Acne Treatment – How to Get Rid of Acne
Acne occurs when a pore in the skin becomes clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, an oil that helps keep skin moisturized.
Treatments for acne are available as both topical and systemic treatments, with the most commonly used being antibiotics and hormonal therapies. These are most often taken orally, but are also available in topical form.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help treat mild acne. These products often contain one of two active ingredients: salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
When used correctly, OTC treatments can prevent new pimples from forming and reduce the number of old ones. These treatments also can help heal existing acne.
OTC medicines may cause side effects, so it’s important to read the drug facts label on the package carefully. These labels describe any possible risks as well as how to use the medicine properly.
Many people with mild acne find that OTC medicines work well enough to keep their skin clear. But if your acne is severe, or you have sensitive skin, it’s best to see a medical professional.
Prescription topical medications
Prescription topical medications can be used to treat mild breakouts, severe acne and everything in between. They include light water-based gels and creams to toner-like solutions and medicated pads.
Antibiotics: These are the least irritating acne topical agents and work to control the growth of bacteria, reduce inflammation and minimize redness. They include clindamycin (Dalacin T Topical Lotion, ClindaTech and Zindaclin gel), erythromycin, sulfacetamide and minocycline.
Retinoids: These are derived from Vitamin A and are often used in combination with antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide or both. They help prevent new pimples from forming by reducing the growth of acne bacteria and stimulating the shedding of skin cells.
Retinoids are also sometimes used to improve discoloration caused by acne, but these treatments may cause a greater risk of sunburn. For this reason, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day while you’re on these medications.
Oral medications
Acne results from plugged hair follicles that trap excess sebum, a natural skin oil. This can mix with dead skin cells and form a plug, which leads to inflammation and pimples or small cysts.
Treatments work by clearing away bacteria and drying up the excess oils that clog pores. They also reduce the risk of scarring and help your skin heal faster.
Oral acne medications are typically used for moderate to severe cases or when topical treatments haven’t worked well. They may be prescribed in combination with topical treatment or for long-term maintenance therapy.
Oral antibiotics kill the acne-causing bacteria in your skin pores and ease inflammation. Doctors usually prescribe tetracycline drugs, including minocycline and doxycycline, or erythromycin. Antibiotic resistance is a concern, so doctors often only prescribe oral antibiotics for a short time — for example, 3-6 months.
See a dermatologist
Acne is a complex skin condition that can take several different treatments before it goes away completely. It can also be emotionally challenging to deal with, especially if you’ve had acne for a long time and have never seen any improvement.
Your dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan that will work for your specific skin type, condition and needs. It may include prescription acne medication, topical medications and procedures such as laser therapy and chemical peels.
If your OTC products aren’t working, your doctor may prescribe stronger gels or creams, such as tretinoin (a vitamin A derivative), benzoyl peroxide, and/or an antibiotic like clindamycin.
Your dermatologist can also give you tips for improving your overall skin care habits, such as avoiding harsh soaps and makeup. They can also recommend noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens to avoid clogging pores.
