How to Understand the Various Acne Treatments

Are you suffering from severe acne? Are you searching appropriate acne medication? Don''t worry! You''re not alone. It is projected that around 80 to 95% of the US citizens suffer from acne at least once in their lifetime. Most of us think that teens make up a large percentage for acne treatment. NO!!! Acne occurrence is prevalent among adults also!

Acne is a skin disorder. This disorder causes lesions, cysts, zits or pimples, and whiteheads or blackheads. A perfect acne treatment regimen usually entails several different products. In general acne occurs in the face, chest, back, and neck of the teens and young adults. Acne occurs in people of all races just as equally.

Acne treatment varies extensively from topical to oral. Usually combination of topical and oral medications fetches fruitful results. Depending on the severity of the disease, combination of oral and topical medications has been sought.

Some of the most common treatment options for acne are:

· Benzoyl Peroxide
· Accutane
· Retin-A

Benzoyl peroxide

This is an active ingredient for treating acne of non-inflammatory in nature. As it is safe for teenagers and adults, the product with this active ingredient is mostly adored by acne suffers. Benzoyl peroxide destroys the acne causing bacteria by acting as an oxidizing and antiseptic agent.

Benzoyl peroxide may produce desirable results within 2-3 weeks by reducing the number of blocked pores or comdones.

Benzoyl peroxide will eliminate the acne causing bacteria within 2-3 weeks without increasing the body''s self defense mechanism. Hence if you withdrawn the treatment of Benzoyl peroxide, the acne will return as this does not prevent the production of sebum.

Accutane

The active ingredient of accutane is Isotretinoin, the proven remedy for acne. For getting rid of acne, you are required to take 0.5 to 1 mg/kg of accutane daily. Accutane is available in pill form, powder form and topical form.

Action of Accutane

· Inhibiting keratinization
· Hampering sebaceous gland function

This action will occur only after continuous exposure to accutane at least for 2-week period.

Accutane acne treatment should be avoided by women planning on giving birth because of the likelihood of damage caused to an unborn fetus.

Retin-A

The main constituents of Retin-A are tretinoin and vitamin A. This is best suited for treating whiteheads and blackheads or comedonal acne. The results of this product can be noticed after continual usage for at least two weeks.

Action of Retin-A

· Promotes the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle
· Increasing skin cell turnover
· Helps in drying up the skin eruptions
· Preventing the formation of fresh pimples

Retin-A may cause irritation and flaking on your skin at the initial stage but best benefit can be seen after 6-9 weeks. But noticeable difference is seen if Retin-A is applied for at least a year. Most of us discontinue to use Retin-A for pimples after a couple of weeks or months owing to the reason that it didn''t work. Don''t think like that! For getting rid of acne permanently, do use Retin-A continuously until the symptoms and the scars of acne wears off. Retin A acne treatment is highly affective for those willing to give it a chance to work.

Patience always pays off. Hence the complete results of the acne treatment are noticed only after 6-8 weeks.

For more on medicinal and natural acne treatment advice Acne scar treatment advice