Acne affects over one-third of the global population, during some point of their lives. Although people are more prone to acne during their teenage and subsequent growth years, adult acne is also commonly found in people up to their 40’s. Acne is a condition where the oil secreting glands and the hair follicles in the skin get clogged. This results in bacteria to grow in the pores of the skin.
The result is that one gets whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. One need not worry unnecessarily though since acne can be treated with proper acne medication. A wide variety of prescription acne medication is available today. Acne medications in the form of topical medications which can be applied to the skin are perhaps the most extensively used. Yet another form of medication works internally and is used for treating severe acne. Whatever the acne medication, they work on the same principle of attacking the different factors that actually lead to acne. In some cases dermatologists may combine more than one acne medication as part of treatment.
Since the problem of acne is widespread, there are lots of over the counter acne medication that is available in the market. The most commonly available over the counter acne medicines have benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. One must have surely heard of brands like ‘Clean & Clear Persa-Gel’, ‘Oxy -10’ or ‘Clearasil’. Most of the leading brands use either of these as their ingredients. Any acne medication with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is useful for people with mild acne. They are known to open up clogged pores and have some antibacterial effect. Whatever the different over the counter acne medicines may claim, it does take several weeks to see a marked improvement in the condition.
Yet another widely available acne medication is in the form of oral antibiotics. Like topical antimicrobials, these oral antibiotics work to reduce the contributing factor in acne. This in turn decreases inflammation. The entire acne medication process with oral antibiotics begins with a high dosage which is gradually reduced as the acne resolves. Generally speaking this form of acne medication is prescribed for a time period of six months or less. Topical retinoids are also prescribed as acne medication for mild to moderately severe acne. Topical retinoids are actually a derivative of vitamin A. These retinoids work to unclog pores and also prevent blackheads and white heads from forming. In some cases, retinoids can lead to an increase in sun sensitivity or irritation of the skin. It is therefore important that you consult your dermatologist before you use them. For slightly severe acne there are over the counter acne medicines available with sulfur and /or resorcinol. These products are known to be effective and come with a noticeable odor and color. The best way to arrive at the right acne medication is probably through the age old ‘trial and error method’. You can also find out from your friends or other family members about the various over the counter acne products available in the market. Your dermatologist or even beautician is perhaps the person who is best placed to offer you good advice on the best acne medication suited to you.
