Are you suffering from severe acne? Are you searching appropriate acne medication? Don’t worry! You’re not alone. It is projected that around 80 to 95% of the US citizens suffer from acne at least once in their lifetime. Most of us think that teens make up a large percentage for acne treatment. NO!!! Acne occurrence is prevalent among adults also!

Acne is a skin disorder. This disorder causes lesions, cysts, zits or pimples, and whiteheads or blackheads. A perfect acne treatment regimen usually entails several different products. In general acne occurs in the face, chest, back, and neck of the teens and young adults. Acne occurs in people of all races just as equally.

Acne treatment varies extensively from topical to oral. Usually combination of topical and oral medications fetches fruitful results. Depending on the severity of the disease, combination of oral and topical medications has been sought.

Some of the most common treatment options for acne are:

ท Benzoyl Peroxide
ท Accutane
ท Retin-A

Benzoyl peroxide

This is an active ingredient for treating acne of non-inflammatory in nature. As it is safe for teenagers and adults, the product with this active ingredient is mostly adored by acne suffers. Benzoyl peroxide destroys the acne causing bacteria by acting as an oxidizing and antiseptic agent.

Benzoyl peroxide may produce desirable results within 2-3 weeks by reducing the number of blocked pores or comdones.

Benzoyl peroxide will eliminate the acne causing bacteria within 2-3 weeks without increasing the body’s self defense mechanism. Hence if you withdrawn the treatment of Benzoyl peroxide, the acne will return as this does not prevent the production of sebum.

Accutane

The active ingredient of accutane is Isotretinoin, the proven remedy for acne. For getting rid of acne, you are required to take 0.5 to 1 mg/kg of accutane daily. Accutane is available in pill form, powder form and topical form.

Action of Accutane

ท Inhibiting keratinization
ท Hampering sebaceous gland function

This action will occur only after continuous exposure to accutane at least for 2-week period.

Accutane acne treatment should be avoided by women planning on giving birth because of the likelihood of damage caused to an unborn fetus.

Retin-A

The main constituents of Retin-A are tretinoin and vitamin A. This is best suited for treating whiteheads and blackheads or comedonal acne. The results of this product can be noticed after continual usage for at least two weeks.

Action of Retin-A

ท Promotes the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle
ท Increasing skin cell turnover
ท Helps in drying up the skin eruptions
ท Preventing the formation of fresh pimples

Retin-A may cause irritation and flaking on your skin at the initial stage but best benefit can be seen after 6-9 weeks. But noticeable difference is seen if Retin-A is applied for at least a year. Most of us discontinue to use Retin-A for pimples after a couple of weeks or months owing to the reason that it didn’t work. Don’t think like that! For getting rid of acne permanently, do use Retin-A continuously until the symptoms and the scars of acne wears off. Retin A acne treatment is highly affective for those willing to give it a chance to work.

Patience always pays off. Hence the complete results of the acne treatment are noticed only after 6-8 weeks.

<b>The power of water.</b> Oil, they say is thicker than water. But water is the plainest, most natural substance we can use for acne skin care. In washing your face, do it gently. Rubbing and scrubbing your face does not clean the skin gently. For best acne skin care effects, using a mild cleanser or toner once in the morning, noon and evening, and after doing a heavy work out, will help you achieve a clear skin.

<b>Pick that zit.</b> People who prick pimples and blemishes as if pricking a bubble only aggravates the risk of skin inflammation and acne scars. Avoid hand contact with your face for better acne skin care results.

<b>Shave with care.</b> Choose the best electric shavers and safety razors you can trust for years. They’ll be more comfortable to use. Men need not use a super sharp blade to get rid of that beard. A regular shaver used with soap and water, or shaving cream will help you get that smooth finish. Doctors advised men to shave lightly, and shave only when necessary for acne skin care maintenance .

<b>Sun of the beach!</b> If you love sun tanning or just want the sight of that sophisticated sunburnt look – forget it. This is an acne skin care no-no. The sun’s harmful ultra violet rays redden the skin, making the skin drier. It can make one’s blemishes visible, speed up aging and bring serious damage to the human skin. Also, excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. You don’t want to ruin that great acne skin care you’ve been starting on with.

<b>Cosmic Cosmetics.</b> Eye shadows, blush on, moisturizer, and other cosmetics we use should be free from oily substances to permit healthy acne skin care maintenance. Even hairstyling products in forms of gels or aerosols that come in close contact with the skin may destroy a healthy acne skin care practice. Choose hairstyling products, which are commercially labeled as non-comedogenic are products which do not provoke the formation and growth of blemishes and other related skin
disorders.

<b>Buttered Face.</b> An African beauty secret reveals the power of shea butter which originated from the Karite Nut Tree (or Mangifolia tree). Hmmm… juicy acne skin care tip! Karite Nut Tree was discovered in the semi-arid savannahs of West Africa and Central Africa. People in Africa, women in particular – rely in shea butter as a vital tool for acne skin care treatment for over centuries now.

<b>Spare me that SPA!</b> You need not visit the most expensive spa parlors to get that destressing facial treatment to aid you in your acne skin care endeavor. Create a home made magical elixir right at the comforts of your own home by purchasing simple spa tools found in beauty stores.

Get only the best and the FRESH. Increase intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. These acne skin care tools are free of toxins which decreases the speed of blood circulation. A salad or a fruit a day will keep an acne away!

There is no perfect cure, medication, treatment or acne skin care methods for acne problems. Thus, as the sole proprietor of our own skin, we must take full charge of what lies to be our first armor against diseases and bodily injuries.

1. Witch Hazel Astringent

This astringent comes from the plant with the same name. It is widely spread from Nova Scotia in Canada down to Texas and Florida. Simply steam the twigs of this plant and voila! The extract you get from it serves as your astringent. Remember to cool it though. What’s good about this is that it occurs naturally and even the process it has undergone is all natural. You can be assured it is less harsh compared with commercially-produced astringents.

2. Commercially Produced Astringents

There is no doubt that astringents we can buy over-the-counter are also effective. There are lots of variants to choose from with additional ingredients that promote better skin. The only downside is it can be a little harsh because of the chemicals added to produce this formula. Use them with extra care as they can dry the skin.

3. All-Natural Treatments

Kitchen and acne are two enemies we may not be aware of. Scout your kitchen for stuff like oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.

- Oranges and lemons just need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on affected areas and wash it after about 20 minutes.

- Fresh garlic is used much easier. Just remove its peeling and rub it on your face.

- As for raw potatoes, peel them and rub its flat surface on your face.

The natural extracts from these fruits and vegetables can help minimize the redness at the same time can clean the skin.

4. Oral Antibiotics

For severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. These medications are orally taken to reduce the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum, also creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.

Tetracycline is still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be used by pregnant women and children under 9. Usually, the starting dose is initially 500 milligrams twice daily and is continuously taken until prescribed, or until a considerable dropping off of lesions is visible.

Erythromycin comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can cause nausea and even upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. Also, this antibiotic needs to be taken in a food-filled tummy. You may discuss other possible antibiotics with your doctors regarding the effects and side-effects of each.

5. Topical Treatments
Externally applied creams are also proven effective for acne treatment. However, it results to drying and flaking but it is said to be the most effective treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very common and effective topical acne treatment.