Whether you are a teenager or an adult, dealing with unwanted acne
can be a frustrating experience. With so many different medications
available, how can you know which is the right medication for you? One
way, of course, is to try them all and see which works best for you.
Another is to look at the properties of each and see which one is more
convenient for you to use.
Here we discuss five common acne medications to help you choose where to start.
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
One of the most common ingredients in commercial acne kits, benzoyl
peroxide comes in a variety of forms. This ingredient can be found in
acne face washes, gels and creams. This acne medication can cause
dryness and irritation, so it may not be the best option if you have
combination skin that has a measure of dryness already. If you
decide to use benzoyl peroxide to treat your acne, try starting off
slowly by using it once per day to build up a tolerance to the
medication. Increase the amount you use gradually to help avoid skin irritation and redness.
Benzoyl peroxide has a bleaching effect, so be sure to keep it away
from clothing and other fabrics that may be ruined by this ingredient.
2. Salicylic Acid
Another common acne kit ingredient, salicylic acid is hailed as being
gentler to the skin than benzoyl peroxide because it doesn’t have the
same drying effect. You can often find salicylic acid in astringents,
creams and body or face washes. Some people are extremely sensitive to
salicylic acid and actually find their skin appears worse or they
develop swelling if they use it. Stop using salicylic acid medications
if you start having adverse reactions to it.
3. Antibiotics
If you are looking for a prescription medication for your acne, you
might want to talk to your doctor about antibiotics. Antibiotics can be
taken orally or applied topically to areas prone to acne, depending on
the type of antibiotic your doctor prescribes. Antibiotics can cause an
upset stomach and interfere with the effectiveness of birth control
pills, so be sure to talk to your doctor about both the benefits and
side effects of taking these medications before making your decision.
4. Topical Retinoids
The most widely known topical retinoid used for treating acne is
tretinoin, which is sold under the name Retin-A, Avita and Renova. Newer
retinoids for acne use include adapalene and tazarotene. Retinoids can
come in gel, cream or liquid form that you apply directly to your
acne-prone skin. Most retinoids are applied at night before bed, and you
can use them in conjunction with other acne medications.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and can
be a natural way to help fight acne by helping to reduce the redness
and swelling that accompanies acne breakouts. Aloe vera is not a wash, so be sure to cleanse your skin before applying the gel.
One benefit of aloe vera gel is that it can be used for a variety of
other situations, including burns such as sunburn. Look for pure aloe
vera gel for best results.
Natural remedies, over the counter medications and prescription
medications are all available options to treat acne. You might have to
try more than one medication before you find the one that works best for
you, but these five acne medications are a good starting point for taking care of your skin.
0 Comment "Like The Right Medication for Your Acne"
Post a Comment