Acne can be troublesome to deal with, especially if you have used a number of different treatments and creams with no solutions. When looking at the best types of acne treatment, these can typically only be prescribed by a doctor.
While some over-the-counter acne treatments can be successful for many people, for those who have persistent acne, especially acne that is very severe, they may need to receive stronger medication.
The best type of acne treatment that is available only through a doctor is called Isotretinoin. This is a type of retinoid that is taken orally in tablet form. Acne is very responsive to this treatment.
But, as it is a very strong medication with many side effects, it is only given in severe and extreme circumstances when all other forms of acne treatment have failed.
Another great treatment for acne can be certain types of antibiotics. Again these are only prescribed in extreme, and persistent cases. They help to lower the number of bacteria that is present on the skin.
The first types of acne treatments prescribed will be creams such as Azelaic acid and salicylic acid. For the majority of people, these creams will help to improve acne when used regularly.
As acne is caused because of a number of different reasons, different solutions are better for certain types of acne. The vast majority of people will find results in creams and over-the-counter treatments.
If you have exhausted all options then it is likely time to visit a dermatologist or doctor to see if there is any treatment your acne and skin will benefit from.
What creams do dermatologists recommend for acne?
When it comes to acne, if there is a cream that is recommended by dermatologists, it is certainly worth considering.
There are many products that are great for acne-prone skin, and the type you will want to use will depend on the type of acne, and skin you have.
Salicylic Acid
One of the best types of creams you can use is one that contains salicylic acid. This is a fantastic treatment for acne that helps to remove sebum from pores.
As excess sebum can lead to clogged pores and acne, this treatment is useful.
There are many types of skin treatments that target acne that contains salicylic acid. While salicylic acid does penetrate the pores, it is not too harsh on the skin.
This is great news if you suffer from sensitive skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide works by unclogging pores and killing bacteria that live on the skin’s surface. This acts as a double treatment for two different causes of acne, and helps to get to the root of the problem.
As this is quite a strong product even when it is included in creams, it may not be the best option for those who suffer from sensitive skin.
Both of these products can be purchased as creams, and are a great solution for many types of acne.
What is the best acne treatment over the counter?
As we have already covered, two of the best types of over-the-counter treatments for acne are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. They both help to unclog pores.
While salicylic acid helps to reduce the amount of sebum the skin produces, benzoyl peroxide will kill bacteria living on the skin’s surface.
What is great about both of these products is that they can be used simultaneously. Given this, you can give your skin the best chance of being clear of acne.
In addition to these two products, Adapalene is a type of retinoid that can be purchased over the counter. Retinoids have been proved to significantly help to improve acne.
Retinoids work by reducing the amount of sebum the skin produces, and it will regulate cell turnover. It can be purchased in different strengths depending on what your skin needs, and how sensitive it is.
While oral retinoids can only be prescribed by a doctor, topical retinoids are available over the counter in far lower doses. However, they have still been proven to help significantly.
As Adapalene is quite a strong cream, caution does need to be taken when using it. If you use too much it can cause irritation.
Given this, only a small amount is needed. In addition to this, you should always take care when using acne treatments if you have sensitive skin.
