Acne Medication – Effective Ways to Keep Zit Away
Acne is common skin condition, and most people suffer from it at some time in their lives. It is caused by clogged pores and bacteria, hormones, and genetics. And just like any skin condition, it is important to take care of acne as soon as possible in order to prevent the pimples from worsening. The right acne medication can also reduce future breakouts.
Medicines can help in managing and preventing acne outbreaks. When it comes to acne medication, there are several options to choose from. It also depends on the type of acne you have, whether it is pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cystic lesions.
How Acne Medication Helps
An acne medication can unplug the pores of the skin, and prevent them from clogging up again with oil. There are also some medicines that kill bacteria that causes acne. Another type of acne medication can reduce the amount of oil on the skin. Some oral contraceptive for women is able to reduce the effects of hormones.
Types of Acne Medication
There are several types of acne medication. The doctor may recommend prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications. There are drugs that are in capsule or pill form that are meant to be taken orally while there are others that must be applied to the skin. The acne treatment depends on the severity of the acne. Below are some of the acne medications types that can help prevent or treat the skin condition.
Topical Retinoid
Topical retinoid are able to improve acne but can also irritate the skin, especially during the first couple of weeks. Doctors often recommend this type of acne medication as initial treatment, or for long term maintenance.
Oral Retinoid
Oral retinoid are often prescribed for severe cases of acne. It is also given to patients when other acne medications have failed to prevent scarring. Women who are pregnant should avoid taking this drug because it can cause birth defects.
Oral or Topical Antibiotics
Topical antibiotics are made to kill bacteria that cause acne. They are also able to decrease skin inflammation. The downside of using antibiotics is that bacteria can grow resistant to it over the course of the treatment. In order to reduce the risk of bacteria resistance, topical antibiotics is often used with another type of acne medication. Oral antibiotics are taken for severe forms of acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria in the skin. The advantage of using this type of acne medication over antibiotics is that bacteria can’t become resistant to it. It comes in different concentrations. The more concentration the formula, the more irritating it is to the skin.
It is important to consult with a doctor first before using any of the acne medication mentioned above. Results don’t come in an instant. You need to have a little patience in order to keep your acne symptoms under control.