Antibiotic or Hormonal Acne Treatments?

Is it a good idea to use antibiotic or hormonal treatments for acne?

If an over the counter acne treatment regimen is not doing any good, it is time to go see your dermatologist.

He/She will prescribe either a topical or an oral medication for your acne. The topical treatments are the most specific, and probably the first step in prescription medication.

For starters your dermatologist will have you wash your face before you apply your topical acne treatment medication. This wash should be gentile and have no acne treatments in it. Neutrogena Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a good choice.

Each medication has a different property and can be combined with other meds to give you the right combination for your acne treatment.

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Adapalene goes by the name of Differin. It slows the accumulation of skin in follicle to stop a plug from forming. Side effects include extreme sensitivity to sunlight- sunscreen is a must. Azelaic Acid- aka. Azelex. This acne treatment is an acid from grain.

It helps skin to renew itself frequently and can kill some of the bacteria that cause acne. Short term side effects include itching and redness. Be cautioned if you have darker skin with this product.

Benzoyl Peroxide (prescription strength) is called Benzac AC, Brevoxyl and Triaz. It causes redness and peeling of the treated area, moisturizer is a must. It works by using a chemical reaction to create oxygen foaming that kills infection causing bacteria. BP is an old acne treatment standard of dermatologists that has a proven track record, but beware, some people are allergic to it.

Clindamycin, also called Cleocin T, Clinda-derm and Clindets. Clindamycin kills bacteria that cause acne. Burning itching and peeling have been reported as side effects of this acne treatment. It's not for people with sensitive skin

Tazorotene also dubbed Tazorac. The most common complaint is that this product itches. Dermatologists usually combine this acne treatment with an oral antibiotic.

Tretinoin is the ingredient in Retin-A, Redit-A Micro, Avita and Renova. These make skin peel and itch for first 2-6 weeks. Users of these acne products MUST use sunscreen at all times. They also bring pimples to the surface, and therefore acne may get worse before it gets better. Watch out for this if you have severely oily skin and cystic acne. These acne remedies are derived from vitamin A (retinoids). Not for use by pregnant women.

Use your acne treatment medications when and how your dermatologist prescribes. Don't forget your final step! Add a great oil-free moisturizer to your face after you've medicated it (some meds don't allow for this, but most do). Ask your dermatologist which moisturizer will work best with your regimen.

Whether your dermatologist decides to go with an acne treatment that modifies oil production or limits skin cell shedding, he/she will know the limitations of your skin. Strong medications such as these are meant for a doctor that knows their interactions; don't share any prescription- even if you're trying to help.