American Academy of Dermatology said that acne affects up to 50 million individuals in the United States each year. Acne is the most frequent skin ailment in the United States; many people ask about the best acne treatment? Prescribed drugs, topical and oral, and over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products treat acne. We enlisted some of the best acne treatments for occasional, light, and moderate acne to narrow the extensive list of choices.
1. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the perfect treatments for pimples in teenagers. And if you go around the drugstore skincare shelves, you’ll see that it’s the active component in the bulk of products branded “acne wash” or “spot treatment.” Salicylic acid helps pimples shrink and ultimately vanish by lowering swelling and unclogging pores.
Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory effects that can aid in treating inflamed cystic breakouts. It is caused by obstructions deep inside the hair follicles that rupture beneath the skin. Although using salicylic acid as a face wash is perfectly safe, you may discover that using it as a toner, moisturizer, or leave-on spot treatment yields greater results since it has more time to act. Remember that salicylic acid can dry out the skin if used excessively, so it’s best to stick to one product containing the chemical per day.
2. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin gently, assisting in the elimination of dead skin cells that can block pores. Glycolic acid, like salicylic acid, may be found in washes, peels, moisturizers, and serums at your local beauty or pharmacy.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial that is extremely powerful in killing the C. acnes bacterium that causes outbreaks. However, benzoyl is not without drawbacks. The leave-on lotions and washing procedures might dry out sensitive skin and bleach garments if you’re not cautious. Experts suggest that it’s better to stick to formulas with no more than 2% benzoyl peroxide indicated on the active ingredients chart; higher amounts are harsher on your skin while being no tougher on germs.
4. Lactic Acid
Like glycolic acid, it is an AHA, which acts as a chemical exfoliator on the skin. However, it is typically softer than glycolic acid; it is an excellent alternative for persons with more sensitive skin who wish to use an exfoliating acid. Lactic acid is also a humectant, which attracts and hydrates water. Therefore, exfoliants containing lactic acid would be effective without being too irritating for persons with dry or sensitive skin. These items can be used to do a chemical peel at home.
5. Retinol
You’ve heard about the anti-aging advantages of retinoid treatments, but these vitamins are also effective at cleaning up acne. Retinoids encourage skin cells to change over faster, decrease oil production, and aid in skin exfoliation. Another advantage is that acne is caused by inflammation, and retinoids are anti-inflammatory.
6. Sulfur
Sulfur has a rotten egg odor. However, it is efficient for drying out pus-filled pimples and whiteheads (you have to take the good with the bad). It functions by sucking up the oil. Sulfur is frequently combined with other active chemicals and perfumes to maximize performance to disguise the strong odor. It’s commonly used in masks and spot treatments.
7. Dapsone Gel
Dapsone gel is one alternative your dermatologist may suggest for acne. It is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to help remove blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper severe pimples. Dapsone is frequently used in conjunction with other acne treatments. And, like many other therapies, this might cause the skin to dry up.
8. Cortisol Injection
Cortisone is an effective treatment for acne emergencies and huge cystic acne pimples. Go to the dermatologist’s clinic for a corticosteroid injection, and the pimple will diminish and maybe vanish in 24 to 48 hours. The medication aims to reduce inflammation, make it ideal for cystic breakouts, and effectively manage hormonal acne flare-ups.
9. Azelaic Acid
Dermatologists aren’t sure why azelaic acid is particularly efficient at reducing inflammation, but it’s frequently recommended for sensitive skin or pregnant patients. It is effective in curing melasma, acne, and rosacea pimples. Your dermatologist can prescribe azelaic acid preparations with high concentrations, and lesser doses of its active component are available over-the-counter.
Acne is an annoyance regardless of age, but you don’t have to put up with it. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, consult with a dermatologist, who can recommend the best acne prescription for you. And if you are having issues finding a Best Dermatologist, you can visit Marham. You can quickly get an appointment with the best dermatologist in your region through Marham.
FAQs
If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid by itself should be sufficient to unclog your pores. If you have inflammatory acne, such as papules and pustules, use benzoyl peroxide to halt breakouts at the cause.
Dermatologists employ chemical peels to treat two forms of acne: blackheads and pimples. To remove a big acne cyst, the dermatologist may use a technique known as “drainage and extraction.” This surgery is helpful when the cyst does not react to the medication.
However, drugs do not cure acne, so you must continue taking your meds daily to prevent acne from reappearing even when your skin is clean and outbreaks are gone. There is no treatment for acne, and solutions that intend to cure it fail to meet expectations.
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