Learn the Truth About OTC Acne Treatments

Acne is in most cases a fairly mild disorder, it is still highly recommended that you consult a physician
before attempting to treat it your self. There are many over the counter options for treating acne, most of which can be effective to at least some degree. It is tempting to just run down the corner store and purchase something based on the recommendation of a friend or a successful marketing campaign. You would be wiser thought to consult a Doctor, as they can advise you on the most effective type of treatment for your particular case of acne.There are a very large number of products available to treat acne at the current time. You can always take the advise of a friend that has used a particular product but you have to keep in mind that not all people react to medications the same and not all cases of acne are the same. There could be some significant differences between your acne and your friends. You will be better able to select the proper treatment for your situation if you have a basic knowledge of the active ingredients in the various acne medications.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the more popular active ingredients found in current acne treatments. It can be found in gels and creams and fights acne with a dual action. First it helps treat the bacteria on the surface of the skin that actually causes pimples. Secondly it helps to remove the dead skin cells and oils from the surface of your skin. When sebum combines with these dead skin cells it blocks the pores and causes black heads and white heads.
Benzoyl peroxide has been determined to be safe in directly treating existing lesions. On clear
skin it can be used as a preventative treatment, this will help keep the acne causing bacteria from developing on the skin. The only side effect is a tendency to cause dry skin which can be controlled by
reducing the applications. Care should also be taken because it will bleach out hair and clothes.

Salicylic acid is another common ingredient in acne treatments. It works by removing the dead skin cells that accumulate and block the skin pores. Salicylic acid products need to be used even when the skin is clear to keep the acne from re-occurring. The only reported side affect is drying and irritation of the skin in some people.

The two other most common ingredients are sulfur and resorcinol. Resorcinol works by removing the entire top layer of skin which also effectively removes the dead skin cells before they can clog pores. Sulfur has been used to treat acne for over fifty years with significant success despite the fact that it is not known how it actually helps. Sulfur is frequently mixed with other treatments to help them be more effective but is not normally used on it's own because of the unpleasant odor.

Benzoyl peroxide is probably the most versatile of the above ingredients. It can safely be used in creams, lotions, gels and soaps. These products should be used several times a day directly on the pimples as well as the skin around them.

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Helping Your Teenager Deal With Acne

As a common skin condition, acne has the power to dramatically impact a teenager's life. It is estimated that 85% of adolescents have acne. Although we as adults know acne will pass, this is small consolation to the teenager who suffers from embarrassment, worry, waning confidence or even depression as a result. We as parents need to be supportive, but that isn't enough. Parents need to provide information and direction about how to treat acne. In most cases treatement can radically reduce the affects of acne.

Unfortunately, acne doesn't have a "one-cure-fits-all" solution. There are many types of acne, treatable by even more types of methods. It is important for you to help determine which type your teenager is experiencing to help make appropriate decisions regarding the direction of treatment. New medications have been developed since we were teenagers. What worked for us may not work for teenagers today. The best news is that most common acne conditions can be brought easily under control even if it can not be completely cured.

Your teenager is undoubtedly trying everything conceivable to control his/her acne. It is important to remember even if your teen isn't asking for your help, he/she still wants it. Be supportive when approaching your teen, not accusatory. Myths about oily foods, chocolate, or sex causing acne have been proven untrue. Even discussing your personal experiences with acne may help minimize the stressors for your teen, and help "humanize" you so he/she is more comfortable discussing it.

It is also wise to advise your teenager that most teenager suffer from acne-they are not alone. Of the 85% of adolescents inflicted with acne, 40% of the cases are severe enough to need professional treatment by a dermatologist.

Consulting with a dermatologist is prudent toward reassuring your teenager. Although the spots on your teenager's skin are most likely acne, there is potential the condition could be something else. A dermatologist can give you a definitive diagnosis, with as many treatment options as possible.

If your teenager has tried a few over-the-counter medications with little to no success, encourage him/her to seek the advice of a dermatologist. A dermatologist may recommend an alternate, prescription-only ointment, lotion, or even oral medication to help clear up the condition and offer relief from physical discomfort.

Most importantly, remind your teenager that acne does not last forever. As a teenager nears their early 20s, acne should become a thing of the past.

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Don't Believe These Acne Myths

There are many allegations as to the causes of acne. As technology and science help us find the actual roots, we are able to dispel many of the misconceptions surrounding acne. However, the myths still persist. Here are some more commonly known myths:

Myth: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.
Lack of cleanliness is not the reason for acne. There are skin infections associated with acne due to a mixture of sebum and dead cells that lie beneath the surface of the skin. Although gentle cleansing of the skin with soap and water once or twice a day will assist in keeping skin as healthy as possible, it is ineffective in clearing away the skin infections. Take care not to scrub too hard as this could further aggravate acne.

Myth: Grease and Chocolate will cause acne.
People have believed for years that eating chocolate will cause pimples. There is no scientific proof for this - studies have shown no direct relationship between consuming chocolate and acne breakouts. This is also true of other foods like potato chips and French fries. Eating too much of these types of food is, however, unhealthy, and advisable to eat in moderation.

Note: Although chocolate and greasy foods do not cause acne, some foods DO seem to exacerbate it. Milk and foods high in iodine (as found in seafood) seem to aggravate acne.

Myth: Sex is directly linked to acne.
Everything from masturbation to celibacy has been blamed for acne. This again is false. Although there is a link between hormone levels and sexual activity, it is unclear what the link between sex and levels of sebum (causing acne.) Emotions and stress also affect hormone levels.

Myth: You will grow out of acne.
Acne may last a matter of weeks or as long as several years. There is no need to try to live with it when there are so many over-the-counter treatments available to anyone suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment of acne. Dermatologists are also easily accessible for more severe cases.

Myth: Acne only affects teenagers.
Although 85% of adolescents experience acne, adults are susceptible to suffering from acne when they are in their 30s or 40s.

Myth: Acne is only a superficial condition.
Due to the severity of physical disfigurement acne leads to psychological stress. There are strong links to depression, social withdrawal and low self-esteem.

Myth: Popping/Squeezing pimples will get rid of them faster.
This may actually aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it! Squeezing pimples can also lead to permanent scarring.

Myth: Sun exposure will help clear up acne.
Although short-term effects of the sun seem to dry out excess oils, the skin quickly adapts to sun exposure. This eliminates long-term benefits from sun exposure and increases the potential for skin damage and cancer.

Myth: Wearing makeup causes acne.
Healthy skin is the best way to avoid acne. Because some makeups can clog pores, acne can in fact result. Cosmetics have flooded the market with labels indicating they are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means they will not cause acne. These brands of makeup are safe to use. Some actually include ingredients that help treat acne.

Myth: Using more acne medication will treat the condition quicker.
Excess use of ointments may actually irritate the skin, worsening the condition. Oral medications can be dangerous to your overall health. Always use medications as directed.

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