Common Treatments for Acne
Ten commonly prescribed or recommended pharmaceuticals for treating acne
1. Benzoyl peroxide: This topical medication is often the first line of defense against acne. It works by reducing the number of bacteria on the skin and helping to unclog pores.
2. Salicylic acid: This topical medication helps to unclog pores and prevent new pimples from forming. It can be used alone or in combination with other acne treatments.
3. Retinoids: Retinoids are a type of vitamin A derivative that are used to treat acne. They work by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing the formation of new pimples.
4. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for moderate to severe acne. They work by reducing the number of bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation.
5. Azelaic acid: This topical medication works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and killing bacteria on the skin.
6. Oral contraceptives: Certain types of birth control pills can be effective in treating acne in women. They work by reducing the amount of androgen hormones in the body, which can contribute to acne.
7. Spironolactone: This medication is sometimes prescribed for women with hormonal acne. It works by blocking the effects of androgens, which can contribute to acne.
8. Isotretinoin: This medication is used to treat severe, cystic acne. It works by reducing the size of the oil glands in the skin and reducing the amount of oil produced.
9. Dapsone: This topical medication works by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria on the skin.
10. Tretinoin: This topical medication is a type of retinoid that is used to treat acne. It works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing the formation of new pimples.
Ten of the most commonly used laser and other medical devices used to treat acne.
1. Blue light therapy: This treatment involves exposing the skin to blue light, which kills the bacteria that cause acne.
2. Red light therapy: This treatment uses red light to reduce inflammation and promote healing of acne lesions.
3. Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This treatment involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the skin, followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light that activates the agent, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
4. Intense pulsed light (IPL): This treatment uses broad-spectrum light to target the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation.
5. Fractional laser resurfacing: This treatment uses laser energy to penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
6. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing: This treatment uses a high-intensity laser to remove the outer layer of skin, promoting new skin growth and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
7. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling: This treatment uses microneedles to create tiny punctures in the skin, followed by the delivery of radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
8. Chemical peels: This treatment involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the outer layer of skin to peel off, revealing smoother, clearer skin underneath.
9. Microdermabrasion: This treatment involves the use of a special device to exfoliate the outer layer of skin, reducing the appearance of acne scars and promoting new skin growth.
10. Cryotherapy: This treatment involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy acne lesions, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Top skincare products, creams, and lotions commonly used to treat acne
1. Benzoyl peroxide cream or gel: This over-the-counter medication is often the first line of defense against acne. It works by reducing the number of bacteria on the skin and helping to unclog pores.
2. Salicylic acid cleanser or toner: This over-the-counter medication helps to unclog pores and prevent new pimples from forming. It can be used alone or in combination with other acne treatments.
3. Retinoid cream or gel: This prescription medication is a type of vitamin A derivative that is used to treat acne. It works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing the formation of new pimples.
4. Azelaic acid cream or gel: This prescription medication works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and killing bacteria on the skin.
5. Antibacterial cleanser or toner: This over-the-counter medication contains ingredients like tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation.
6. Sulfur cream or lotion: This over-the-counter medication helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, and can also have a drying effect on the skin.
7. Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for moderate to severe acne. They work by reducing the number of bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation.
8. Oral contraceptives: Certain types of birth control pills can be effective in treating acne in women. They work by reducing the amount of androgen hormones in the body, which can contribute to acne.
9. Isotretinoin: This prescription medication is used to treat severe, cystic acne. It works by reducing the size of the oil glands in the skin and reducing the amount of oil produced.
10. Moisturizer: A non-comedogenic moisturizer can be important in keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness, which can worsen acne. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
What do you do when nothing seems to work to cure your acne?
When it seems like you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work to get relief from acne, you should contact our office for a free evaluation. Dr. Burkenstock’s AcneClear treatment programs combine multiple procedures in order to alleviate persistent acne, reduce the chance of recurrence, and heal the signs and associated scars.