Acne Medication Options
There are several types of acne medication available by prescription and over-the-counter at drug stores. The acne medication that will work best for you can depend on several factors, including your skin type, the kind of acne that you have, and how you respond to certain chemicals. Most people find that they get the results that they need from over-the-counter acne medications. Others, however, need prescription drugs to eliminate acne.
Over-the-counter Acne Medication
The two most common over-the-counter acne medications are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. You can find at least one of these ingredients in most of the effective over-the-counter acne medications. Other options include sulfur and resorcinol.
Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Medications
Benzoyl peroxide acne medications work well because they remove oil and dead skin cells from pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, and oxygenate the skin. When using benzoyl peroxide acne medications, it is best to start with over-the-counter products that contain low levels of the active ingredient. Somewhere around three percent works well for most people because it clears the skin without causing side effects. Individuals with sensitive skin should consider pairing benzoyl peroxide acne medications with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent skin irritation, dryness, and flaking.
Although most people respond well to acne medications with low concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, severe cases of acne might need stronger concentrations. It is still smart to start with products that contain small amounts of the active ingredient and work your way up to the stronger options. This will help you find the perfect option for you that will kill acne without causing other skin problems.
Salicylic Acid Acne Medication
Salicylic acid acne medication has the power to strip dead skin cells out of your hair follicles. This works well because dead skin cells often clump together and clog follicles, leading to acne. Salicylic acid also has the ability to break down whitehead and blackheads, which reduces the amount of time needed for your pores to heal.
Like benzoyl peroxide, you should use acne medication that contains low concentrations of salicylic acid. The less you can use to control your acne, the healthier your skin will look.
Prescription Acne Medication
When over the counter acne medication just isn’t strong enough, it’s time to visit the dermatologist who can evaluate your acne. A doctor can prescribe the proper acne medication to treat more severe acne.
Accutane
Accutane is a popular prescription acne medication that has helped lots of people clear up their skin. Unfortunately, it is expensive compared to over-the-counter products and it can cause a large number of unwanted side effects such as hair loss, headaches, nosebleeds, hives, rashes, nail abnormalities, inflammation, increased hair growth, and vision problems.
Azelaic Acid (Azelex)
Azelex is a prescription acne medication that contains a 20 percent concentration of azelaic acid. This medication is extremely expensive compared to most options, including other prescription drugs. Excellent results might justify the high cost, but it turns out that azelaic acid works similarly to salicylic acid. With the prescription option, you get higher concentrations, but you also get a greater chance of developing side effects. Considering the high cost, it makes more sense to choose salicylic acid acne medications sold over-the-counter. However, it is a good idea to consult a dermatologist before making any decisions.