The Inside Scoop on Acne Medication - Which One is Right for You?

Experts estimate that nearly 9 out of 10 people worldwide either have acne or have suffered from it in the past. That means that literally billions of people are currently facing this common skin problem, went through it in the past, or know someone who fits in one of those first two categories. One of the most common forms of acne treatment is the use of some type of acne medication. However, the type of medication used varies depending on the severity of the acne outbreaks along with other factors.

Moderate to Severe Acne

Topical treatments are often used for moderate to severe acne. These treatments, as the name implies, are usually applied to existing acne as a way to reduce inflammation and eventually make the acne go away.

Oral antibiotics are also sometimes used as a treatment for acne. This is typically done in multiple doses, with the first dose being a relatively high dose and over the course of 6 months or so, the dosage being gradually reduced. There's added relief from the fact that oral antibiotics are also anti-inflammatory, which helps with some of the discomfort that can result from particularly bad acne outbreaks...an added bonus that comes with this particular form of acne treatment.

Oral contraceptives can also be used in the treatment of acne. Though it may sound strange to think of these drugs as acne remedies, studies indicate that these types of medications can help women in fighting acne. Since acne is often linked to hormonal characteristics, that might not be much of a surprise. These drugs have a suppressive effect on the oil-producing sebaceous glands, whose overproduction of oil is one of the main factors that causes acne. So although it's a roundabout way, these drugs can have a beneficial effect when used as an acne treatment but, of course, care should be taken when using them, especially for women with certain medical conditions. As with anything else, a doctor's recommendation is always best.

These treatments prove quite effective for many cases of moderate to severe acne. However, as acne becomes more severe, more aggressive measures might have to be taken.

Acute Cystic Acne and Severe Acne

Some of the most potent topical treatments for acne are called retinoids. These are often used on cases of severe acne, though they work quite well on moderate outbreaks too. These drugs are derived from Vitamin A and are the basis for many acne medications. They work to clean dirt and oil from the pores of the skin which helps keep acne from forming.

In addition to retinoids, Isotretinoin is one of the most prescribed acne medications used today. However, this drug is so powerful that it's reserved only for acne sufferers with acute cystic acne outbreaks. It might also be used on other patients whose acne has been shown to be resistant to other, less aggressive measures.

Depending on the severity of your acne as well as other factors, one of these types of treatment might be right for you too. However, as with all health-related matters, consulting a doctor or other medical professional is the best course of action to ensuring you choose the acne remedy that's best for you.

FACT: Acne affects 90% of people worldwide. Why are some people able to stop acne dead in its tracks while others continue to suffer? Discover other traditional and alternative acne treatments and finally enjoy clear, smooth, acne-free skin.

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The Different Types of Acne Medication

To treat acne, there exists many types of acne medication and solutions. Many of the acne medication treatments may include topical or systematic acne solutions. Additionally, homeopathic treatments may also be applied to prevent the out-break of acne, an example of which is the use of mild soaps and water. Which acne medication to use first depends on what is the cause of acne.

There can be many causes of acne. Some of the causes include:

o Over-secretion of the sebaceous glands of its sebum (natural oil of the skin).

o Hormone imbalances due to internal changes in your body.

o The weakening of the immune system due to the attacks of the acne-infecting bacteria called as "Propionibacterium acnes".

o Impaired internal detoxification system.

o The reaction of the digestive system to the food items you eat.

o Stress.

o Genetic influences.

o Environmental pollutants or toxins.

o Cosmetics that contain chemicals, preservatives or harmful substances.

The severity of your acne problem determines the type of acne medication to be used. In fact, for the less serious acne cases or conditions, it is best to start with natural acne solutions. This normally comprises of natural herbs and exotic plants that are effective in removing blemishes and the prevention of bacterial formation. One example of less serious acne symptoms are those that appear on the onset of an acne outbreak.

Fruits and vegetables are perfect in lessening the effects of the above mentioned factors. They contain eeded minerals and vitamins for healthy skin. These may also have the properties of effectively cleansing and removing the oil from the skin tissues, like that of cucumbers and tomatoes. Most vegetables and fruits have a high water content. Water itself is potent in releasing body toxins from the body. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of distilled water can help prevent the onset of acne.

However, if you have a serious acne breakout, the use of acne medication treatment may be suitable. Acne medication products include topical and systematic acne solutions.

Topical acne solutions are those which you apply on the skin surface. One ingredient found in a topical acne medication product is benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is effective in reducing the quantity of bacteria on the skin. However, prolonged use can result in dryness of the skin, contract dermatitis and cause skin irritations.

Another ingredient in a topical acne medication product is Azeilic acid. Azeilic acid is known for its diminishing effect like that of benzoyl peroxide, on the bacterial presence on the skin. This acne solution is also effective in evening out the darker complexions produced by the recent flare-ups of acne. The side effects of this acne solution are impermanent discoloration on the affected area and extreme dryness.

In addition, Erythromycin in its topical form may reduce the acne inflammation. This acne solution is often combined with benzoyl peroxide to rigorously attack belligerent infection caused by the "Propionibacterium acnes".

An acne solution that does not only obstruct the growth of the acne-infecting bacteria but may also address inflammation and clogged pores is Sodium Sulfacetamide treatment. However, it is not commonly used as a treatment to acne because of its smell. Yet, it has been proven to help acne flare-ups in many cases.

Systematic acne medications are usually prescribed to more severe cases of acne infections. Generally speaking, the treatment may last up to six months. For women, the most prescribed systematic acne solution is anti-androgens. This form of treatment controls the secretion of a certain hormone and is commonly referred to as hormonal treatment.

Treating your skin with the right acne medication type is important. For instance, if your acne problem is at best mild, you don't want to be applying too strong a product on your skin. Too harsh a product can cause your skin to age faster and result in wrinkles or dry scaly skin. It is therefore, best to research properly on acne medications that will be the most appropriate for your acne problem.

Kathelene Capelle is a writer for beauty tips and advice. Her blog includes useful information on acne remedy, natural skin care, natural remedies for skin care and anti-aging. She also provides step-by-step recipes for skin care that you can easily prepare from ingredients right out from the kitchen. Get updated on tips and resources at [http://www.acne-and-skin-care.com]