If you suffer from active acne, there are several potential approaches you can take in an attempt to manage your skin condition. Of course, if you are worried about the state of your acne, you should not hesitate to consult a doctor or a dermatologist.
Treatments generally tend to target the factors that cause the appearance of spots in the first place, i.e. an excessive production of sebum and the bacteria that lead to inflammation and infection.
• Topical treatments can contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid, designed to reduce bacteria proliferation and prevent the pores from becoming blocked. Others use antibiotics, which can be taken orally as well as being applied topically.
• Women can find certain contraceptive pills to be useful, as some contain anti-androgens and therefore counter the effects of increased male hormones in the body. These hormones can stimulate the production of sebum, resulting in acne.
• In severe cases, Roaccutane can be prescribed. The drug has a high success rate when it comes to treating acne, but the treatment must be approached with caution and can only be prescribed by a dermatologist as it has been linked to severe depression and other serious side effects.
• IPL targets the bacteria that cause acne, by eliminating them from the skin. The heat produced also gently stimulates the skin’s natural healing process.
