What are the best acne products available?

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The large array of acne products on offer can sometimes be a bit overwhelming when you are trying to work out what is the best option to banish blemishes. To make things easier to understand, acne products fall into two distinct groups, those that you can purchase over the counter and those that require a prescription from a doctor or dermatologist.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the main ingredients found in over the counter acne products. It works by reducing the number of Proprionibacterium acnes (acne causing bacteria) on the skin and it removes dead cells from the skin preventing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). The main side effect from acne products containing this ingredient is excessive dryness of the skin. Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach fabric it comes into contact with, so beware when applying it to your chest and back.

Salicylic acid is another ingredient that is found in many over the counter acne products. Those with sensitive skin should choose a product that contains salicylic acid over those that contain benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid works by correcting abnormal skin shedding and it also helps to unclog pores preventing blemishes. Like benzoyl peroxide, it must be used on a regular basis to keep blemishes at bay.

Prescription products tend to be more expensive than those that are sold over the counter and they are usually only used for moderate to severe cases. Prescription acne products can be either oral or topical (those that you apply to the skin). Antibiotics tend to be the most frequent oral treatment and they have been used to treat acne for more than thirty years. Some of the most common ones are tetracycline, minocycline, clindamycin and erythromycin.

These acne products work by reducing the number of skin bacteria as well as reducing inflammation. If antibiotics are used over a long period of time the skin bacteria can become resistant. Antibiotics may also reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill so it is important to use another form of contraception while using this acne product. Other possible side effects may include: Yeast infections, photosensitivity, gastrointestinal disturbances and skin irritation or rashes.

Hormone therapy is another treatment option that requires a prescription. Oral contraceptive/birth control pills treat acne by helping to balance out fluctuating hormones in the body. The pill usually contains estrogen which helps to counteract the excess amount of androgens (male hormones) in the body. Possible side effects may include, vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, melasma, depression and the pill increases your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, developing a blood clot or breast cancer.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is probably the most powerful of all the prescription acne products. It is only prescribed for severe cases which don’t show any improvement from other forms of treatment. It works by decreasing the amount of oil produced by the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands). However, there are some very serious side effects associated with its use. The most serious is its ability to cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Other possible side effects may include chapped lips, dry skin and itching, dryness of nose and mild nosebleeds, joint and muscle pains, temporary hair thinning and thoughts of suicide.

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