Home Acne Products

The most common home acne product available is benzoyl peroxide. This is the active ingredient in many acne treatments including Clearasil, ABY, Acne Control, and Proactiv Solution. It works by killing the bacteria that causes acne, and it also has a mild peeling effect which can reduce breakout and inflammation. Some sources say the bacteria can actually buildup a resistance to benzoyl peroxide, making it less effective the longer you use it. Also, beware that a small percentage of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, and if you experience any excessive skin irritation when using it, you should stop using it immediately.

ProActiv is a three step topical acne fighting system that does not require a prescription, although it does contain prescription grade Benzoyl peroxide. Accutane is an oral prescription medication. There are many side affects associated with the use of Accutane, such as chapped lips, dry skin, nosebleeds, eye irritation, joint and muscle pain, hair thinning, skin rash, intestinal problems, urinary problems, headaches, and vision problems. There are even some psychological side effects, such as depression. Accutane is not prescribed to women who are pregnant or nursing, due to serious birth defects. Retin-A has very few side effects, and is available in both prescription and over the counter forms. Retin-A is used to treat a variety of skin problems other than acne as well, including wrinkles, lines, scars, and discoloration.

In the case of severer forms of acne, dermatologists may prescribe the less physically invasive route of oral medicine. Some common antibiotics, used to curb the development of the P. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation are doxycycline, tetracycline and minocyclyine. The common topical, benzoyl peroxide, may be used with antibiotics such as sulfur, erythromycin or clindamycin. There can be disturbing side affects to antibiotics, depending on the drug and the individual’s sensitivity. Changes in skin color, an increased propensity for sunburns, dizziness, and stomach problems can occur. Tetracycline is contra- indicated in children and pregnant women. The antibiotic route must be taken with caution and with awareness of problems. Substances such as minocycline and tetracycline can even affect the potency of oral birth control methods.

Topical retinoid acid, a modified form of vitamin A has been a great improvement. Improved versions of this medicine greatly reduce the irritation it can cause. Other acne treatments are sometimes used in combination. Such acne treatments include Azelaic acid cream, Benzoyl peroxide, Alpha-hydroxy acids (such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and gluconic acid), antibiotic pills (of used unwisely, they can lead to antibiotic resistance), topical antibiotics (gels, lotions and solutions), contraceptive pills for women, and Sotret or Accutane for severe acne. Accutane and Sotret have several side effects, including birth defects. Women with severe acne problems that choose these treatments should use alternative birth control.

Unlike the small whitehead pustules that most people with acne experience on the surface of their skin, cystic acne appears as large irritated bumps, often with the pustule hidden deep beneath the skin's surface. These cysts are caused when hormonal shifts result in your skin glands overproducing oil (sebum) at an unnatural rate. The gland becomes swollen and eventually bursts, but not before the sebum has swelled and hardened into a clump too large to escape through your pores. The irritation from your gland bursting results in inflammation, and buried pustule can remain in your skin for a very long time.

There are many medicines and cream that are used to fight acne. But so far, maintains a healthy lifestyle is the easiest way to go. It is important to say that by leading a healthy lifestyle, you will not only get healthier skin, but also a healthier body. Changing habits will be hard at first, but in the long run you will have a better general health, and more energy, and clearer, healthier skin.