Which Acne Medication is Most Effective?

Treatments for acne come in various forms and with a muriad of acne medication options. Whether your acne condition is severe or mild, your dermatologist can prescribe acne medications which will help heal your blemishes and pimples. Several of these acne medicines may be topical, or those that are applied to the surface of the skin. Others are systematic or the drugs that are taken orally.

Retin-A

Retin-A is a topical medication derived from Vitamin A’s retinoid metabolite. It increases cell regeneration and helps release plugged materials from the hair follicles. Retin A is also noted to decrease the formation of new acne and improved the appearance of wrinkles. However, this medication may also enhance the skin’s sensitivity to irritation and sunlight. A siginificant side effect of this drug is extreme drying of the skin that can develop into red, swollen and blistered spots on the treated area.

Oral Antibiotics

In conjunction with many topical medications, oral medications may be prescribed by your dermatologist. However, the targeted bacteria may develop immunity to certain types of antibiotics. In these cases, other acne medications may be prescribed. As with many oral antibiotics, topical antimicrobials can also target the same bacteria and may be applied directly on the actual site of acne infection. 

Natural Acne Treatments

 For those acne sufferers who prefer a more natural acne cure, products like the ZENMED Derma Cleanse System use botanicals and natural ingredients in their formulation.  This holistic approach is proven to be gentler, yet effective, in attacking acne at its sources both internally and externally.  This treatment option is ideal for those people with sensitive skin or who don't want to use the harsher treatments using artificial ingredients.

Spironolactone Acne Treatment

Spironolactone is a diuretic known for its potassium-sparing properties. It was first developed to reduce body fluids without depleting the potassium level of the body. For acne treatment applications, Spironolactone can reduce the production of androgens, the specific hormone excreted which activates the production of sebum. If this sebum is trapped in the hair follicles, it may cause the onset of acne. As a result, controlling the release of androgen can reduce the likelihood of acne infection and inflammation. This acne medicine has proven very effective in the control of acne and its symptoms.

With Spironolactone, though, there are several considerations which must be deliberated by both the physician and the acne patient. Side effects are possible with other medications or certain health conditions. Some side effects may include skin allergies, diarrhea, muscle cramps and nausea. This medication is used in acne treatments for severe cases and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Doxycycline Acne Treatment

Doxycycline is a common medication used against mild inflammatory acne infection. This antibiotic is known to reduce the impact of the attacks of bacteria that clog within the hair follicles and cause the acne outbreaks. This drug is also noted to cure a host of other diseases and ailments, such as, gum disease, urinary tract infections and a number of sexually-transmitted diseases.

Typically, this medication can increase the persons semsitivity to the sun’s harmful rays. If exposure to sun cannot be avoided, then it is best to apply sunscreens or employ the use of protective clothing. At any rate, acne-inflicted individuals must never be allowed to over-expose their skin to sunlight.

Minocycline Acne Treatment

Minocycline is a derivative of tetracycline and is commonly used as an acne medication for the treatment of acne. Younger children should not take this medication as it will reduce the development of their teeth and bones. As with the doxycycline, minocycline can effectively decrease the level of bacteria thriving in the skin pores. Aside from being an efective acne medicine, it is also used to treat other bacterial skin infections.