Retinoids are vitamin-A derivatives; they go by the name retinol when purchased over the counter and are available in stronger strengths by prescription (such as Retin-A, Differen, Renova) to treat acne. Retinoids exfoliate to diminish pores and blemishes, while stimulating collagen production to help skin look rejuvenated. Retinoids can be extremely irritating, so start using them only once per week and gradually work your way up to more days.
Acne Treatment
Acne treatments vary, depending on the severity of your acne. Many teenagers and adults can control mild acne with over-the-counter topical solutions, like acne cream and salicylic acid products that loosen blackheads and whiteheads, clearing clogged pores. For more severe acne, dermatologists may recommend prescription medications, or even an in-office procedure such as a chemical peel or laser treatment. Learn more about acne treatment with expert advice from Sharecare.
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YouBeauty answeredThe small molecules of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic and lactic acids, chemically exfoliate to clear out dead skin cells that block pores that lead to acne. Because of their skin-brightening and line-smoothing ability, AHAs are often found in anti-aging products, making these a good choice for people dealing with acne and aging at the same time.
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Antibiotic use, appropriate or otherwise, contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. This is true for acne medications that contain antibiotics. Short and long-term use of antibiotics for treatment or prevention of bacterial infections should be under the direction of a physician to ensure appropriate use and detection of resistance.
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Riverside Health System answeredSee All 3 AnswersFor women who break out mainly around their menstrual cycle, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down overactive oil glands in the skin. Sometimes, birth control pills are used along with a drug called spironolactone to treat acne in adult females. This medication lowers levels of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen stimulates the skin's oil glands. Side effects of this drug include irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache and fatigue. Spironolactone is not appropriate therapy for all patients.
This answer is based on the source infromation from the National Women's Health Information Center. -
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Dr. Patricia K. Farris, MD , Dermatology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThere are several cleansers that can be used to treat or prevent acne. The best choice would be a cleanser that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid will help unclog pores and benzoyl peroxide is an effective antibacterial ingredient that is excellent for treating existing acne. Both of the ingredients are found in many over the counter cleansers making them easy to find and affordable options.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersIf you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider consulting a dermatologist to learn the best way to care for your skin. He or she may recommend using a non-abrasive facial cleanser in the morning and before you go to bed at night. Avoid products that contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin. Be gentle as you wash your face. Scrubbing vigorously could make your acne worse. Rinse well with lukewarm water. -
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Dr. Doris Day, MD , Dermatology, answeredFor optimal results from hormonal therapy, appropriate patient selection is key. Hormonal therapy is useful for women with endocrine abnormalities and for women who have proven nonresponsive to or unable to tolerate more conventional therapies such as oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, and retinoids along with benzoyl peroxide. The use of oral contraceptive pills may also be useful for women who require medical treatment to control irregular periods or who would like contraception. It is important to remember that oral contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and that a second form of protection is required to reduce the risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and other potentially serious sexually transmitted diseases.
The following are recommendations for hormonal therapy:
It is an excellent choice for women who need oral contraception for gynecologic reasons.- It should be used early in female patients with moderate-to-severe acne or signs of androgen abnormalities.
- It is useful as a component of combination therapy in women with or without documentable hormonal abnormalities.
- It is sometimes used in women with late-onset acne.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Watch this video to learn more from Dr. Mehmet Oz about skin blemishes.
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Dr. Doris Day, MD , Dermatology, answeredThe only oral contraceptives that can potentially worsen acne are the ones that contain only progestins instead of a combination of progestin and estrogen. Oral contraceptives containing only progestins include levongestrel and medroxyprogesterone. Acne, hirsutism, and hair loss have been associated with certain progestins.
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Dr. Doris Day, MD , Dermatology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersSome people note that their pimples last for months before finally going away. Comedones, the plugged hair follicles, can last for weeks or months or longer if not treated. Inflammatory lesions usually clear within days to weeks; however, marks (red and eventually brown) can be left behind that remain for months longer. Also, because acne can recur in the same spot -- sometimes just as the lesion is beginning to clear -- it can flare again, which makes it seem like it is lasting for months.