Pimples & General

Acne Medications

The best acne medications have to be individualized. What works for one person may not work for

another. The goal is to determine what type of lesions are present then treat accordingly. As a general

guideline, comedones responds well to topical salicylic acid, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide and

tretinoin. Inflammatory acne can be treated with topical therapy and oral antibiotics. Cystic acne

requires oral antibiotics or isotretinoin.

Types of Pimple/Acne Medications:

Benzoyl peroxide

This drug is still one of the most effective acne products for mild to moderate cases because of it's dual

action.

1) It kills the P. acnes bacteria by drawing oxygen into the pores.

2) It reduces the formation of comedones through it's mild peeling action. Resistance does not develop

to the product. Expect improved results in 4 to 6 weeks.

Despite being available for over 30 years, various studies have shown no potential for benzoyl

peroxide to cause cancer in humans. It is one of the safest products with low incidence of side effects.

Studies have shown that benzoyl peroxide 5% and Clindamycin 1% reduces P. acnes rapidly and to a

greater extent than either one alone making it one of the best acne treatments available.

The clinical journal for dermatologists Cutis, reported that the combination of the two above ingredients

reduced 90% of P. acnes after only 24 hours and by 99.9% at 2 weeks.

Apply Benzoyl peroxide on clean dry skin. First, use a Salicylic Acid wash then apply Clindamycin 1%

gel followed by Benzoyl Peroxide sparingly to entire face. Do not scrub as this will push the P. acnes

bacteria further down. Then apply a non-oily moisturizer to prevent dry skin.

Retin-A (tretinoin)

Works by increasing the skin cell turnover causing the expulsion of comedones and prevents new ones

from forming by it's constant sloughing off of cells. It can cause redness and dryness but Retin-A Micro

is less irritating due to it's slow release properties. Expect from 3 to 6 weeks for any noticeable

improvement.

Since Retin-A can increase a increase a person's sensitivity to sunlight, stay out of the sun or use a

water-based sunscreen.

Copyright 2009 - Pimples.us