Acne and Treatment – Ways to Prevent and Help Treat Breakouts

Acne is a problem that so many people suffer with every day. At least 90% of Western people suffer from acne whereas people living in countries which follow a more natural, fiber rich diet full of fruits and vegetables are not troubled by acne at all. It has a large effect on teenagers as well as adults. Did you know that 3 out of 4 teeneagers have acne? So if you are one of those teens, realize that you are not alone and you can start improving your skin today. Another high risk for acne is in a pregnant woman, but it usually clears within a few months of baby being born.

Acne develops when the hair follicle of skin gets plugged by overproduction of sebum, dead cells and becomes infected by bacteria. Some people naturally produce more oil in their faces, and therefore are more likely to suffer from acne problems. Poor sanitation sometimes plays a role, as do bacterial problems in some people. Overall, it can be linked with hormones, poor hygiene and diet.

There are ways to prevent breakouts from occuring. One big tip would be to make sure you keep a clean pillow case on your pillow. The pillow absorbs oil from your face and can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Vitamin E, A and B5 all are beneficial in preventing and treating acne as they all strengthen the immune system, which is vital in controlling skin disorders. Benzoyl Peroxide Exfoliators, Toners, and Prevention Cremes are all highly recommended forms of treatment.

Acne medications contain two types of ingredients: active and inactive. Active ingredients are the drug components that have an anti-acne effect. Some active ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide (most commonly used, most affordable and has been clinically tested and proven), Salicylic Acid (also clinically tested and proven to be effective in fighting breakouts), and Triclosan (makes cleansers more effective and longer lasting than just washing with soap and water). Inactive ingredients can include anything from fragrances and colors to oils and waters.

Over the Counter Medications: ( A few popular brands)

~Clearasil
~ProActiv
~Oxy
~Clean and Clear
~Neutrogena

Common side effects of Acne Treatments:

~Dryness
~Flakiness
~Redness
~Irritation

* Note: Try reducing usage to once a day or every other day if you experience any of these side effects.

Popular Prescription Brands: (Just a few of many brands available)

~Erythromycin (Also called “Akne-Mycin”) is generally applied morning and night and must be refrigerated.

~Clindamycin (Also called “Cleocin”) has rare side effects, but can cause an adverse reaction called “colitis” in some people.

~Tretinoin (Also called “Retin-A”) can cause an initial increase in breakouts, but after about three weeks, overall complexion should show a great improvement.

~Adapalene (also called “Differin”) is usually used once a day and should not be used by anyone who already suffers from eczema or dermatitis.

~Accutane – should be used as a last resort, if at all. It has very powerful side effects and is usually prescrided along with birth control for females. If taken while pregnant, it can cause severe deformation to baby.

Acne can also cause scars that can sometimes have a huge impact on a persons self esteem. if you or someone you know suffers from acne scars, here are a few treatments that you may be able to use or suggest to help reduce the appearance of acne scars.

~Maderma – can help decrease scars. Usually used three times daily. For older scars, it may require that you use this product for a longer time than with new scars.

~Laser Therapy – seen to be safer than other surgical methods. After the first six months to one year the skin is more soft, and smooth, and scars are less noticeable.

~Dermabrasion (surgical scraping) – can be costly. Some physicians recommend at least three treatments for optimum results.

~Augmentation (collagen injection) – requires no recovery time, but results are temporary and often this procedure has to be repeated every six months.

Please be aware that you are not alone when it comes to acne. So many people in this world suffer from the same thing as you. Just know that you do have ways to prevent and treat your acne. It can be very difficult and frustrating to deal with acne. If you have tried all of the over the counter medications and still have no results, try speaking to your doctor about a prescription treatment that may fit your needs. make sure to do your research on your medications before you use them, as stated before, some do have very serious side effects and can cause adverse reactions.