Severe acne requires prescription creams that reduce oil, unclog pores and kill bacteria. Dermatologists can also prescribe retinoids and isotretinoin, which works like a retinoid but is more powerful.
Hormone treatments also work well for a specific type of acne with lots of red bumps. These include certain contraceptive pills (males) and spironolactone (females). They can reduce hormones that trigger the skin's oil production.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, helps remove excess oil and prevents the formation of new pimples. It's available over-the-counter in strengths ranging from 2.5 percent to 10 percent. Start with the lower strength and increase your dosage as your skin gets used to it. Avoid touching your face while applying the medication and keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Medicated pads or liquid are the most common forms of benzoyl peroxide. They are easy to use, and you can apply them just to the trouble spots or to the entire face. Medicated toners and astringents are also good options.
Antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin control surface bacteria that aggravate acne. They are usually combined with benzoyl peroxide and can help clear up blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) break up clogged pores and reduce redness and swelling associated with inflamed acne. They can be effective for some people, but they take several months to work.
Azelaic Acid
An acne-fighting ingredient naturally found in barley, wheat, and rye, azelaic acid works as a mild exfoliator to remove buildup and unclog pores. It’s also a gentler option for people with sensitive skin, rosacea or psoriasis because it doesn’t irritate the surface of the skin as much as alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid.
Not only does azelaic acid prevent breakouts by killing bacteria and regulating cell turnover, it also fades dark spots from acne scarring and hyperpigmentation over time. “As an inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosinase, azelaic acid helps even out the tone of your skin,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme.
Our experts agree that azelaic acid is great for anyone suffering from mild to moderate acne, but it may not be as effective on cystic acne (deep, painful bumps under the surface of the skin) or on enlarged pores, which can result from excess oil production. For those types of acne, our experts recommend stronger ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and retinol.
Vitamin C
There are a few factors that can contribute to acne breakouts, including:
A high-sugar diet can cause acne outbreaks in some people. Several studies have also shown that dairy products aggravate acne in patients with hormonal acne. Some medications may also exacerbate acne as a side effect.
Acne spots can be treated with topical products that contain acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or tea tree oil. Acne patches, such as hydrocolloid, can also absorb excess fluid from the skin and help pimples heal faster.
If over-the-counter treatments don’t improve mild acne, it’s important to visit a dermatologist. Some prescription options include retinoids, which reduce pore blockage by decreasing oil production. Antimicrobials, which are antibiotics that kill bacteria and decrease inflammation, also have a role in treating mild acne. For severe acne, hormone-blocking drugs like spironolactone (Aldactone) or isotretinoin (Accutane) can reduce oil and prevent clogged pores, while laser and light treatments, such as AviClear and TheraClear, are effective in reducing redness and inflammation.
Tea Tree Oil
Many people claim that tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. However, scientific research is inconclusive.
You can find skin products that contain this ingredient in natural grocery stores and online. You can also add this oil to your own products by diluting it with a carrier oil. When applied topically, it's effective for treating acne, athlete's foot, lice and nail fungus.
Tea tree oil can irritate skin, so it's important to patch test the ingredient before applying it on your face. "Look for a reaction within the first two to three weeks, such as redness or irritation," Hooper says. If your skin becomes irritated, stop using the product immediately. Also, tea tree oil therealgenesisx makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This ingredient is also available in creams, gels and ointments, so choose the formulation that works best for you.
