Making Sense Of Acne Medications

recent Google ™ search for "acne medicine" has come up with about 1,000,000 "hits." This article attempts to make an organized sense of all this information for you. As always recommended, personalized treatment and comprehensive care plan should be designed in cooperation with reliable board certified physician, even when considering the use of over the counter products to treat acne. This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for sound medical care, serve as medical advice or to represent as the sole guide to treatment.

I. Mild to moderate acne - topical medications

Typically, the "over the counter" (OTC) topical medications are satisfactory for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. OTC products will typically include one or more of the following ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, nicotinamide, Tea Tree Oil, sulfur, resorcinol

Typically, the "over the counter" (OTC) topical medications are satisfactory for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. OTC products will typically include one or more of the following ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, nicotinamide, Tea Tree Oil, sulfur, resorcinol

alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) - These act as exfoliants to promote loosening and shedding of dead and nearly dead skin cells reduces the surface fat and helps clear pore-clogging debris in the process. Examples: glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid and mandelic acid. Glycolic acid seems to be the most clinically effective in this class. Mandelic acid is probably gentle. Opening the pores of the skin cells and enhanced circulation rejuvenated look and feel of the skin, while acne is both napadnut.AHA also have antibacterial properties against acne. Home use products usually have AHA concentrations of 10% or less, and aestheticians will often use the AHA concentration of 30-40% of duty "chemical peel" tretmana.Serija of 5 or 6 monthly chemical peels can be very effective remedy for acne break "cycles", particularly in those aged 20 or 30 years. Doctors will use the AHA's to 70% for certain chemical peels or treatment situation.

salicylic acid - the primary anti-acne effects of salicylic acid through the peeling properties as seen with the AHA's. Several Noxzema anti-acne products use salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the medical use of more than 100 years, it is more commonly known as the "Aspirin "!

Retinoids - These are vitamin derivatives, which also act through its effect Peeling and stimulating effect on collagen and skin cell growth. Dead skin cells, sebum and pore debris are loosened and removed. Extractions will be easier or even obviated. Retinoids increase the pores open and skin cell turnover, generally rejuvenate the look and feel of leather. But they can also reduce the oiliness of the skin to an excessive degree and make the skin too dry. However, the skin will usually be adjusted to this after 1 -2 weeks of use and better results will be seen if treatment is not interrupted. Vitamin derivatives stimulate the growth of skin cells, "plumping" and strengthen the skin cells, and increased collagen production, as well. Retinoids can be found in a wide range of anti-acne and general cosmetic skin care products. Caution - retinoid treated skin is more sensitive overall - waxing, laser treatments, chemical peels and other similar activities should be done very conservatively, if at all. Retinoid use associated with birth defects.

nicotinamide - this is vitamin B3, and acts as an anti-inflammatory, serving to reduce acne activity

Tea Tree Oil - This "alternative" topical treatment, also known as "melaleuca oil" (from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia), has some antibacterial and antifungal properties to add their anti-acne effects. 5% tea tree oil is felt to be comparable in action to 5% of BP, but it seems to work much more "gentle" way.

Sulfur - Sulfur is antibacterial and has a "scrub" the drying effect on the acne affected skin. However, sulfur can be particularly unpleasant odor, can cause skin color changes, and sometimes can cause a paradoxical formation of blackheads.

resorcinol - This primarily operates through its exfoliating properties as described above. Several Clearasil products use a combination of resorcinol and sulfur compounds.

II. Moderate acne - topical medications

Typically, basedtopical prescription drugs are the best choice for moderate akne.Režim would generally include one or more of the following:. Antibiotics / antimicrobials, retinoids, Azeleic Acid

Antibiotics / antimicrobials - Clindamycin is one of many different topical antimicrobial that directly kill skin bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, the most frequently identified bacteria associated with acne lesions. P. acnes is actually "alive" in the sebum, but it is not all that clear if P. acnes alone or with other "opportunistic" bacteria in the skin that is directly caused by acne lesions. Many combinations of topical antimicrobial agents are available, often combining one or more of the BP and / or a retinoid. Types of allergic reactions can occur and topical antimicrobial agents can also be very irritating and harsh on your skin, especially with prolonged use.

Retinoids - Vitamin derivatives to strong (prescription level) concentrations are commonly used today for moderate acne and generally work as described above for retinoids. 0.1% tretinoin (Retin-A) is the most widely known of these, but this category also include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). Retin-A has become so well known for anti-aging and wrinkle smoothing effects that its strong value as a powerful and relatively inexpensive weapon against acne can be overlooked! Dead skin cells, sebum and impactions easily shed. The pores open and skin cell turnover are facilitated. Enhanced collagen production, plumping skin cells, and strengthening and rejuvenation of the skin occurs. Common side effects may include excessive redness, peeling, and irritation. But again, these effects are usually temporary, the skin usually accommodate better the results will be seen that the use continued, and no interruptions. Suggested use is once every night, but May have to develop tolerance (using less concentration to initiate and / or use every other night for the first few weeks, for example). Proper use of high-quality cream every day (preferably one containing sunscreen, as well) to soothe the skin, drying effects of the shift and the limits of sensitivity of the skin in the sun and elements.

Azeleic acid - a naturally occurring compound found in wheat, barley and rye plants with anti-acne properties. Clears pores, reduces inflammation, and inhibiting growth of bacteria.

III. Moderate to severe acne - prescription drugs:

oral antibiotics - Examples: minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, erythromycin and Bactrim. Common side effects: sun sensitivity. Long-term use often leads to reduction in efficiency.

oral contraceptives (OC) / birth control pills - OC's are used to control / stabilize hormone levels and reduce androgen stimulating hormone - androgens (such as testosterone), increased acne and sebum. Those who have conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) will benefit greatly using this strategy for acne control. Potentially dangerous complication of OC use: blood clots in the legs - with a significantly increased risk for the smokers. Spironolactone is a diuretic drug that has also been used for many years to help control acne because of the anti-androgenic effects (via receptor blocking ).

Oral retinoids - the most famous of them is Accutane, which is often used as a "last resort" for the most serious and otherwise resistant forms of acne. Accutane is literally "turned off" oil gland function / production with a simultaneous increase in turnover of skin cells, opens pores, loosening plugs and releasing impactions. Drying effects on the skin can be quite severe and can also affect the lips, eyes and mucous membranes. There are many potentially serious side effects. Blood tests are required for safety monitoring before, during and after treatment, which is typically 4-6 months. Hair loss and toxic effects on liver, muscle and bone are possible. Accutane (like all retinoids) is associated with birth defects - to prevent pregnancy while on Accutane is needed. Depression and suicidal thoughts are, unfortunately, well-recognized potential side effects of Accutane use. Patients who want certain types of facial cosmetic procedures (such as laser facial rejuvenation or chemical peels) must wait one year after completion of treatment Accutane before such procedures or significant complications related to abnormal or deficiency can lead to healing.

steroid injections - Often used for inflamed, nodular or cystic acne (acne vulgaris) lesions. Not only that speeds recovery and healing of lesions, but also serves to limit the potential for scarring and lesions can be left in their wake, when left untreated. Potential side effects: skin thinning (atrophy), loss of pigmentation (hypopigmentation) and look a little "broken veins" (telangiectasia ).