Remedies to Heal Acne

Acne usually affects adolescents but can last into the 20s and early 30s. It is caused in adolescence by changing hormone levels and will usually decrease on its own by the time the 20s are reached. Some people however suffer from acne for much longer and in rare cases it can last into the 40's. Acne is caused by a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes which thrives in the dust and dirt that is attracted to oily skin. Changing hormone levels increase the production of sebum in the skin which then attracts the dust and dirt on which the bacteria thrive.

Dermatologists treat acne with antibiotics, bactericides or retinoids and if you have severe acne you should always see a dermatologist. There are also many over-the-counter remedies for acne that are effective. In addition you should help the medications to work by following good hygiene for the face and making sure your diet is adeqaute in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Remedies to treat acne work by a combination of the following points

1. They prevent blockage of the pores
2. they kill the bacteria that causes acne
3. they reduce inflammation
4. they work to balance the hormone levels

Medications used to heal acne include topical bactericides, oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, topical retinoids and oral retinoids.

Topical bactericides

Topical bactericides include benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate and triclosan. These are best used with mild or moderate acne and can be bought as creams, soaps, gels or washes. Benzoyl peroxide is the most popular ingredient and, unlike antibiotics, it does not cause the bacteria to become resistant. It does have side effects however as it can cause redness, dryness and skin irritation. Chlorhexidine gluconate and triclosan less effective than benzoyl peroxide that have fewer side effects and are more suitable for sensitive skin.

Oral Antibiotics

Some oral antibiotics that kill the bacteria that cause acne include erythromycin, tetracycline and oxytetracycline. Bacteria however is developing a resistance to these antibiotics. Although they kill the bacteria that causes acne they do not deal with the increased production of sebum that causes blocked pores. In many cases acne will reappear sometime after the course of antibiotics finishes. Tetracycline causes yellowing of the teeth and all antibiotics kill off the bacteria in the digestive tract, causing digestive problems including diarrhea. Usually oral antibiotics are used only after the topical treatments have failed to improve the condition.

Topical antibiotics

Instead of taking oral antibiotics they can be applied to the skin where they can kill the bacteria present in the pores. This avoids the side effects of taking oral antibiotics.

Topical and Oral Retinoids

Retinoids are available on prescription and are derivatives of vitamin A. A milder retinoid called retinol is available in over-the-counter acne remedies. Retinoids prevent overproduction of keratin which can block of the pores. They do however have some side effects as they can cause redness of the skin and irritation and the acne can flare up when they are first used. Retinol is milder and causes less irritation to the skin. Retinoids that are available on prescription include isotretinoin which has been shown to significantly improve acne over 4 to 6 months. It is usually used for severe cases of acne and more than 80% of acne sufferers saw a significant improvement in one study. Use of isotretinoin must be supervised by a dermatologist and there can be severe side effects which include nosebleeds, dry skin and some initial flare up of the acne. It should not be used by pregnant women as it can cause birth defects. Most dermatologists recommend the use of isotretinoin only when other methods have not control the acne.

Light Treatment

A relatively new remedy to treat acne is the use of light therapy. Light of 405 to 420 nm (blue light) or of 600 nm (red light) has been used successfully and in one study between 60% and 70% of sufferers showed a marked improvement in acne lesions. The method by which light therapy improves acne is not completely understood but is thought that when bacteria are irradiated porphyrins present in the bacteria produce free radicals which then kill the bacteria. Although there are no known side effects the treatment is relatively new and the equipment is expensive.