An Overview of Prescription Medications and Natural Remedies for Acne

Acne is a common condition which could affect almost everyone at some point. In many cases it can be managed easily and in other cases it can be lifelong problem.

Acne treatment aims to clear spots as much as possible and most importantly, to prevent scarring. Several treatments are available for acne. You can go to a doctor, specifically a dermatologist or you can buy over the counter skin care products such as soap, lotions and cleansers.

Acne medications work by minimizing oil production, fighting bacterial infection, speeding up skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation. All in all, these medications help prevent scarring.

List of Commone Acne Medications

Benzoyl peroxide
This is a common topical treatment for acne. It works by reducing inflammation, and kills germs or bacteria and helps to unplug blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide works well in clearing blackheads as well as whiteheads and in clearing inflamed spots.

Topical Antibiotics
Topical antibiotics decrease the number of bacteria as well as reduce inflammation. These are good in managing inflamed acnes but whiteheads and blackheads may remain. Topical antibiotics must be used along with other medicines because using them alone will make the germs adapt to the antibiotics thus, treatment is less effective.

Retinoids
Retinoids such as tretinoin, adapalene and isotretinoin are good at unplugging blocked pores and reducing inflammation.

Azelaic Acid
A topical treatment for acne which effectively unplugs blocked pores. It clears blackheads and whiteheads efficiently.

Keep in mind that all these treatments have minimal to no side effects. Ask your doctor first before using any of these medications. Results may not be seen for four to eight weeks. Treatment could take months to years and your skin might get worse before it can be better.

What Can You do if You have Acne?

Follow these useful techniques for your acne:

• Don't wash the affected areas of your skin more than twice a day. Doing so can irritate the skin thus making the symptoms worse.
• Don't try to squeeze or clean out your blackheads. It will make the acne worse and will lead to permanent scarring.
• Use a mild soap or cleanser when washing the affected area. Use lukewarm water, not very hot or very cold water because these can make your acne worse.
• Regularly wash your hair. Try to avoid letting your hair fall across or on your face.
• Avoid applying too much make-up and cosmetics and completely remove make-up before going to bed.
• Take a shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising because sweat irritates your acne.

Will Acne Return After Treatment?

Acne commonly returns when you stop treatment even if the spots have cleared. That’s why it is important to have a maintenance treatment to prevent the acne from recurring. Maintenance treatment usually involves the use of benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoid.

Home Remedies for Acne

Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is a skin exfoliant. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Baking soda works by unplugging the pores and removing dead skin. It also helps in regulating the skin’s pH balance.

Toothpaste
Toothpaste reduces swelling. As a result, it dries out the acne.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal absorbs the excess oil on the skin and cleanses skin pores. It’s also a good skin exfoliant.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil acts like an antiseptic and disinfects plugged pores. It also kills bacteria that cause acne.

Lemon Juice
Due to its acidity, lemon juice is very useful as an acne home remedy. It cleans dirt which has accumulated in the pores and it will also harden the sebum.

Honey
Honey has an antibiotic property which can help improve acne.