Over-the-Counter and Prescribed Remedies for Acne: Choosing the Right One

Treatment for acne comes in various forms. Deciding on what to purchase can be a bit confusing if you are not aware on what is available and what your particular level of condition needs. To understand your options better, here is a brief discussion of what you can buy over-the-counter and what you can get through prescriptions.

1. Antibacterials. These could come in the form of creams, facial washes and even soaps. The most common antibacterials for acne are those that contain benzoly peroxide. They work by eradicating the acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. Antibacterial is good enough for mild to moderate acne, but care should be taken when using this treatment because it can cause skin dryness if excessively applied. Balancing its effect with a moisturizer is often advised by dermatologists.

2. Retinoids. This type of cure can come in both oral and topical forms. Retinoids work by minimizing the skin's production of oil and controlling the life cycle of follicle cells. The basic ingredient of such treatment is vitamin A. The use of these cures requires the approval of dermatologists since they can have severe side-effects. Generally though, retinoids are considered more effective than most treatments and are known to get rid of acne for good in majority of cases.

3. Antibiotics. This type of cure can be in the form of oral or topical creams. They work by killing the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. Topicals can be applied to the affected area and does not carry the risk of causing upset stomach as oral medications do. However, antibiotics for acne have been found to be ineffective in the long run since the bacteria can build a resistance against them.

4. Hormone medications. This is used only by women and is also often prescribed for menopausal symptoms. They can be oral contraceptives or can be injected directly into the pimple. Hormone treatments work by reducing the level of androgenic hormones, thereby minimizing the occurrence of bumps or pimples.

Knowing what treatment suits you best is the first step towards effective control of acne. Discussing with a dermatologist what treatment is appropriate for you will help keep that acne in control and help keep your skin healthy.