Though acne is most often associated with adolescents, it is an issue that can affect men and women of all ages. With the many acne treatments that work now on the market, it is becoming possible to put an end to breakouts once and for all and enjoy the benefits of blemish free skin. Your skin type, and the underlying causes of your acne, will help determine which of the many options will work most effectively for you. Even if you are suffering from severe acne, it is possible that one of the following, or a combination of the following treatments, will give you the clear skin that you crave.
The first thing that those who are suffering from breakouts should address are some of the lifestyle choices that can lead to problems with the skin. Smokers will typically have more trouble with blemishes than those who do not smoke, so quitting may be the first step in clearing up your pores. Working out has also been shown to reduce the appearance of black and white heads, as has drinking plenty of water. Even if you have found a prescription medication or an over the counter solution that seems to be working, adopting these behaviors can help you get the perfect complexion that you are looking for.
Over the counter facial cleansers tend to use one of two different ingredients. Both benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid have been shown to be effective in cleaning out the pores and eliminating the buildup of dirt and bacteria that leads to inflammation. One thing that experts caution is that overuse of a single product can lead to resistance. The best way to keep your face looking clear is to rotate between a few different products every few months. This will ensure that they continue to work well. In addition, it is important to remember that overuse of these products can also be difficult on your face and may lead to dryness and other unpleasant side effects.
If you are still not seeing optimal results with over the counter zit fighters, it may be time to try prescription solutions. In order to get a script for these drugs, it will be necessary to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Most of these medications are antibiotics, which kill the bacteria in pores that eventually lead to breakouts. Do keep in mind that these drugs can come with side effects, so be sure to talk to your doctor about any other medications that you are taking to avoid drug interactions. In addition to their antibiotic component, many of these drugs contain an anti inflammatory, which will decrease the intensity of the body’s response to facial bacteria and keep zits from looking red and inflamed.
No matter how severe your acne may be, there are acne treatments that work. For most sufferers, a combination of over the counter cleansers will be enough to put an end to blemishes and clear out your pores. If you have tried these options to no avail, scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist may yield a prescription medication that will help.
