Various Acne Solutions and What They Can Do

Acne solutions come in various forms; they can be topical formulas, oral medications, herbal supplements, home-based solutions or surgical procedures. Whatever method you choose, knowing what these products and services are designed for and what they contain is important if you are serious about getting rid of that zit.

Acne solutions that come in the form of topical ointments can be bactericidals, antibiotics or retinoids. These solutions are applied directly to the affected area and are recommended for mild pimples. Most common bactericidals contain benzoyl peroxide that can help dissolve the materials blocking the skin pores and eliminate the pimple-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. Topical antibiotics work the same way as bactericidals, by killing the bacteria causing pimples. Retinoids, on the other hand, work by keeping the skin cell cycle at a normal level. Both antibiotics and retinoids for acne also come in oral medication form.

Aside from topical and oral medications, treatment for acne can also be in the form of herbal medicines or natural supplements. The most popular among these are those that contain Aloe vera and tea tree oil. Other natural products-based solutions contain vitamin A and vitamin E, two of the elements believed to play a role in alleviating acne. These formulas are popular mostly because they are believed to be safe due to their natural ingredients and supposed lack of chemical contents.

For more advanced or severe forms of acne, visible light and laser are usually employed. Phototherapy - which makes use of intense violet light from specially designed fluorescent lighting, lasers or light-emitting diodes - has been found to reduce acne after several twice-a-week sessions. Although laser is mostly used to remove acne scars, studies have already been done on the use of lasers to treat acne itself and the studies have so far produced promising results.

Choosing acne solutions should depend on the severity of the condition, the type of skin and the possible allergic reactions of the patient to the treatment method. Before deciding on what to do with your acne, consult a skin professional. Getting an expert opinion will help you decide what's good for you and what process you should avoid.