Best Acne Treatments

Although this is a ranked list of the best acne treatments available today, the true best treatment is based on the actual cause of the acne. As acne and pimples have a variety of triggers, different people need different treatments. If one method is not working, try a new one. Many people use a combination of acne treatments for the best results. It is also beneficial to rotate treatments regularly for ultimate success.

Choose skin care products wisely.

1.

 Available in solutions from 2% to 10%, it can be applied in a cream, gel, cleanser, or pad.

 With a large variety of strengths and methods of application, it allows you to tailor the product to your problem. Benzoyl Peroxide has been the mainstay of acne treatments in the United States, so it has been shown to be safe and easy to find. Overall, the 5% gel version is the best type of Benzoyl Peroxide as it is the most stable solution and offers the best defense against acne with less dryness and irritation.

2.

 The two most popular manufactures of retinoid products for acne are Retin-A and Differin.

 Only available with a doctor’s prescription, retinoids are the best acne treatments for more serious comedonal acne. This product must only be used at night as sun inactivates the chemical compounds. It is best in combination with other treatments and works by reducing the inflammation of the skin.

3.

 Commonly known as Accutane, this acne product is in the vitamin-A family.

 Oral Isotretinion is the absolute best treatment for severe acne that has not responded to other treatment types. It should only be used in cases of severe, persistent, and scarring acne as oral isotretinion does have some major side effects. The treatment must be taken under direct supervision of your doctor and will take four to six months of medication. Accutane is a highly effective acne treatment that in many cases actually eliminates an individual’s acne problem completely; but it is highly controversial due to the risks of the potential side effects.

4.

 There are a large variety of facial acid products that work best for mild to moderate acne. The most common are azelaic acid, hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and glycolic acid.

 Facial acid products all work the same way: they offer antioxidant properties, encourage cell turnover, reduce oil, and provide anti-inflammatory effects. They are all available in both over-the-counter and prescription versions.

5.

 All antibiotic acne products require a doctor’s prescription.

 There are both oral and topical antibiotics that battle acne by reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin’s surface and providing some anti-inflammatory benefits. Tetracycline is the most common oral antibiotic and should only be used short term for moderate to severe acne problems. Topical antibiotics are often erythromycin or clindamycin creams.

6.

 oral contraceptives can improve mild to severe acne in most women.

 If you are a woman over the age of 16, it is possible that hormones are at the root of your acne problems. In some cases, a doctor will take a blood test to determine whether or not there is a hormonal imbalance. Therefore, if hormones are a suspected culprit, it might be worth trying either oral birth control or another type of prescription hormone control.

7.

 A chemical peel is performed by an esthetician or dermatologist.

 A dual action option, the chemical peel will minimize old acne scars and treat current problems. The strong acid chemicals actually damage the outer skin layer, which can be painful and take some time to heal.

8.

 Foundation, cover up, and concealer can mask acne blemishes.

 Makeup will cover up scars and redness, plus hide current pimples. While not technically an acne "treatment", it's still a great way to hide the occasional breakout or to guide you through as other treatments take effect.

9.

 For men only.

 For men, growing a beard or attempting the unshaven look offers two benefits. First, it reduces the need to shave, which leaves the skin healthier and less prone to acne. Secondly, it allows the facial hair to grow and hide old or new acne problems.

10.

 Generally healthy eating improves the skin and body.

 Specific vitamins that have shown to improve acne are zinc and nicomide. A low dose of zinc, around 200 mg a day, helps with inflammatory lesions. Nicomide has also shown some benefit in reducing acne and is available with a prescription.

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