Options for the best acne treatment help many patients each day. Waking up to a face full of acne can be a teenager’s worst nightmare, but many adults also struggle with the reality of daily acne that is difficult to treat. If you have persistent acne problems, rest assured that there are some fantastic treatment options out there that can really help minimize the appearance of acne, no matter your age.
For more information about the best acne treatment options, contact our office today.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is caused by an overproduction of oil inside a skin follicle. This can be a result of hormonal shifts or, for women, the start of their menstrual cycle. When the follicle is plugged with oil, it begins to swell, which causes the unsightly pimple to occur. Unfortunately, when this happens, it is much more likely for bacteria to be found on top of the skin, which contributes to acne spreading rapidly and becoming very difficult to get rid of.
The future of acne medicine is developing rapidly in an effort to treat the original inflammation that causes all of the bacteria to spread. Until that technology is developed, however, there are several medications and laser treatments that can be used to assist in removing the painful nuisance that is acne from your face or other areas of your body.
Over-The Counter Treatments
Pore Cleansers
Acne treatments that are readily available at any drug store generally focus on cleansing pores to rid them of excess oil and other material that might cause blockages of the skin follicles. They contain a combination of either benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid and are very cost effective. Rotating between two or three of these products on a regular basis may be all that you need to rid yourself of your stubborn acne and gain a clear, healthy looking face.
Zeno
Another effective acne treatment option is to use Zeno, an FDA approved device that uses heat to zap zits at their source. Zeno activates what is called a “heat shock response” in acne, which essentially forces the bacteria in the acne to self-destruct. This device is small, effective, and painless when dealing with pimples. It is important to note, however that if you have a serious problem with acne, this method may not be effective and it is best to see a doctor for further medical treatment.
Doctor-Prescribed Treatments
Sometimes acne is so widespread and persistent that over-the-counter treatments are just not strong enough to be effective. If this is the case, it might be time for you to see a doctor for his or her recommendation about treatment for your situation. He or she might prescribe one of a variety of medications that will attempt to stop your body from over-producing oils, which is the main cause of acne. These antibiotics can be both topical and oral and are generally very effective at relieving stubborn acne issues when other treatments fail.
Common Antibiotics
When used in conjunction with an effective cleansing routine, antibiotics can be rapidly effective for even the most stubborn acne. Some antibiotics combat symptoms of both acne and rosacea, which can be a common combination, especially in middle-aged women.
Severe Acne Cases
In the event that your acne doesn’t respond well to a more common medication, many doctors will prescribe a drug called Accutane if necessary. This is one of the most aggressive acne treatment options on the market today because it drastically slows oil production in the body in an effort to stop acne from forming in the first place. Because it is such an aggressive treatment plan, it does come with some potential side effects.
If you aren’t sure about using Accutane but are still in need of an aggressive treatment plan for your acne, talk to your doctor about laser treatments. Though these treatments can cost more upfront, they have very effective results without the risks of potential side effects. As a bonus, laser treatments can be used for all degrees of acne, including mild, moderate, and severe.
Acne is a nuisance no matter what your age. It can be both painful and embarrassing, which is why many people spend a lot of time and money trying to find a cure. Starting small and then working your way toward more effective treatment options is a smart idea, and soon you will find yourself clear-faced with your acne as only a distant memory of your past. Contact us today to learn more about the best acne treatment options.
