Acne is a skin disease that causes pimples, rashes, whiteheads, and blackheads. It is the most common type of skin disease around the world. It can affect people of all ages, but most commonly, it is found in teenagers.
Causes of Acne
Our skin consists of tiny pores that are connected to a sebaceous gland, which makes an oil-like substance called sebum. Acne is caused when these glands start making excess oil, and skin pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, which results in the growth of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes.
Many reasons contribute to the acne problem. Some of the reasons are as under:
- Stress
- Hormone changes
- Diet
- Infection
- Genetics
The standard clinical treatment is recommended in such conditions. However, several homemade remedies can also be applied to resolve the problem, but more research is still needed to determine what really helps treat acne.
Effective Treatments for Acne
To understand the suitable and best remedies for acne, you need to thoroughly understand the reasons for acne and how these can be prevented to get the best results.
Non prescriptive treatments for acne:
There are various nonprescriptive treatments for acne that help to reduce the effects of this notorious disease:
1- Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is mainly an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) that can exfoliate the skin and can help to throw away dead skin cells. You can easily find glycolic acid in peels, moisturizers, serums, and washes at your local cosmetics shop or nearest medical store.
2- Benzoyl Peroxide
If you are having mid acne, you can apply benzoyl peroxide on your acne skin. It is believed to kill the bacteria associated with acne. It usually takes 4 to 5 weeks to give full results, but it needs to be applied continuously to keep acne aside. It is present in various forms like washes, creams, lotions, foams, etc.
3- Topical Retinol Creams or Gels
Retinol creams and gels work to prevent pimples from forming. It targets cells’ development, resulting in an increase in cell turnover to unblock the pores. It may appear that the acne is getting worse before it gets better because it works on the pimples already formed beneath your skin.
4- Scrub with Soap and Water
Slowly scrubbing your face with soap and water 2 to 3 times daily can help you with acne. However, it cannot assist you in clearing up the already present acne. Cleaning your mouth aggressively with soap and water can harm your skin and cause other skin problems.
5- Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acids help to prevent the unnecessary shedding of the cells on your skin. However, it must be used continuously like Benzoyl peroxide as its effects lose as you stop using it. Salicylic acid has no such impact on sebum production and bacteria present on the skin pores. Salicylic acid is present in many skincare products like pads, creams, and lotions.
6- Adapalene
Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid that was accessible just via a prescription. Still, it has previously been made available over-the-counter, which has made it more manageable, accessible, and strong acne medication that you can have without any prior prescription. And since it is synthetic, it is made to be gentler than other prescribed acne medications available on the market. For those people who aren’t fully ready for the complete intensity of prescription retinoid, adapalene is the perfect option for them.
7- Dapsone Gel
Another option that might be recommended to you by a dermatologist can be dapsone gel. Dapsone gel has both characteristics of being antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, and it is scientifically proven to clear out whiteheads, blackheads, and painful acne pimples. Dapsone gel can also be used along with many other remedies that help to keep the skin dry and bacteria-free.
8- Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a very strong retinoid. It has very mixed reviews about its effectiveness, but many dermatologists believe it is useful for those people whose acne isn’t responding to any treatment. It can prove to be a game-changer for them. It is especially proven to be useful for cystic acne found in women, body acne, and back acne in adult men.
Acne is the most common skin disease that can target people of all ages. It can have symptoms like whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and rashes. It can be cured of proper medical treatment, but its home remedies are also seen as effective in some cases. To have the acne treated, you need to have excess oil and bacteria removed from skin pores. For that, retinoid like isotretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene can prove to be beneficial in acne treatments.
These are some of the most effective treatments for acne.
It is best to keep an expert with you in your journey for better guidance. Book an appointment with the best Dermatologist for acne through Marham for more information.