Making Sense Of Acne Medications

Making Sense Of Acne Medications

A recent Google? Search for “medicines for acne” came with about 1,000,000 “hits”. This article attempts to point to all this information organized for you to make. As always recommended, individual treatment and a detailed plan of care in consultation be carried out with a trusted medical specialist, even if we consider the use of OTC products to treat acne. This article provided is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical care of her, be a medical advise or represent them as a guideline for treatment.

I. mild to moderate acne – topical medications

In general, “the counter” (OTC) topical medicines are good for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. OTC products are generally one or more of the following ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinoids, nicotinamide, tea tree oil, sulfur, resorcinol

Benzoyl peroxide (BP) - The OTC concentrations of 2.5%, 5% and BP 10% in creams, gels, or as part of a facial soap / washing. Even at higher concentrations of BP are used for hair bleaching and teeth whitening! Better results are for a concentration of 10% of acne. BP is probably the only set of best and most successful anti-acne drug, that is. Allergic reactions (occurring in about 3% of the population) are possible and are characterized by severe itching, peeling, and / or swelling. But BP, these effects can lead to a certain degree, even if it is functioning normally and is doing what he should do! Building a tolerance to topical anti-acne medication so that it can do its job – it’s a theme / strategy with almost all current anti-acne medications. So slowly and start at a lower dosage, then the power to plan ahead more effective and tolerable treatment. BP breaks in the skin deep into its components. The “benzoyl” part is benzoic acid – which helps penetrate deep into the pores where the oxidizing effect of “Peroxide” kills bacteria. Since clogged pores filled with debris, oil and bacteria beneath the surface of the skin are found, is not only easy to wash effectively. Aggressive detergents when washing or drying crude could “feel good”, but only perpetuate the results in the creation of more inflammation, the effects of acne. Use a cleaning agent contains, BP wash, pat dry gently and such is a good choice. BP-cleaner, the same as you would be left with a gel or cream in place for a few minutes to a longer apply to areas of resistant (like the back). BP is an important ingredient in the product range ProActive acne treatment.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) – They act as exfoliants promotes relaxation and exfoliation of dead skin cells and almost died, reducing the surface sebum and helps to clear debris that clog the pores in the process. Examples: glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid and mandelic acid. Glycolic acid appears to be clinically effective in this class. Mandela is probably the most beautiful. Open pores and improves the skin cell renewal rejuvenates the skin by treating acne is attacked simultaneously. The AHA also anti-bacterial properties against acne. Products typically use concentrations AHA Home of 10% or less, while beauticians frequently AHA concentrations of 30 to 40% in the power of Office “chemical peel” treatment. A series of 5 or 6-month chemical peels can be a very effective acne break “cycle”, especially those older than 20 or 30 Doctors use AHA 70% for chemical peels and treatment situations.

Salicylic acid, the main anti-acne effect of salicylic acid is seen due to its properties as a scrub with AHA. Several anti-acne products use salicylic Noxzema. Salicylic acid has in the medical use for more than 100 years, it is better known as “aspirin” known!

Retinoids: These are vitamin A derivatives, which act through the same effects of peeling and its stimulatory effect on collagen and the growth of skin cells. Dead cells, sebum and dirt from pores and solved. Extractions can be relieved or even avoided. Retinoids increase the opening of the pores and renew skin cells, rejuvenating the overall look and feel of the skin. But it can also lead to excessive oiliness of the skin level and make the skin too dry. However, the skin is usually set to 1 -2 weeks after the application and see better results if treatment is not interrupted. Vitamin A derivatives, promote the growth of skin cells, “plumping” the strengthening of the skin cells and increases production of collagen as well. Retinoids are found in a variety of anti-acne cosmetic and general skin care. Caution – retinoid-treated skin is usually sensitive – waxing, laser treatments, peelings and similar procedures should be very conservative, if any, are performed. The use of retinoids is associated with birth defects.

Nicotinamide, vitamin B3, and acts as an anti-inflammatory, are used to reduce the activity of acne.

Tea Tree Oil-This “alternative” treatment topically, also known as “Oil of Melaleuca” known (from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia) has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which add to its anti-acne effects. 5% tea tree oil is considered similar in action to BP 5% seems to work much more “soft” mode.

Sulfur Sulfur is antibacterial and has both a “peeling” and a drying effect on the affected skin of acne. However, sulfur can have a particularly bad smell, can cause discoloration of the skin, and can sometimes paradoxically induce the formation of blackheads.

Resorcinol – This is primarily due to its exfoliating properties as described above. Several Clearasil products use a combination of sulfur and resorcinol.

II Moderate Acne – topical medications

Typically, prescription drugs are basedtopical the best choice for moderate acne. A system is usually one or more of the following options: antibiotics / antibiotics, retinoids, azelaic acid.

Antibiotics / antibiotics – clindamycin among many different topical antimicrobial agents, the right to kill skin bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes as the most frequently identified bacteria associated with acne lesions. P. acnes real “life” of the sebum, but that’s not all so clear when the P. acnes itself or other “opportunistic” bacteria in the skin that cause acne lesions directly. Many combinations of topical antibiotics are available, often in combination with one or more BP and / or a retinoid. Allergic reactions can occur and topical antibiotics can also be very irritating and hard on the skin, especially with prolonged use.

Retinoids – vitamin A derivatives with high (height of the prescription) concentrations are commonly used today to moderate acne, and generally work as described above for retinoids. 0.1% (Retin-A) Tretinoin is the most widely used and known to them, but this category also include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). Retin-A has become so famous for its anti-aging and wrinkle-smoothing effects, its high value as a powerful weapon and can be neglected inexpensive acne! Dead cells, sebum and impactions are easier to shed. The opening of the pores, and the renewal of skin cells is facilitated. Improve the production of collagen plumping, skin cells and to strengthen and rejuvenate the skin occurs. Common side effects, excessive redness, peeling, and irritation. But again, these effects are usually temporary, show the skin usually welcome, and best results will be whether the use is continuous rather than interrupted. The recommended use once a night, but we need to develop tolerance (with a lower concentration at the beginning and / or any other night for the first two weeks, for example). The appropriate use of a quality moisturizer every day (preferably one with sunscreen too) soothes the skin, compensating for the effects of drying and sensitivity limit of the skin to the sun and weather protection.

Azelaic acid, a natural compound in plants of wheat, barley and rye with anti-acne found. Clears pores, reduces inflammation and reduces bacterial growth.

III. Moderate to severe acne – Prescription Drugs:

Oral antibiotics such as minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, erythromycin and Bactrim. The most common side effects: About sensitivity as prolonged use often leads to decreased effectiveness.

Oral contraceptives (OC) / Birth Control Pills – OC is used to control / stabilization of hormone levels and reduce androgenic hormonal stimulation – androgens (like testosterone) increased sebum production and acne. Those diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) benefit greatly with this strategy, control acne. Potentially dangerous complication of OC use: blood clots in the legs – to a significantly increased risk for smoking. Spironolactone is a diuretic, which was also used for many years, control acne because of its anti-androgens help (via receptor blockade).

Retinoids – The most famous of which is that Accutane is often used as a “last resort” for the most severe forms of acne resistant otherwise. Accutane literally “stops” sebaceous gland function / production with a simultaneous increase in cell regeneration of the skin and opens pores, loosen the caps, and releasing constipation. Effects of drying on the skin can be very serious and can also affect the lips, eyes and mucous membranes. There are many serious side effects. Blood tests for monitoring the security before, during and after treatment, usually 4 to 6 months. Hair loss and toxic effects on the liver, muscle and bone is possible. Accutane (like all retinoids) is associated with birth defects – of contraception while on Accutane is a must. Depression and suicidal thoughts are unfortunately well-recognized potential side effects of using Accutane. Patients with certain types of facial cosmetic procedures (such as facial rejuvenation, laser or chemical peels) wants to wait, it must, one year after completion of treatment Accutane, before such procedures can be major complications of wound healing or abnormal or deficient.

Steroid injections are often inflamed, nodular or cystic acne uses (acne vulgaris) of the lesions. Not only speeds up the recovery and healing of the lesion, but also serves to limit the potential of these lesions can scar left in its wake, if left untreated. Possible side effects: thinning of the skin (atrophy), loss of pigment (hypo) and the appearance of small “broken capillaries” (telangiectasia).