There are a few types of acne medications that can be used to treat the skin condition. Acne treatment usually includes using a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some of the most common acne medications are topical retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur products. It is important to choose the right medication for your specific case, as some may not be effective for everyone. In this article, the list of the best acne treatments will be discussed which you can use for reference.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that is caused when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne can occur on any part of the body, but is most common on the face, neck, chest, and back. Acne can cause redness, inflammation, and pus-filled lesions called pimples.
It can be treated with topical and oral medications, but it is important to see a dermatologist if you are experiencing any symptoms.
What causes acne?
Acne is a skin condition that affects people of all ages. Acne is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin, which produce too much sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells and bacteria to clog pores and cause acne lesions.
Specifically, a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes is one of the main causes of acne. It’s a type of bacteria that lives on the skin, and it feeds on sebum, an oily substance that the skin produces. When too much sebum is produced, or when the pores get blocked, C. acnes can overgrow and cause inflammation, leading to acne lesions.
Best acne treatments
Acne is a skin condition that affects people of all ages, genders, and races. While there is no cure for acne, there are many treatments available that can help to clear up breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. Discuss below are the best acne treatments available and how they can help you achieve clear skin.
Birth Control Pills
While there are many treatments available, some people may find that their acne does not improve with traditional treatments. In these cases, birth control pills may be recommended as a treatment for acne. Birth control pills work by suppressing the production of hormones that can cause acne. They are often effective in reducing the amount and severity of acne breakouts.
For example, combination hormonal birth control, which contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, helps keep hormones balanced and skin clear. Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and YAZ are all FDA-approved as acne treatments. However, not all birth control pills are effective in treating acne, so it is important to speak with a doctor before starting any new medication.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is used to treat acne. It works by unclogging the pores and removing the dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also helps to reduce the amount of oil on the skin.
It is available in over-the-counter and prescription strength formulations. As with salicylic acid, you can find glycolic acid in washes, peels, moisturizers, and serums at your local beauty store or drugstore.
Retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is used to treat acne and other skin conditions. It comes in a cream, gel, or liquid form, and is applied directly to the skin.
Retinol works by reducing the production of sebum, which is the oil that clogs pores and causes acne. It also helps to speed up the healing process of acne lesions. Retinol can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription.
But keep in mind that retinoids can also be irritating, and if you have sensitive skin (or a skin condition like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea), even an over-the-counter option may be too strong. So it’s important to always start with a retinol for sensitive skin such as a low concentration of retinol (even as low as .01%) to see how your skin reacts.
Your dermatologist can also recommend an over-the-counter retinol with a low concentration or a low-concentration version of prescription retinoids, which you might be able to tolerate more easily. And retinol is not considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people, so keep that in mind, too.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the go-to fix for pimple remedies in teens. And cruising through the skincare aisles at the drugstore, you’ll find it as the active ingredient on the majority of products labeled “acne wash” or “spot treatment.” Salicylic acid works by reducing swelling and unclogging pores to help pimples shrink and then disappear.
Although it’s totally fine to use salicylic acid in a face wash, you may find that you have better results when using it as a toner, moisturizer, or leave-on spot treatment because these give it more time to do its work. And keep in mind, salicylic acid can dry out the skin if over-applied, so it may be wise to choose only one product with the ingredient to use every day.
Tazarotene
Tazarotene is a prescription medication that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acne. Tazarotene is a retinoid, which means it is related to vitamin A. It works by slowing down the production of sebum, the oil that accumulates in the pores and can cause acne. Tazarotene also helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Like other retinoids, it can cause side effects like dryness and irritation, so you should always follow your dermatologist’s instructions for when and how to use it. Interestingly, it can also be used to help manage plaque psoriasis and may be combined with other topical medications, like corticosteroids, to do just that.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a powerful acne-fighting drug that is only available by prescription. It is a derivative of vitamin A and is taken orally. Isotretinoin can clear up severe cystic acne cases when other treatments have failed.
It’s especially good for cystic acne in women and body acne, including back acne in adult men. A course of isotretinoin can take six to nine months. Sometimes patients need to repeat the course at a higher dosage in order to truly eliminate acne.
It has some side effects, including dry skin, lips, and eyes, but these are usually mild and temporary. Hence, it’s important to keep moisturizers, lip balm nearby, and other dry skin products while you’re on the treatment.
Azelaic
Azelaic acid is one such treatment for acne. It has a number of anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling, treat and heal pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes. Your dermatologist can prescribe products with high concentrations of azelaic acid, and you can find over-the-counter options with lower concentrations of this active ingredient.
Adapalene
Adapalene is a retinoid that is used to treat acne. It is available as a topical cream or gel. Adapalene helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. It is available by prescription only.
Because it’s synthetic, it was formulated to be gentler than other prescription acne medications. For those who’ve graduated beyond over-the-counter retinol but aren’t quite ready for the full intensity of a prescription retinoid, adapalene is a perfect choice.
Sulfur
Sulfur is a common ingredient in anti-acne products. It is often used to treat acne because it can reduce the number of pimples on the skin and the size of existing pimples. Also, sulfur helps to prevent acne by keeping bacteria from growing in the pores.
Sulfur is typically mixed with other active ingredients to get the most efficacy and with fragrances to mask the strong scent. You can often find it in masks and spot treatments.
Bakuchiol
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the use of bakuchiol for acne. Bakuchiol is a natural extract from the babchi plant that has been shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide, one of the most common treatments for acne. It is gentle on the skin and does not cause the same side effects as benzoyl peroxide, such as dryness and redness.
These days, it might show up in a product all on its own or be paired with a low concentration of retinol to help boost the acne-fighting and antiaging effects without increasing the risk for side effects.
Dapsone Gel
Dapsone gel is a new treatment for acne that is now available by prescription. Dapsone gel is a topical medication that is applied to the skin to treat acne. Dapsone gel is most effective in treating acne caused by bacteria.
In addition, dapsone gel works by killing the bacteria that causes the infection, and it can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of acne. Oftentimes dapsone is used alongside other acne treatments. And as with many of those other remedies, this can cause skin to dry out.
Retinal
Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from acne? If so, you may be interested in retinal for acne. Retinal is a medication that is used to treat acne. It is a form of vitamin A that helps to reduce the amount of oil on the skin. Retinal can be used alone or in combination with other treatments for acne.
Like retinol, this compound is a naturally occurring retinoid that the body converts to retinoic acid. And, it has been shown in a few studies to be just as effective as retinol and other retinoids with fewer side effects.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a medication that is often prescribed to people who have acne. It comes in the form of a cream, gel, or wash, and is applied to the skin. Benzoyl peroxide helps to clear up acne by killing the bacteria that cause it, and by drying out the skin.
It is important to follow the instructions on the package carefully when using benzoyl peroxide, as overuse can cause dryness and irritation. In fact, as advised by dermatologists, it’s best to stick to formulations that have no more than 2% benzoyl peroxide listed on the active-ingredients chart; stronger concentrations are harder on your skin without being any tougher on bacteria.
A Cortisone Shot
In some cases, a cortisone shot may be recommended to help treat acne. A cortisone shot is a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection that is most often recommended to treat acne. HA is a substance that helps the skin retain moisture and makes it more elastic.
In addition, the treatment works to curb inflammation, which makes it best for cystic breakouts and can be really good at combating hormonal acne flare-ups. It can be used in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and arthritis.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a compound that is found in milk and other dairy products. It is also produced by the body during exercise. Lactic acid has been shown to be an effective treatment for acne. When applied to the skin, lactic acid helps remove dead skin cells and excess oil. It also helps reduce inflammation.
Lactic acid can be purchased over-the-counter or through a doctor’s prescription. So for those with dry or sensitive skin, exfoliants with lactic acid would work well without being too irritating. These products can work for a chemical peel at home.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that is commonly used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and edema. It has also been found to be an effective treatment for acne. Studies have shown that spironolactone can improve symptoms in up to 80% of patients with acne.
The mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is thought that spironolactone blocks the effects of androgens, which are hormones that play a role in the development of acne. Spironolactone is available as a pill or a topical cream and is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include breast tenderness, headache, and menstrual irregularities.
How do dermatologists treat acne?
Dermatologists have a variety of ways to treat acne. The most common treatment is a topical cream or gel that is applied to the skin. This type of treatment is effective for mild cases of acne. If a person has more severe acne, their dermatologist may prescribe an oral medication. The type of medication prescribed depends on the severity of the acne. If a person has severe acne, they may also need to be treated with oral antibiotics.
Inference
In conclusion, there are many effective acne medications on the market. It is important to find the medication that works best for you and to stick with it. If your medication isn’t working, be sure to talk to your doctor about other options.
FAQ
Is there a pill to get rid of acne?
Persistent or severe cases of acne are difficult to control. In the majority of cases, these types of acne require oral medications if topical treatments will not work. Severe acne is sometimes called cystic acne or nodular acne. In relation, oral medications, or those taken by mouth, work systemically (body-wide) to improve the skin from the inside out.
Some oral medications are taken once a day, while others are take more often. Regardless, you should take your dose(s) at the same time(s) every day. Specifically, dermatologists usually start people on a high dosage of oral antibiotics. Then they move them to lower dosages as acne improves. Oral antibiotics are used to treat moderate, severe, or persistent acne.
Are pills for acne good?
One type of treatment for acne is oral medication in the form of pills. Many oral medications for acne work by killing the bacteria that cause acne, or by decreasing the amount of sebum that is produced. Pills for acne are usually taken by mouth, although they can be injected into the skin as well. Oral antibiotics and hormonal agents may give you better results than those taken by mouth. These treatments may also be combined with other treatments, such as topical medications or light therapy.
Can you buy acne pills over-the-counter?
While there is no cure for acne, there are many treatments available. One such treatment is over-the-counter acne pills for mild to moderate acne. These acne pills are available at many pharmacies and online. They contain a combination of ingredients that are designed to treat acne effectively. Popular over-the-counter acne pills include: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol, and tea tree oil.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a cystic pimple?
Cystic pimples are one of the most stubborn types of acne. They form deep within the skin and are notoriously difficult to treat. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are a few methods that are known to be more effective than others when it comes to getting rid of cystic pimples quickly.
First, make sure you’re using the right acne treatment products for your skin type. If you’re using harsh chemicals on your skin, they might actually make the cystic pimple worse. Try using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer instead. You probably want to avoid using benzoyl peroxide on your face if you’ve got a cystic pimple. Benzoyl peroxide can dry out the skin, making it more prone to infection.
What do dermatologists give for cystic acne?
If you’ve got this type of acne, your dermatologist may recommend a 5% benzoyl peroxide treatment, which will help to dry out the skin and lessen the production of excess oil. Your doctor may also recommend a topical retinoid cream or gel. These will help to reduce the amount of oil on your skin and make it less likely that you’ll develop cystic or inflammatory acne in the future.