What are the Best Acne Treatments?
The most common home treatment for acne is twice daily
application of a benzoyl peroxide solution such as Neutrogena
On-The-Spot. This works by killing bacteria, drying up the oil,
and causing your skin to peel. It is effective for minor acne
(whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples).
Prescription or over-the-counter antibiotics like Stri-dex or
Oxywork kill the bacteria which, with oil, causes acne.
For an even more surefire acne treatment, your doctor may
suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars by dermabrasion
or laser, or removal or drainage of cysts.
Synthetic Vitamin A derivatives, or retinoids, are for severe
acne, which take the form of redness, nodules and cysts.
Retinoids include creams and gels such as Retin-A and
isotretinoin pills - Accutane. Accutane is an effective acne
treatment in that it works to reduce the size and production of
oil glands in the skin. Its effects are unbeatable and last a
long time - six months - which is why it is so expensive ($450
per bottle). Pregnant and sexually active women must avoid
retinoids, because they cause severe birth defects.
Laser resurfacing is the newest way to remove acne and acne scar
tissue, among other uses. It is showing itself to be a very
effective means of clearing up acne permanently, and is quickly
surpassing dermabrasion in popularity. It works by vaporizing
unwanted tissue, clearing the way for new healthy skin cells to
grow.