Acne is a common problem faced by over 50 million people in the country. It can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Most often, they form on the face, but they may also appear on other parts of the body like the shoulders, arms, neck, chest, and back. Each hair follicle on the skin contains a sebaceous gland. This gland produces oil, which can cause skin issues to arise. Various forms of acne can be caused by factors such as:
- Skin producing too much oil
- A buildup of bacteria on the skin
- A buildup of dead skin cells
- Hormonal changes in puberty
- Hormonal changes due to menstruation or birth control medication
- Medications like androgens, lithium, and corticosteroids
- Processed foods, and foods high in dairy and sugar
Treatment for acne often involves both lifestyle changes and over the counter treatments, such as:
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1. OTC topical acne treatments
Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available at pharmacies and grocery stores. They come in the form of pads, gel, or creams which can be applied directly to the skin. These medications often contain an active ingredient such as resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. These ingredients work to kill bacteria, remove excess oil, or exfoliate dead skin cells.
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2. Prescription treatments for acne
If a topical medication isn’t effective, it is possible to consult a doctor for prescription medicines. These may include vitamin A-based medicines, which help to stop the formation of clogged pores and increase the turnover of dead skin cells. Other medicines may include adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin. The applications may include antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide.
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3. Lifestyle changes to treat acne
Changing your food intake, exercise habits, or stress levels can all help to alleviate your acne struggles. Simple steps could include cutting out processed foods, drinking plenty of water, and finding ways to reduce stress.
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4. Microdermabrasion therapy
Microdermabrasion is a treatment done by a dermatologist or skin care specialist. Here, an instrument is used to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin. This can help prevent future clogged pores.
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5. Chemical peels
Chemical peels can also help remove clogs and dead skin cells. A chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer and reveal smoother skin. You can purchase a chemical peel at your local drugstore, or go to a dermatologist if you want it professionally done.
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6. Laser therapy
Laser and light therapy are also used to reduce acne or fade acne scars. This treatment can kill acne causing bacteria on the skin.
