How To Treat Acne - Try These 14 Lifesaving Options

Last updated on : June 14 2021

What is Acne?

Acne or acne vulgaris is a medical condition caused by the clogging of hair follicles in the pores of the skin. The clogging is caused by excessive oil secretion, piling up of dead skin on the skin surface, and in some cases, a bacterial infection.

Acne comes in the form of a pimple, several white or blackheads on the skin, or skin breaking or scarring. 

For an occasional pimple, concealing it is quite simple. However, if the blisters develop into acne, hiding them is next to impossible. The bad outer appearance of your skin can cause low self-esteem and increase the risk of bacterial infection in the area.  

Treatments For Acne

If you're facing increased sebum production, clogged skin pores, scaly, or dead skin or bacterial infections, including acne. Then it is crucial to identify the best acne treatments at your disposal.

Here are some options to discuss with your doctor or dermatologist, or to investigate further. 

Read More - Tips From Experts: Six Acne Scar Treatments for Dark Skin Tones

Facial Treatments & Cleanses for Acne

Start with skin cleansing. Acne cleanse is the first step towards achieving an acne-free skin. Using clean water with soap to wash your face gets rid of any dirt. Always wash your face before going to bed. Ensure that you do not scrub your face but gently pat with a soft washing cloth to remove dirt and not harm the skin. 

Read more: How To Get Flawless Skin The Korean Way

Mild Soap and Water

Soap and water do clean your face but probably not as thoroughly as you need. If your acne is persistent even after washing twice a day or more, then it is time to try more aggressive cleansers. They include:

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is the perfect exfoliator for your skin. Not only does it remove dead skin, but it also unclogs your pores. It can help reduce your acne, leaving your skin soft to the touch with no visible pimple. However, you need to exfoliate your skin with it regularly to prevent acne reappearance. 

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide works by eliminating the bacteria from the skin surface that causes acne. For it to work, you need to use it continuously. It takes around four weeks for visible improvements to show, after which you should continue using it to prevent the acne from reappearing. However, it has no effect on dead skin, sebum production, or even clogged pores. Besides, it can result in dehydrated and dry skin. 

Retinol Gel

Retinol gel works effectively on pimples by eliminating their appearance through the clearing out of your pores. It works by increasing skin cell turnover rates. As a result, pimples don't get the chance to form. If acne is already on the face, it may worsen when you start using Retinol Gel. However, later, the condition should improve. A period of eight weeks to twelve is advisable if this method is to work effectively. 

Alcohol and Acetone

Alcohol and acetone are some of the most excellent treatment options for acne. Alcohol being an antibacterial agent works to eliminate all types of bacteria on infected areas. Acetone, on the other hand, cleanses the skin by unclogging the pores. Acetone is a useful oil remover. With no oil or bacteria, your skin has the opportunity to return to its healthy self.

Medical Options for Acne 

There are several therapeutic options available for acne. If you don't want to use over the counter medications, here are some of the best prescription treatments for individuals suffering from acne. 

Using Antibiotics 

Antibiotics clean, exfoliate, and unclog skin pores and can work well towards eliminating acne. They come in topical creams applied to the skin surface, oral treatments that work from the inside or a combination of lotions creams gels, and even foams and pads. Antibiotics penetrate deep into the skin, helping to eliminate acne. 

However, antibiotics may have several side effects when treating acne. Therefore, you should know your skin type, i.e., is it oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination. With that information, you know which treatment options will suit your skin and deliver the desired effects. Antibiotics can also prevent your body's natural buildup of resistance to acne, so you don't want to take them for too long.  

Use Retinoids 

Retinoids come in the form of oral drugs or topical applications. They are responsible for cleansing and exfoliating your skin. Retinoids control skin growth and the process in which it sheds the skin. 

For more effective results, you can combine different treatment options. Use retinoids in combination with antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, among others. However, they do have several side effects, including skin breaking as a result of excessive dryness and even itchiness. 

Cortisone Injections

When in a hurry and facing different acne symptoms, you can get a cortisone shot to aid you out. The corticosteroid works fast, and your symptoms disappear within a short period, mainly in a day or two. Therefore, if you have a significant presentation or going out with friends, your skin is smooth, shiny, and above all, with an improved complexion. 

The corticosteroid works by fighting inflammation resulting from skin breakouts. Also, it resists any flares in your hormones, ensuring balance. However, the injection might leave a depression on the skin that lasts for a while. Potentially, as long as eight weeks. 

Oral Contraceptives

The use of oral contraceptives in the treatment of acne has the approval of major institutions such as the FDA. However, their use is only therapeutic. The basis of contraceptives use in acne therapy is their content; they combine estrogen and progestin. Even though the medication does not take effect immediately, you should see results in a few weeks or months. 

These contraceptives eliminate the hormone androgen and limit its production levels. If an individual is sensitive to this specific hormone, the reaction manifests as cystic acne, which increases the rate at which the skin produces sebum. The contraceptive balances out your hormones, which in turn keeps your skin clean and clear of acne.

Oral contraceptives have significant side effects, even with myriad positives such as acne therapy. They lead to weight gain; you may feel nausea, and in some cases, experience tender breasts. Other risks include increased chances of suffering from hypertension, blood clotting, and cardiovascular diseases.

Spironolactone

If dealing with acne that results from hormonal imbalance or sensitivities, then oral contraceptives do not offer adequate assistance. Using a blocker for preventing androgen production is fundamental to eliminating hormonal acne. Such a blocker is Spironolactone. It prevents testosterone from binding with essential receptors that promote the production of androgen. 

The medication also aims at providing relief from continuous hair growth, acne, oily skin, and above all, hypertension. In acne, individuals can expect reduced inflammation, no more skin breakouts, and no pain or inflammation. However, it may induce breast tenderness and make your periods quite painful. Therefore, consider it only for persistent acne that is resistant to other medications. 

Dapsone Gel

Acne leads to an increase in blackheads and whiteheads. Sometimes you may experience pain and inflammation. Dapsone gel aids in relieving pain and inflammation. Also, it prevents bacterial infections, especially in areas with skin breakouts. However, ensure you use the gels with a hydrating or moisturizing skincare product to counteract drying out. 

Other Treatment Options - Lifestyle Changes

Eat Healthy & Get Enough Sleep

Improving your lifestyle by drinking enough water and eating healthy food that is advantageous to your body and skin is essential in keeping acne at bay. Be sure to sleep for the required amount of time. Drink water to replenish, moisturize, and rejuvenate your skin.

Read more: Healthy Eating - How To Do It

Improve Your Cleansing Routines

Clean your face with a gentle and soft brush, do not pop any pimples to avoid developing acne, and scars that are sometimes permanent.

Ensure that you perform a facial every once in a while. You can steam or deep clean your skin as it opens up the skin pores. A facial will help to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads, leaving your skin smooth.

Try out the Zenmed Derma acne cleanser for your skin acne problem. It is suitable for all skin types and can help with acne by clearing your skin of any clogged pores and giving it a chance to breathe. It protects popping out of pimples and prevents their occurrence. And, it prevents the skin from breaking as a result of acne. 

Use Water-Based Cosmetics

Use cosmetics that are water-based and easy to remove once the day is over. You may think that quality water-based cosmetics do not exist; however, they do and deliver fantastic outcomes.  

Conclusion

There are several best treatment options for your pimples and acne. However, a combination of one or two might work better than alone. Therefore, seek assistance from your dermatologist on the best combinations for your skin. 

Bonus Read: Remember to match your hair color to your revitalized skin tone. 

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