According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 50 million Americans suffer from acne each year. Despite being the most common skin condition in the United States, determining the best acne treatment for your skin remains a mystery to many. Treatments include prescription medications, such as topical and oral medications, and over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products. To help narrow down a long list of options, we’ve enlisted the expertise of board-certified dermatologists. Moderate to severe may require prescription treatment and professional advice from a dermatologist. Read on to learn what causes acne and proper treatment options for different Acne from professionals.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is usually caused by clogged pores when a mixture of sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells become trapped in the hair follicle. Each pore on the surface of the skin is an opening to a hair follicle, which consists of hair and sebaceous glands. When functioning properly, the sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which travels up the hair and out of the pores. Sebum reaches the skin and is responsible for keeping it moisturized.
If any part of this process goes wrong, acne can occur. Excess sebum produced by the sebaceous glands, a buildup of dead skin cells, or a buildup of bacteria can interfere with this process and lead to clogged pores that contribute to the formation of acne.
How can I decide which treatment is best for me?
Determining the best treatment for you depends on the type of acne and its severity. “The best way to determine the appropriate treatment regimen for is to consult a dermatologist,” says Julie C. Harper, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “There are many different types of acne, and treatments vary from person to person,” explains Dr. A dermatologist examines the skin to see which of the different types of lesions are present.
Mild non-inflammatory (also called come done acne) includes and blackheads. Moderately inflammatory includes papules and pustules. Severe inflammatory acne includes nodules and cysts. Non-inflammatory can usually be resolved with OTC products containing active ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or prescription topical retinoid. Inflammatory acne requires a topical or oral prescription from a dermatologist. While papules and pustules can be cured with OTC products alone, inflammatory is more likely to cause scarring, so visiting a dermatologist is the best way to cure acne and prevent acne scarring.
The acne treatments on this list are based on:
- Recommendations from a board-certified dermatologist
- Ingredients Proven Effective in Treating Acne
Tretinoin
Product type: topical cream or gel
Formula: Yes, it is
Advantage: Pro-Aging and Exfoliating Benefits
Cons: May cause slight peeling
Tretinoin is a prescription topical cream or gel.. It works by accelerating the life cycle of skin cells. It allows it to divide and die faster, allowing newer, healthier skin cells to come to the surface. Not only is this beneficial in treating acne, but it also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “Tretinoin helps soften clogs and push them to the surface when peeling,” says Susan Bird, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.Retinoid like Tretinoin are great for comedogenic (pore-clogging)
However, Tretinoin can be used to treat all types of acne.
To get a prescription for Tretinoin, you need to go to your doctor’s office. B. Communicate virtually with a dermatologist or through an online service such as Carpology or Hers.
Tazorac
Product type: topical cream or gel
Formula: Yes, it is
Advantage: surely
Cons: May increase skin sensitivity to cold
In Addition, Depending on the severity of your , your doctor may prescribe a gel or cream called Tazorac. Tazorac contains the active ingredient tazarotene. Cystic on other parts of the body. Do not use during pregnancy. Also, remember to apply sunscreen when using this product as it can be sensitive to light and sunlight.
“Tazarotene, another type of retinoid like tretinoin, works to treat by slowing the overgrowth of skin cells and preventing dead skin cells from accumulating on the surface. You can buy Tazorac with a prescription through services like GoodRx or at places like CVS and Walgreens.
Altreno
Product type: topical lotion
Formula: Yes, it is
Type of acne: non-inflammatory acne
Advantage: light type
Cons: May cause skin irritation
Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, Board Certified Dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD recommends Altreno for adults with comedic doing.Acne treatments include prescription medications, such as topical and oral medications, and over-the-counter (OTC) skin careAcne treatments include prescription medications, such as topical and oral medications, and over-the-counter (OTC) skin care Altreno contains Tretinoin, a retinoid commonly prescribed to treat . Unlike other prescription Tretinoin drugs that usually come in the form of topical creams or gels, Altreno is a lightweight lotion that fights blemishes while moisturizing the skin. In Addition, “Topical retinoid are the primary treatment for ,” says Zeichner of the importance of Tretinoin in Altreno. Retinoid prevent cells from clinging to clog pores and trap oil inside. It also helps improve cell turnover to even out skin tone and texture.