Having acne can really lower self-esteem, particularly if you have tried everything to keep the area clean and your skin well looked after. While there is no quick cure for the skin condition, there are some treatments that are worth trying to reduce spots and their scars.
Topical creams
If you have chronic acne, whether on your face, back or chest, you won’t be alone. Millions of people suffer from blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts, particularly during their teens.
That is why GPs are familiar with prescribing treatments that are stronger than the ointments you can get at the pharmacy.
For instance, they can prescribe things like benozyl peroxide, which limits bacteria on the surface of the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness.
Alternatively, topical retinoids can be used, which gets rid of dead skin cells from the skin, or topical antibiotics, killing off bacteria that infects plugged hair follicles.
If these are not effective or cause unwanted side effects, azelaic acid is the next option. This cream or gel removes dead skin and kills bacteria, but could cause burning, stinging, itchiness, dry or red skin.
Antibiotics
People with more severe cases might need to take antibiotics in conjunction with a topical cream or gel. While this will be more effective than using the topical treatment alone, the impact varies from person to person.
If improvement is not seen within six weeks, it is worth getting in touch with the GP again.
The contraceptive pill
Many women who have a problem with acne are prescribed the combined contraceptive pill. This is particularly if the spots flare up around the time a period is due or if the patient also has polycystic ovaries.
The pill alters hormonal levels in the body, which reduces the chance of acne. However, it can take 12 months before it takes full effect.
Another hormonal treatment for women is co-cyprindiol, which works by reducing sebum production. However, there are risks associated with this treatment, including a greater chance of developing breast cancer and blood clots, as well as headaches, sore breasts, a loss of libido and weight fluctuations.
Laser resurfacing
Those who had acne in their younger years and are now left with scars could consider CO2 laser resurfacing, which uses lasers to alter tissue in the skin. By getting rid of all of part of the skin, this encourages the body’s natural healing process to take place. Eventually, this will lead to the generation of healthy tissue.
Those who undergo laser resurfacing should expect their skin to peel and crust initially after the treatment. However, this should be left to drop off naturally, which occurs within four to six days. It won’t be long afterwards that they see the new skin shining through and their acne scars significantly improved.
Whatever treatment option you start with, it is important to have a good skincare routine to reduce the appearance, and scarring, of acne. This includes washing skin with a mild soap and lukewarm water no more than twice a day. It is also essential to avoid squeezing spots and take make-up off at night. When it comes to face products, only use water-based non-comedogenic ones as these will not block pores as much as oil-based types.