Topical acne treatments and how they work
- Topical Retinoids (i.e. Retin-a, Differin, Tazorac, etc.)
“This topical acne treatment option, which is typically applied in the evening, helps prevent clogging of pores by encouraging the shedding of skin cells, speed up cellular turnover, and slow collagen breakdown.
However, these medications are strong and can cause skin irritation and dryness. Therefore, you might need to ease into this type of treatment by using it every other night to every 3rd night at the start of therapy. To make it easier on your skin, mixing topical retinoids with a moisturizer can help to reduce the dryness and irritation.”
When used during the summer months, topical retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to apply sunscreen daily.
2. Topical Antibiotics
“This type of acne treatment not only kills the bacteria suspected of causing acne but also helps reduce redness and inflammation.
It is also commonly recommended the combination of topical antibiotics, like Clindamycin and Minocycline (Amzeeq), with benzoyl peroxide to help reduce the likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance. Such medications include BenzaClin, Duac, and others.”
3. Azelaic Acid
“This acne medication has antibacterial properties and can be safely used not only during pregnancy but also while breastfeeding. Additionally, it can help manage post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs with some forms of acne.”
4. Topical Products with Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid helps prevent the clogging and blocking of pores by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells.
5. Topical Dapsone (Aczone)
This is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It helps with reducing inflammatory papules and pustules associated with acne.
Oral acne treatments and how they work
- Oral Antibiotics
“Oral antibiotics, which help decrease bacteria and reduce inflammation in the skin, are used in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. Such antibiotics include doxycycline, minocycline, sarecycline.
It is recommended these medications be used for the shortest time possible to help prevent antibiotic resistance. Additionally, combining these antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide helps reduce the risk of bacterial resistance.”
2. Anti-Androgen Medication
Anti-androgen medications, such as spironolactone, are commonly used in the treatment of acne in women. This medication is effective at reducing the effects of androgen hormones on oil glands, which helps decrease oil production and reduce inflammatory lesions.
3. Oral Contraceptives
This acne treatment option is effective in addressing hormonal acne, as oral contraceptives decrease the circulation of androgens, which reduces the production of oil. There are a few oral contraceptives that are approved specifically for the treatment of acne.
4. Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is an oral form of Vitamin A and tends to be a last resort option when addressing severe nodulocystic acne is unresponsive to numerous topical and oral therapies. It works by regulating proper exfoliation of the skin, reducing oil production, killing bacteria, and reducing inflammation.
This effective acne treatment doesn’t require continuous use either; Isotretinoin is a short-term treatment that takes approximately 5 to 6 months to complete. Although, it does require routine lab monitoring and monthly visitswhile on this type of therapy, since the side effects of Isotretinoin can be severe.”
Lifestyle changes
- Smaller studies have shown a possible link between high sugar intake and high consumption of low-fat dairy in the development of acne flares, so try to reduce the intake of these foods to alleviate future breakouts.
- It is important to wash acne-prone areas with proper cleansers daily, or even twice a day — morning and night — if you have skin that tends to be more oil-prone. Washing with water only is not sufficient to adequately remove dirt and oil from the skin.
- Use oil-free moisturizers and non-comedogenic makeup (preferably mineral makeup) to reduce the chance of breakouts and acne.
- Avoid cleansers or products that have a gritty or coarse texture, as they can irritate the skin and potentially enlarge pores.
- Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples. This can lead to acne scars and skin infections.