Acne is a common condition that can leave scars. It’s most often seen in teenagers and young adults going through hormonal changes, but it can occur at any age. It can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance and affect your mood. But there are ways to prevent new spots from appearing and keep your skin clear.
The type of treatment you need depends on what kind of acne you have and how severe it is. There are many options available, from simple over-the-counter (OTC) products to prescription-strength treatments and dermatologist visits.
Treatments help treat the four main causes of acne: clogged pores, hyperkeratinization, colonization by Propionibacterium acnes, and inflammation. Your treatment may involve lifestyle remedies, topical medications, oral medication, or medical procedures.
You can buy OTC cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help reduce oil and pore blockages. You can also find spot treatments that deliver a high concentration of the ingredients to blemishes, such as Peach Slices’ Acne Spot Dots and Eve Lom’s Dynaspot. These spot treatments are a bit more expensive than your usual cleanser, but they have great reviews from users.
If your acne is moderate to severe and not clearing up with OTC products, you should visit a dermatologist for expert skin care and prescriptions. Your doctor can give you medications that work to clear up your skin, such as oral or topical antibiotics, hormone therapies in women (oral contraceptives or spironolactone), isotretinoin, and chemical peels. acne treatment