Acne Treaments Reviewed and Rated
What is the best treatment for acne? All acne sufferers desperately want this question answered...
So, is there really a "silver bullet", a treatment for acne that can stop it quickly? Perhaps, there are several acne treatments that have shown a positive immediate impact. But, most do not work overnight and some do come with risks, particularly when we are dealing with sensitive skin.
That is why I started this webpage, to help you discover the latest and most successful acne treatments that can help you fight acne now!
So, is there really a "silver bullet", a treatment for acne that can stop it quickly? Perhaps, there are several acne treatments that have shown a positive immediate impact. But, most do not work overnight and some do come with risks, particularly when we are dealing with sensitive skin.
That is why I started this webpage, to help you discover the latest and most successful acne treatments that can help you fight acne now!
This too has its downside, though, since it means there is a bewildering array of acne treatment nostrums on offer at the drugstore and through your dermatologist. How do you sort through the choices to pick the best way to attack your acne problem?
Fortunately, most of these thousands of acne treatments fall into a few general categories. To help you find your way through the maze, we’ve put together a little A-to-Z of the seven primary approaches to treating acne.
Accutane. If you have a serious acne problem, you’ve no doubt heard of Accutane (generic name isotretinoin). Derived from Vitamin A, it’s an extremely powerful and effective prescription medication only used for severe acne that doesn’t respond to other treatment. Accutane must be taken for as long as six months to achieve results, and it has some side effects that require restrictions on who may use it.
Antibiotics. Bacteria on your skin and in your pores are one of the major contributing factors in the development of acne. Antibiotics can decrease the number of bacteria on the skin, certain irritating chemicals in the blood, and also amount of free fatty acids in the oil on your face. Antibiotics like tetracycline and erythromycin are taken orally, while clindamycin is the active ingredient in topical lotions.
Benzoyl Peroxide. The old standby, and inexpensive too! Benzoyl Peroxide is the active ingredient in many well-known over-the-counter treatments for acne as well as some prescription medications. It works by cleaning away the dead cells that block pores and drying out the oil on and in your skin that provides the medium for infection, and also by actively killing the bacteria.
Herbal Acne Treatments. Herbal treatments are new and also old. Grandma’s old home remedies were most likely herbal preparations, and they are coming back into currency at the popularity of natural treatments for all kinds of ailments grows. Some of the herbs recommended include Oregon grape, goldenseal, burdock and dandelion, cowslip, elderberry, juniper and anise. Some remedies are nutritional supplements that aim to improve digestion or hormonal balance, and others are used as antiseptic skin cleansers.
Retin-A (tretinoin). Like Accutane, Retin-A is a relatively powerful prescription treatment, usually applied as a skin cream. Another derivative of Vitamin A, it works as an exfoliant by speeding up the cell renewal process, clearing off the dead cells that contribute to acne and also reducing wrinkles. Many people experience skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sun while using Retin-A.
Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid is a mild acid that dries the skin, unplugs pores and, like Retin-A, speeds up the removal of the dead skin cells that block pores and lead to acne. It’s a common ingredient in many OTC acne treatments.
Sulfur. Sulfur is one of the oldest traditional treatments for acne, but it is still used in both prescription and over-the-counter products. It is a drying agent and encourages skin peeling, which reduces oil and re-opens blocked pores.
The effectiveness of any of these remedies will vary depending on your skin type and what kind of acne you have, so it may take some trial-and-error to find the best one for you. However, one thing all these acne treatments have in common is that they do not work overnight. You will need to follow the directions and use them consistently for some time before you can expect to see results.
Fortunately, most of these thousands of acne treatments fall into a few general categories. To help you find your way through the maze, we’ve put together a little A-to-Z of the seven primary approaches to treating acne.
Accutane. If you have a serious acne problem, you’ve no doubt heard of Accutane (generic name isotretinoin). Derived from Vitamin A, it’s an extremely powerful and effective prescription medication only used for severe acne that doesn’t respond to other treatment. Accutane must be taken for as long as six months to achieve results, and it has some side effects that require restrictions on who may use it.
Antibiotics. Bacteria on your skin and in your pores are one of the major contributing factors in the development of acne. Antibiotics can decrease the number of bacteria on the skin, certain irritating chemicals in the blood, and also amount of free fatty acids in the oil on your face. Antibiotics like tetracycline and erythromycin are taken orally, while clindamycin is the active ingredient in topical lotions.
Benzoyl Peroxide. The old standby, and inexpensive too! Benzoyl Peroxide is the active ingredient in many well-known over-the-counter treatments for acne as well as some prescription medications. It works by cleaning away the dead cells that block pores and drying out the oil on and in your skin that provides the medium for infection, and also by actively killing the bacteria.
Herbal Acne Treatments. Herbal treatments are new and also old. Grandma’s old home remedies were most likely herbal preparations, and they are coming back into currency at the popularity of natural treatments for all kinds of ailments grows. Some of the herbs recommended include Oregon grape, goldenseal, burdock and dandelion, cowslip, elderberry, juniper and anise. Some remedies are nutritional supplements that aim to improve digestion or hormonal balance, and others are used as antiseptic skin cleansers.
Retin-A (tretinoin). Like Accutane, Retin-A is a relatively powerful prescription treatment, usually applied as a skin cream. Another derivative of Vitamin A, it works as an exfoliant by speeding up the cell renewal process, clearing off the dead cells that contribute to acne and also reducing wrinkles. Many people experience skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sun while using Retin-A.
Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid is a mild acid that dries the skin, unplugs pores and, like Retin-A, speeds up the removal of the dead skin cells that block pores and lead to acne. It’s a common ingredient in many OTC acne treatments.
Sulfur. Sulfur is one of the oldest traditional treatments for acne, but it is still used in both prescription and over-the-counter products. It is a drying agent and encourages skin peeling, which reduces oil and re-opens blocked pores.
The effectiveness of any of these remedies will vary depending on your skin type and what kind of acne you have, so it may take some trial-and-error to find the best one for you. However, one thing all these acne treatments have in common is that they do not work overnight. You will need to follow the directions and use them consistently for some time before you can expect to see results.
When you look in the mirror and see that yet another pimple has appeared overnight, it’s not much comfort to know that millions of people share your problem. But, because acne is in fact the most common skin problem, a great deal of money, time, and research has gone into developing acne treatments.
It’s normal for sebaceous glands to produce an oily substance called sebum. Traveling through hair follicles to the pores, sebum lubricates and preserves the hair and skin. Skin renews itself by continually shedding dead cells.
The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes is a normal presence on the skin and in the intestines. But if the glands produce a little too much oil, if the dead skin cells aren’t cleared away but block the pores, when the bacteria get trapped in the pores with the excess oil and dead cells-that’s a prescription for acne.
Knowing what causes it hasn’t yet lead to surefire treatments for acne, unfortunately. A number of do’s and don’ts can be identified though.
Don’t: subject your skin or yourself to too much stress if you can avoid it. Things that can stress the skin include oily cosmetics and lotions, environmental pollution, chemical irritants, tanning, and certain kinds of food, like too much dairy and red meat. Don’t try to get rid of pimples by squeezing, popping or picking, which can make the inflammation worse.
Do: eat right, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables that will help add and maintain water to your body and skin. When you are using acne treatments, do be patient. All of them take a while to show their effects.
Above all, do pay attention to skin hygiene-wash your face thoroughly twice a day with a gentle cleanser (ordinary soaps may be too harsh or oily), and pat (don’t rub) it dry.
Many special cleansers are available for the treatment of acne. Some of the most appealing combine gentle cleansing with acne treatment medication and natural soothing ingredients targeted for specific skin types:
1. Phytomer Oligopur Purifying Cleansing Gel (recommended for oily and combination skin) cleans away excess oil and contains a natural antibacterial seaweed extract.
2. Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser (for dry skin) claims to “neutralize harmful environmental aggressions.” Ingredients include ultra-fine oils to clean the skin, moringa seed extract to neutralize the effects of pollution, and orange extract to tone the skin.
3. FACE Stockholm Foaming Facial Cleanser (for normal to oily skin) is an aloe-based gel packed with bacteria-fighting herbal extracts of chamomile, yarrow and fennel extracts. Chamomile, Yarrrow and Fennel Extracts
4. Fira Cosmetics Tea Tree Oil Foaming Facial Cleanser is an “instant” self-foaming cleaner. Tea tree oil is another natural product with antibacterial properties.
5. Murad Clarifying Cleanser includes acne-fighting ingredients triclosan and salicylic acid with antioxidant rich green tea extract and menthol to calm and cool inflamed skin.
Bright and Clear Cleanser For Acne Prone Skin is another medicated cleanser specially formulated for brown skin. Containing hyaluronic acid, soy, and pomegranate extracts it hydrates the skin and soothes irritation and inflammation.
The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes is a normal presence on the skin and in the intestines. But if the glands produce a little too much oil, if the dead skin cells aren’t cleared away but block the pores, when the bacteria get trapped in the pores with the excess oil and dead cells-that’s a prescription for acne.
Knowing what causes it hasn’t yet lead to surefire treatments for acne, unfortunately. A number of do’s and don’ts can be identified though.
Don’t: subject your skin or yourself to too much stress if you can avoid it. Things that can stress the skin include oily cosmetics and lotions, environmental pollution, chemical irritants, tanning, and certain kinds of food, like too much dairy and red meat. Don’t try to get rid of pimples by squeezing, popping or picking, which can make the inflammation worse.
Do: eat right, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables that will help add and maintain water to your body and skin. When you are using acne treatments, do be patient. All of them take a while to show their effects.
Above all, do pay attention to skin hygiene-wash your face thoroughly twice a day with a gentle cleanser (ordinary soaps may be too harsh or oily), and pat (don’t rub) it dry.
Many special cleansers are available for the treatment of acne. Some of the most appealing combine gentle cleansing with acne treatment medication and natural soothing ingredients targeted for specific skin types:
1. Phytomer Oligopur Purifying Cleansing Gel (recommended for oily and combination skin) cleans away excess oil and contains a natural antibacterial seaweed extract.
2. Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser (for dry skin) claims to “neutralize harmful environmental aggressions.” Ingredients include ultra-fine oils to clean the skin, moringa seed extract to neutralize the effects of pollution, and orange extract to tone the skin.
3. FACE Stockholm Foaming Facial Cleanser (for normal to oily skin) is an aloe-based gel packed with bacteria-fighting herbal extracts of chamomile, yarrow and fennel extracts. Chamomile, Yarrrow and Fennel Extracts
4. Fira Cosmetics Tea Tree Oil Foaming Facial Cleanser is an “instant” self-foaming cleaner. Tea tree oil is another natural product with antibacterial properties.
5. Murad Clarifying Cleanser includes acne-fighting ingredients triclosan and salicylic acid with antioxidant rich green tea extract and menthol to calm and cool inflamed skin.
Bright and Clear Cleanser For Acne Prone Skin is another medicated cleanser specially formulated for brown skin. Containing hyaluronic acid, soy, and pomegranate extracts it hydrates the skin and soothes irritation and inflammation.
Prevention of disease before it begins is a crucial medical strategy. In the case of acne, a good prevention plan may be the best treatment for acne. This is why it is important to understand how acne happens in the first place. The goal being, to eliminate acne before it starts!
Modern medical research has accomplished great things in treating and even eradicating so many terrible illnesses, that it seems surprising we are still so far from cures for more mundane ailments.
In many instances, we seem to have a thorough understanding of what causes a certain condition, without arriving at clear solutions for preventing or curing the condition. We still have no cure for the common cold, and there is also no consensus on the most effective course of treatment for acne.
Sugary and Greasy Foods- Do they the cause of Acne?
At one time it was a truism that eating sugary or greasy foods like pizza, french fries, candy and chocolate caused pimples. That theory had gradually been debunked, however, as researchers put together a detailed analysis of the process behind acne: basically, the sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum, which leads to pores growing clogged and inflamed from the bacteria trapped inside. The sebaceous glands cause acne when they create too much sebum. So the idea that food causes acne was dismissed as a myth.
The pendulum has begun to swing back, however, as the modern epidemic of obesity and diabetes has led to a great deal of research on the relationship between foods and hormone production, insulin in particular. Medical and nutritional science is beginning to piece together a deeper and more complex understanding of the relationship between food and acne. It may even lead to better treatments for acne.
Hormones, Adolescence, and Refined Carbohydrates- "The Perfect Storm"
The link between hormones and acne has long been apparent-it explains why acne is so prevalent during the adolescent and teen years, prime time for human hormonal development, and also why women become susceptible to acne outbreaks around their menstrual periods and during menopause-both times of intense hormonal fluctuation.
Many people have tried to explain away these links between acne outbreaks and hormones and eating certain foods as all being due to stress. But it seems now that the links may be more than coincidental.
Researchers have confirmed that consuming lots of refined carbohydrates (such as bread and cereals) is associated with the development of acne in teenagers. These refined carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels and cause an increase in insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). IGF-1 triggers in turn the excess production of androgens. These male hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to increase the production of sebum, leading to clogged pores and the development of acne.
So it seems quite likely that for some people at least, a diet full of high glycemic refined carbohydrates can indeed increase their vulnerability to acne.
Other research has suggested that some dairy products (e.g., skim milk, instant breakfast drink, sherbet, cottage cheese, and cream cheese) may increase levels of several sex hormones, including IGF-1, and also contribute to acne development.
A lot of research is under way to test these findings and identify the implications for the prevention and treatment of acne. For now, however, you can add acne to the list of ills associated with our cultural addiction to refined carbohydrates. It’s a great argument for eating your fruit and veggies instead of another helping of pasta, white bread or doughnuts.
Sugary and Greasy Foods- Do they the cause of Acne?
At one time it was a truism that eating sugary or greasy foods like pizza, french fries, candy and chocolate caused pimples. That theory had gradually been debunked, however, as researchers put together a detailed analysis of the process behind acne: basically, the sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum, which leads to pores growing clogged and inflamed from the bacteria trapped inside. The sebaceous glands cause acne when they create too much sebum. So the idea that food causes acne was dismissed as a myth.
The pendulum has begun to swing back, however, as the modern epidemic of obesity and diabetes has led to a great deal of research on the relationship between foods and hormone production, insulin in particular. Medical and nutritional science is beginning to piece together a deeper and more complex understanding of the relationship between food and acne. It may even lead to better treatments for acne.
Hormones, Adolescence, and Refined Carbohydrates- "The Perfect Storm"
The link between hormones and acne has long been apparent-it explains why acne is so prevalent during the adolescent and teen years, prime time for human hormonal development, and also why women become susceptible to acne outbreaks around their menstrual periods and during menopause-both times of intense hormonal fluctuation.
Many people have tried to explain away these links between acne outbreaks and hormones and eating certain foods as all being due to stress. But it seems now that the links may be more than coincidental.
Researchers have confirmed that consuming lots of refined carbohydrates (such as bread and cereals) is associated with the development of acne in teenagers. These refined carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels and cause an increase in insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). IGF-1 triggers in turn the excess production of androgens. These male hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to increase the production of sebum, leading to clogged pores and the development of acne.
So it seems quite likely that for some people at least, a diet full of high glycemic refined carbohydrates can indeed increase their vulnerability to acne.
Other research has suggested that some dairy products (e.g., skim milk, instant breakfast drink, sherbet, cottage cheese, and cream cheese) may increase levels of several sex hormones, including IGF-1, and also contribute to acne development.
A lot of research is under way to test these findings and identify the implications for the prevention and treatment of acne. For now, however, you can add acne to the list of ills associated with our cultural addiction to refined carbohydrates. It’s a great argument for eating your fruit and veggies instead of another helping of pasta, white bread or doughnuts.
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While there are a few cultures and countries where acne is relatively rare, a look at the array of acne treatments in your local drugstore tells you that ours is not one of them.
Treatment For Acne
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Clogged pores, pimples and blackheads don’t just strike teenagers either. Many adults still find themselves prone to outbreaks at certain times or when they are under stress.
Prevention- Stop Acne Before it Has a Chance to Start
The best way to treat acne is to prevent it in the first place, of course. Skin hygiene is crucial. You should be cleaning your skin at least twice a day. Use a mild but effective cleanser, not a harsh soap or one with any potentially irritating chemical ingredients. Consider using an exfoliant to help clear off the dead skins cells that clog pores. You also might want to look for a cleanser with mild natural antibacterial properties.
Use a Moisturizer Every Day
You should also apply a moisturizer daily to keep your skin’s climate healthy. You may fear that moisturizer will make your skin oily and more prone to breakouts. You do want to be sure that any products you put on your face are non-comedogenic, but in fact most cosmetics and skin care lotions are now specifically formulated not to block pores and contribute to acne.
What you Should Do if Your Occassional Blemish Becomes a Bad Outbreak
An occasional blemish should be easy to deal with. Most pimples will clear up fairly quickly on their own, with just good skin care and as long as no additional irritation occurs. Not everyone is so fortunate, however, and for many people, an extensive or lingering acne outbreak is both painful and embarrassing.
So where do you begin to look for treatments for acne if your acne has developed into a persistent or uncontrolled case? The drug store is a good place to start. You should have no trouble finding a good selection of non-prescription medications and skin care treatments in the form you prefer-liquid, lotion, and gel.
A number of dual-purpose products combine cleansers with proven ingredients that actively treat acne as well. If your pimples are prominent or numerous enough to make you embarrassed and self-conscious about going out in public, look for treatments designed to match your skin tone and cover-up visible blemishes as well as treat them.
Always use these acne treatments according to directions and consistently from the first sign of a pimple, for many people these products should be effective enough to clear up their acne problem in a month or less.
When it is Time to See the Dermatologist
For the significant number of people who do not find over-the-counter treatments sufficient to get their acne under control, the next step should be to find a good dermatologist to get some further care recommendations and most likely a prescription for stronger acne treatments.
Prevention- Stop Acne Before it Has a Chance to Start
The best way to treat acne is to prevent it in the first place, of course. Skin hygiene is crucial. You should be cleaning your skin at least twice a day. Use a mild but effective cleanser, not a harsh soap or one with any potentially irritating chemical ingredients. Consider using an exfoliant to help clear off the dead skins cells that clog pores. You also might want to look for a cleanser with mild natural antibacterial properties.
Use a Moisturizer Every Day
You should also apply a moisturizer daily to keep your skin’s climate healthy. You may fear that moisturizer will make your skin oily and more prone to breakouts. You do want to be sure that any products you put on your face are non-comedogenic, but in fact most cosmetics and skin care lotions are now specifically formulated not to block pores and contribute to acne.
What you Should Do if Your Occassional Blemish Becomes a Bad Outbreak
An occasional blemish should be easy to deal with. Most pimples will clear up fairly quickly on their own, with just good skin care and as long as no additional irritation occurs. Not everyone is so fortunate, however, and for many people, an extensive or lingering acne outbreak is both painful and embarrassing.
So where do you begin to look for treatments for acne if your acne has developed into a persistent or uncontrolled case? The drug store is a good place to start. You should have no trouble finding a good selection of non-prescription medications and skin care treatments in the form you prefer-liquid, lotion, and gel.
A number of dual-purpose products combine cleansers with proven ingredients that actively treat acne as well. If your pimples are prominent or numerous enough to make you embarrassed and self-conscious about going out in public, look for treatments designed to match your skin tone and cover-up visible blemishes as well as treat them.
Always use these acne treatments according to directions and consistently from the first sign of a pimple, for many people these products should be effective enough to clear up their acne problem in a month or less.
When it is Time to See the Dermatologist
For the significant number of people who do not find over-the-counter treatments sufficient to get their acne under control, the next step should be to find a good dermatologist to get some further care recommendations and most likely a prescription for stronger acne treatments.
Acne develops through an imbalance of some perfectly normal elements and processes in your body and skin.
What are the Best Acne Treatments?
Using Acne Cleanser- Why Prevention is The Most Curcial Treatment for Acne
Why the Best Treatment for Acne May Be a Change in Diet
Acne Treatments
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