Effective Acne Treatments
Searching for acne treatments that work is not an easy task. There are many reasons why one type of acne product might work for someone else and not for you. The result of any given treatment to keep you acne free depends upon your skin type, the severity of your acne, and your own personal body chemistry. No matter what, don’t give up. There are options.
To become and stay acne free, especially in the teenage years, proper skin care habits are an absolute necessity. The most important thing is to keep your skin clean so that your pores do not become clogged, infected, and become pimples. Pimples are a type of skin irritation, so while you do want to wash your face with soap and water once or twice a day, you must be careful not to over do it. Washing your face too often can dry it out, or damage your skin with excessive scrubbing. Blackheads are not pores clogged with dirt, but instead are open pores that have become infected. No amount of washing will cure a blackhead, so there is no need to scrub away at them. A reasonable amount of sunlight can help improve acne, but getting a sunburn damages your skin, just like over washing. Using a water based sunscreen will help protect your skin. Likewise, if you wear makeup, make sure it is water based and not oil based , as oil based makeup is much more likely to clog your pores and cause break outs.
Beyond keeping your skin clean, over the counter acne treatments are sufficient for most cases of acne. Some of the most popular over the counter acne products contain benzoyl peroxide. This acne product helps to dry your skin while also cleansing it. Sulfur is another acne product that can help many people become acne free. Sulfur helps to unclog pores and promotes healing; it can also be combined with other ingredients to help speed the healing process.
For severe cases, acne treatments may need to include prescription medication or treatments performed by a dermatologist to become acne free. Many of the prescription medication used to treat acne is very harsh and can be painful, in addition to having other side effects. If a dermatologist does prescribe a medication, you should discuss the potential side effects, as they are quite serious in some cases. Many dermatologists have turned to dermabrasion therapy, which removes dead skin cells, and possibly scar tissue, to help unclog pores and give you a clearer complexion. Dermatologists also use light therapy to combat acne-causing bacteria underneath the skin, as well as laser therapy.
The search continues for perfect acne treatments that will help give all individuals an acne-free life. Unfortunately, this miracle cure does not exist yet and probably never will. With all the products and treatments available, though, there is something for everyone to help control break outs and severe acne. Over-the-counter products are good for mild to moderate cases of acne, while a qualified dermatologist best treats severe cases. Be prepared to try a few different acne treatments before you find the one that works best.
Published by Health Editor
