide in our online acne treatment clinic.
If you still struggling to control your acne then there are prescription options such as Differin, Lymecycline and Doxycycline Capsules.
