Sunday, November 2, 2008

Some Different Ways To Treat Acne

By Nathan James

In this article we look at three different ways to treat acne which will help to alleviate the problem as well as help to heal the spots and improve the overall health of a person's skin..

Below are some of the treatments used, how they work and what you need to know to use them.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

Many of the products you buy over the counter contain this and it helps to kill bacteria which make acne worse. It will help open up the oily clogged pores to let the acne heal.

How to use it. 1. Start using it conservatively once a day it is best to use a medication that contains 5% benzoyl peroxide in it (say after you have washed your face before going to bed). 2. Then after one increase your use to twice a day if you are not using any other medications. 3. However if your acne does not improve after 4 to 6 weeks then you will need to try a stronger solution say a medication that contains 10%, which is now readily available over the counter without a doctor's prescription. However it is best if you get the pure form and you will need to ask the pharmacist what types contain this amount of benzoyl peroxide.

2. Retin-A

This is available by prescription only and works by opening up clogged oil glands and preventing new blemishes.

Using Retin-A

1. Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to sun and sunburn so it's best if used at night. This makes it extremely important if you're outdoors to make sure that you've applied sunscreen. 2. You may not see results right away, it could take 2 to 3 months so be patient. 3. Retin-A can be dangerous to fetal development if a woman were to get pregnant so the doctor may prescribe birth control pills before starting this form of treatment.

3. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat acne that hasn't responded to other options and may be swollen and red. They are available only with a prescription. They will eliminate the bacteria that contribute to whiteheads on your skin.

When using antibiotics you should take note of the following: 1. Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor and make sure you take them with plenty of water. 2. As some antibiotics may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, you will need to wear sunscreen when going outdoors.

If you suffer from acne, this information should give you something to be able to think about so you can choose your best type of treatment. - 15683

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