There are many solutions offered for the treatment of acne, many of them without any scientifically-proven effects. However, a mixture of treatments can greatly minimize the severity and amount of acne in many cases.
It is highly advisable to ask a dermatologist about the tradeoffs between these treatments for any particular case, specially when considering applying any of them in combination. There are a number of treatments that have been proven effective.
Killing the bacteria that are harbored in the obstructed follicles. This is done either by the intake of antibiotics or by treating the afflicted patches externally with bactericidal elements like erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide. However, reducing the P. acnes bacteria will not, in itself, do anything to minimize the oil production and aberrant cellular behaviour that is the first cause of the clogged follicles. Benzoyl Peroxide has the advantage of being a strong oxidiser and does not seem to produce microbial resistance. Acne will generally reappear quite soon after the end of treatment; days later in the case of local applications, and weeks later if oral antibiotics were used.
Minimizing the production of oil from the glands. This is achieved by a regular oral dose of vitamin A derivatives like isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) over a period of some months. Isotretinoin has been shown to be highly effective in treating severe acne and is effective in 4 out of 5 patients. The drug has a much longer action than anti-microbial therapies and will often cure acne for good. The treatment needs close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has several known unwanted effects, even some severe ones. The most usual unwanted effects are dry skin and nosebleed. The drug also causes birth defects if women become pregnant while taking it or take it while pregnant. For this reason, female patients are asked to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence while on the drug. For this reason, the drug is supposed to be given as a last option after regular treatments have failed.
Exfoliating your skin. This can be done either mechanically, using an abrasive cloth or a liquid scrub, or chemically. Known chemical exfoliating agents include salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which promote the peeling of the external layer of skin to prevent an accumulation of devitalized skin cells which combine with skin oil to clog pores. It also helps to clear already blocked pores.
Note that the term "peeling" is not used in the visible sense of shedding, but rather as the elimination of the external layer of skin cells at the microscopic level. According to the type of exfoliation applied, some visible flaking is possible. If you want to give them a try, moisturizers and biological acne skin care solutions containing exfoliating agents are usually available over-the-counter.
A new acne skin care product offers the opportunity to get rid of scars, blemishes and other skin imperfections, while at the same time protects you skin and maintains its hydration.
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