Are Acne Products As Effective As They Seem?


We all know that acne hits us especially hard when we are teenagers. At this age we are terribly self aware and acne makes it worse. For many people, acne fades by the age of 25, but it can persist into the adult years. For example, premenstrual acne usually appears in women due to the release of progesterone after ovulation.
When one looks in the mirror and finds a pimple, it is very tempting to squeeze it. But we've all done it. The problem with squeezing acne lesions is that this can lead to an acne scar and even immediate infection.
acne products Uncovered
Various products are available for acne. These include over-the counter creams and prescription medications
Benzyl peroxide, glycolic acids, resorcinol, tretinoin, salicylic acid, retinoic acid (Retin-A) and sulfur are the most common over-the-counter medications used to treat acne. However, these topical medications that dry up skin and/or promote its peeling bring with them adverse side effects such as skin irritation, burning or redness. Moreover, one must not forget that it can take up to 8 weeks before the skin gets better.
In other cases, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics may come in the form of a lotion, cream or gel or it can be taken orally. However the bad new is that the prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, and we must not forget that antibiotics have side effects.
Another treatment which is usually suggested are the use of retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene. These are usually rubbed onto the skin once a day. However, one is susceptible of getting a very bad sunburn if one is exposed to the sun without using the proper sunscreen. Furthermore pregnant women should not use this product as it can cause birth defects.
Sometimes when girls approach the doctor or dermatologist with acne, they may be prescribed oral contraceptives. Although it has been shown to make the skin condition better in women, it takes three to six months to see their full effect. Furthermore,, women should not take this medication if they smoke, have a blood clotting disorder, are older than 35 or have a migraine headaches background.
Spironolactone, a synthetic steroid, may be used in combination with oral contraceptives to treat acne in adult females. However, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache, and fatigue all form part of the side effects of this drug.
If you suffer from severe cystic acne, it is usually treated with the use of Isotretinoin (brand name: Accutane). Once again, pregnant women are not advised to take this drug because it can harm the fetus and cause birth defects or miscarriages. Women who are using birth control also must consult their doctors before taking this medication. There are only two types of birth control that can be used in conjunction with this product.
As you can see, using acne products is not as simple as it seems. They come with a number of side effects that must be taken into consideration. Do we really need to be adding chemicals to our body which seem to do more harm than good?

By: Corey Evans

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