ACNE - the most irritating skin problem

In a recent survey, breakouts topped the list of beauty calamities, annoying interviewees more than lines and wrinkles, or even a haircut gone badly. Acne, although usually observed in teenagers, can happen at any age. Acne can occur on the face, neck and back. How to cure? Firstly, try out over-the-counter acne solutions containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is the most frequently used acne treatment and is considered to be one of the most efficacious ones available on the market. If you are suffering from mild cases of acne that is non-inflammatory, benzoyl peroxide is considered to be very effective.

Yet, there are some minor side effects. It can trigger dry skin. If you feel too much dryness, give some recovery time to your skin and then, using a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide, try once again. Salicylic acid works best of all on non-inflammatory forms of acne and it begins by exfoliating the dead skin, thus keeping the pores of the skin clean and preventing plugging. When nothing clogs the pores, your chances of getting pimples and blackheads decrease drastically. The side effect of this acne treatment is that it can cause skin irritation. At times patients complain of a stinging or burning sensation, flaking or peeking skin and dryness.

If there is no improvement in curing acne after a few weeks, talk to your general practitioner about prescription acne solutions, including antibiotics, retinoids (Avita, Retin-A) and adapalene (Differin). Antibiotics work on the P. Acnes bacteria and stop them from multiplying and spreading in the body. Although they demonstate results quicker, antibiotics are usually not favored by patients, as they result in side effects, such as dyspepsia, discoloration of the skin, giddiness and sensitivity to light.

For severe forms of cystic acne, your medical practitioner may recommend isotretinoin (Accutane) or may send you to a specialist. Because dangerous side effects are possible, men and women administering Accutane should be cautiously observed by their doctors. If other acne solutions appear ineffective, laser or light therapy may be used.

Acne is a skin problem affecting mostly teenagers. Remember about proper skin care.