Acne is a major scourge that affects over 90% of the population at some point in their life. Your age doesn’t matter as it can happen at any age. It affects your whole outlook and, as such, should be taken seriously. There are many treatments, but most don’t work. Here are the treatments that really do work and are actually used by dermatologists.
– Keep your face spotless clean, by washing it often with a gentle anti-bacterial cleanser or some home-made natural product – Never use greasy, oil-based moisturizers – Never use products containing synthetic chemicals and vegetable oils – Keep your hair off your face – Never dig or touch scars – Keep skin pores unclogged with products containing sulfur plus resorcinolHowever, pregnant women, kids and patients under some other medication, should consult a doc before they use such products.
Medication methodsThe condition of your acne will determine the treatment options. Treatment also depends on the oil balance of your skin, your gender and your existing medications. The most proactive acne treatment is with topical products (gels, creams) containing Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tetracycline, erythromycin or a retinoid. Many times a combination of these products also works well.
Physicians also prescribe oral medications like antibiotics, hormones, and isotretinoins. Go for such acne treatment only after knowing the side effects.
Laser treatmentLaser treatment has completely cured many. Here the laser destroys the excess oil producing glands and removes scars. It is painless, harmless but costly. However, to get rid of the existing acne you need medication.
Cystic treatmentAcute cystic acne needs cystic treatments with Accutane or isotretinoin. But, there are side effects. Since most other treatments are not effective on cystic acne, these severe products are unavoidable. Chinese treatmentsThe Chinese method is a natural herbal acne treatment. They believe in getting to the root of the problem like liver ailments, emotional upsets, wind heat, damp heat, blood heat etc. “They even trace acne to reasons like a stagnant qi (energy). Their natural products do help many,” says dermatologist Dr Manela Humphrey. Peel powerTCA Peels are an easy, safe and affordable acne treatment. “They are also more effective than other clinic or spa-based treatments,” says salon specialist Mary Roberts. Peels were earlier available only through costly treatments by skin specialists, at US$ 500- 1000 per session. These same peels are now easily available at less than US$30. No prescriptions are required either.
