What are the Best Treatments for Acne?

Technically speaking, acne refers to a chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles that results in pimples, pustules and often, scarring. Some of the prime areas for acne to erupt include the face, neck, upper back and chest. Adolescence is the main time that acne is problematic, but many adults also have regular skin eruptions. Whenever you happen to get it, it is frustrating and sometimes painful and getting rid of it is always the main priority.

An Individual Approach

Acne is a condition with several different treatment options, but not every treatment is ideal for every patient. That is why an individual approach is necessary and any treatment program should be monitored so changes can be made, if necessary. If a patient doesn’t respond to a particular treatment, the protocol may be re-arranged until it succeeds.

External Treatments

Most acne treatments you come across are applied externally, on the acne itself. Most external acne treatments come in the form of a cream or a lotion and have a specific agenda. Some are designed to kill bacteria in the skin, some are designed to reduce the amount of oil, and some will contain medicines like benzoyl peroxide or an antibiotic.

Internal Treatments

If your acne is more than some garden variety pimples or whiteheads, you may need something that works internally. If you have acne that is red and swollen and has developed into nodules or cysts, some internal medications may be in order.

Don’t be surprised if your doctor prescribes antibiotics or isotretinoin for a more thorough treatment all through the body. Sometimes, birth control pills or other medications that influence hormones may be prescribed for women with acne.

Laser Treatments

Lasers and other light therapies are quickly making a case as the new age of acne treatments because they are fast, non-invasive and effective. Depending on the scope of the acne and whether or not it has scarred, you may be treated with the CO2 Laser, Fractionated Laser, Smoothbeam Laser or the VBeam Laser. Once you get into the office, the type of laser that will be most effective will be discussed.

And “effective” is what finding the best acne treatment is all about. In a nutshell, the best acne treatment is the one that will remove all signs of acne in the least invasive way possible while preventing scaring. It’s usually more complex than that, but whether it is a laser, an internal medication or external cream, finding the right acne treatment for your skin is all that matters.