6 Powerful Acne Treatments When Natural Remedies Don't Work

People tend to look for natural remedies when dealing with acne. Natural remedies might help for not-so-severe acne problems. However, some serious acne problems often need stronger medications. Here are six frequently-used acne treatments when natural remedies failed.

1. Acne lotions

Active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid, and resorcinol contained in acne lotions help drying up excessive oil, killing bacteria, and helping dead skin cells to slough. These lotions usually are beneficial for combating mild acne. Acne lotions may cause side effects to your skin which include skin flaking, dryness, and irritation.

2. Prescribed topical acne lotions or antibiotics

You can only get this medication from dermatologists. Prescribed acne lotions usually are stronger than the regular ones. These medications help in enhancing cell turnover, preventing clogging of the hair follicles, and killing skin bacteria. Examples of vitamin A-based prescribed topical acne medications are tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A), tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage), and adapalene (Differin).

3. Prescribed oral antibiotics

Besides topical medication, moderate to severe acne sometimes needs oral antibiotics to combat bacteria and reduce inflammation. Continuous consumption of these antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance. Make sure to always follow your doctor's instruction while taking the medication. Antibiotics may trigger side effects such as skin discoloration, skin's sensitivity towards sunlight, dizziness, and upset stomach.

4. Isotretinoin

Acne medications such as Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret contain isotretinoin, a powerful ingredient for deep cysts. When antibiotics don't work, isotretinoin helps scarring cystic acne or other severest acne problems. A person who takes this highly effective acne medication should be monitored by a dermatologist. While very powerful, isotretinoin also has dangerous side effects such as severe birth defects. While pregnant women are definitely prohibited in consuming the medication, women of reproductive age must follow an FDA-approved monitoring program when using isotretinoin.

5. Birth control pills

This medication works especially for women. Oral contraceptives or birth control pills contain ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. The pills work by blocking androgen hormone which is responsible for stimulating oil glands and releasing sebum that triggers acne. Consuming oral contraceptives may cause side effects which include nausea, depression, headache, and breast tenderness. In some cases, severe complications may lead to blood clots, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

6. Laser- and light-based therapies

Both therapies help curing acne without damaging the skin surface. While laser therapy aims at destroying oil glands for lesser oil production, light therapy aims at excess inflammation-causing bacteria. Laser and light therapy may also help in repairing acne scars. A person who undergoes these therapies may experience a temporary sunburn-like skin problem. By Rizki Akmanda Zaymi

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