How Do Acne Solutions Work? The Process Behind Each Formula

Different acne solutions work in different ways. There are topical treatments, oral medications, herbal solutions and even surgical procedures designed to get rid of pimples. The type of formula and the ingredients contained in them determine how these remedies would work on zits. Their efficacy, on the other hand, would depend on the type of skin of the patient and how well he or she responds to the cure administered.

Acne solutions, in general, work in five ways. Each of this method is discussed below.

1) Preventing skin pore blockage. Some medications work on eliminating pimples by preventing the pores from getting clogged with dead skin cells and other materials that can cause bacteria to thrive and zits to appear. Examples of such solutions are topical antibacterials that contain benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids and laser therapy.

2) Killing the acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. P. acnes has been found to be the primary cause of pimples and skin breakouts. Some medications cure zits by getting rid of P. acnes. Some examples are topical antibiotics like erythromycin and tetracycline, oral antibiotics, phototherapy and laser therapy. Some antibacterials are also known to be effective in getting rid of P. acnes.

3) Anti-inflammatory solutions. There are various methods of getting rid of acne that work by preventing inflammation. The most well-known of these are oral antibiotics, such as minocycline. Another option that functions as anti-inflammatory is hormonal remedy. Cortisone injection has also been found to reduce pimple inflammation within a short period of time.

4) Hormone-balancing remedies. Aside from acting as anti-inflammatory cures, hormonal solutions also work by reducing the levels of androgens in the body, thereby preventing skin breakouts. Oral contraceptives are also used to cure pimples and fall under the hormone treatment category. These solutions, though, are only recommended to women.

5) Internal cleansers. Some medical specialists believe that getting rid of zits should start from the inside. Herbal supplements, vitamin A and organic formulas have been recommended to cleanse the body and prevent skin from breaking out. There are also those who believe that drinking tea, particularly green tea, helps prevent acne and promotes healthy skin.

Aside from the methods discussed above, there is also an option called combination therapy. In some cases, one form of treatment is not enough to address the problem and skin specialists will recommend a combination of two or more remedies.

Acne solutions differ in the way they try to remedy the problem. Choosing the best cure should depend on the type of a patient's skin, the level of severity and whether the patient has an allergic reaction to any drug or is taking other medications. Patients should take note that cures should not be administered without first consulting a doctor.


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