Acne, and even the most effective treatment of acne in general, are long ongoing processes which require consistency, patience, and plenty of trial and error. Even though everyone’s skin is dissimilar, sometimes what works well for one individual may not work so well for you, either. No matter how good a treatment is, it won’t do all the work on its own. To get the most benefit from a treatment, it is important to understand your skin and why it is prone to acne breakouts. If you can learn that information before you buy a product, then you’ll be much more likely to find a treatment that works well for you.
Benzoyl peroxide has been one of the most popular types of acne fighting products for many years. It has a strong reputation for being non-hormonal, non-abrasive, non-irritating, anti-inflammatory, non-necrotic, and an effective cure all. It works by killing the bacteria P. Acnes by introducing oxygen into the pore. The oxygen kills the bacteria and stops the source of irritation, redness, swelling, and pain-causing lesions. Benzoyl peroxide products are available in many forms such as gels, lotions, creams, solutions, and facial washes.
Another form of acne treatment comes in the form of topical products or astringents. These products are applied to the skin, often twice a day, for several weeks to a month to see maximum results. Common active ingredients in these products are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or resorcinol. These products do not eliminate bacteria, but they do reduce the amount of oil and dirt that is collected from deep within the pores of the skin. They are highly effective at combating mild to moderate cases of acne.
Some people suffer from a more severe case of acne and choose to treat this condition with oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics can be taken once a day or twice daily with or without food. If you suffer from very sensitive skin or an allergy to some of the ingredients used in the topical products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, then you should not take these orally. This is one of the most popular forms of acne treatment, because it is highly effective at clearing away bacteria and reducing the amount of oil and dead skin cells found deep within the pores.
Acne sufferers who have more severe cases of acne often turn to laser treatments. Laser treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years for their effectiveness in treating acne. By using a special laser called a pulsed dye laser (PRK), acne sufferers eliminate redness, swelling, and most importantly, the bacteria that causes pimples. The dye also destroys the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Although these lasers are quite expensive, many insurance companies provide coverage for such procedures, so the cost of the procedure will not deter most patients.
Another option for those suffering from a severe case of acne is chemical peeling. Chemical peeling is an alternative form of treatment for those who prefer a non-surgical treatment for treating acne. Similar to a chemical peel, chemical peels treat acne by removing layers of dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Again, some insurance plans may pay for this treatment depending on your medical history. There are many options available for those with sensitive skin, including chemical peeling, but because it is a topical treatment, it should be discussed with a dermatologist before undergoing this treatment.
Topical treatments are another popular way to treat acne products. Whether you choose benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), all of the active ingredients in these products have proven over time that they do work. However, just like the topical preparations, insurance may cover some of the cost of these treatment products if they are prescribed by your doctor.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to treat acne without relying on topical preparations or other types of treatments. These alternative methods work well for most people because they are less invasive, more effective, and don’t require the use of any harmful chemicals. Using acne products based on your personal care routine or treating skin care conditions at home are the best ways to keep your skin clear and healthy. If you are tired of using acne products with irritating chemicals, try one of these simple methods and see just how effective they are.