Question:
Can you give me information about acne medications?
Answer:
When it comes to choosing acne medication, the ideal resource
is to rely on the advice of a dermatologist who has examined you
and can address your specific needs.
And,
if your acne is severe, you definitely should consult a dermatologist.
However, sometimes it is difficult to get in to see a dermatologist
or the cost can be a concern. If you’re looking for a non-prescription
acne medication, here’s some info that may be helpful.
Any
non-prescription acne medication has to meet standards set by
the FDA. To be sold for the treatment of acne without a prescription,
the acne medication must contain just one of these:
Salicylic
acid is also an effective acne medication, but through actions
that differ from benzoyl peroxide. While benzoyl peroxide tends
to penetrate more deeply into the pore, salicylic acid works primarily
closer to the surface. And, while benzoyl peroxide can be quite
irritating, salicylic acid (which is closely related to aspirin)
tends to be gentler and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Because
it is also oil-soluble, it helps to dissolve the plug in the pore
as well as to penetrate far enough to exfoliate within the pore
– where the thickened lining is helping block the pore and
create the plug. Here is a list of popular acne
medications that contain salicylic acid.
Sulfur
Acne Medication
Although used less often than benzoyl peroxide
and salicylic acid, sulfur can be an effective acne medication.
Its disinfectant qualities and . But, aside from its color, which
makes staining a significant problem and the potential for a bit
of a ‘rotten-egg’ smell, sulfur can be quite irritating.
As a consequence, few sulfur-based acne medications are used in
a daily treatment regimen. Here is a list of popular acne medications
that contain sulfur.
Combination
Acne Medication Benefits
For most individuals with acne, both benzoyl peroxide
and salicylic acid offer strong treatment benefits.
Choosing
the Right Acne Medication Strength
Like
the beneficial effects, the side effects of both of these acne
medications are dose-related. That is, the stronger the concentration
of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, the greater its anti-acne
effects and the greater the side effects.
Thus,
the ideal use of an acne medication is to use a concentration
that is strong enough to improve the acne, but not so strong that
it is causing significant side effects. However, because everybody
is made differently, there is no single concentration that will
provide just the right balance for each individual.
If
you have tried a benzoyl peroxide acne medication or a salicylic
acid acne medication, but found it to be ineffective, you may
want to find a product with a higher concentration of the active
ingredient. Similarly, if products you’ve tried have been
too irritating, search to find a similar product with a lower
concentration of the active ingredient.
Better
idea: Because AcneRecovery allows the user to adjust medication
strength, each person is able to find the right balance between
maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects.
Other
relevant information about acne medications:
Acne
Medication: Everything You Need To Know About Benzoyl Peroxide
Acne
Medication: Everything You Need To Know About Salicylic Acid
Over-The-Counter
Acne Treatments
