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How to Minimize the Side Effects of Acne Medications? |
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By far the most popular and effective over-the-counter (OTC) medications for treating acne are the chemicals benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and salicylic acid. All of these chemicals and compounds come amalgamated in popular acne creams, lotions, exfoliating gels or soap. They have low side effects and that is why they continue to be the most widely used acne medications. But as with all medications, you must be careful not to overdo them.
When you are at the store selecting the right product for acne, look for the active ingredient in each of them. Most probably, you will find either benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid or a combination of them. Select the right concentration levels and dosage by judging the feedback you get from side effects.
Available concentrations for -
Benzoyl peroxide: 2.5%, 5%, 10%
Sulfur: 3 - 6 %
Salicylic acid: 0.5 - 2 %
You should choose the lesser ones because there's not much of a difference in the primary effects anyway. But side effects do vary. More the concentration, more are the chances of side effects. Side effects could be one or more of the following:
Dry skin, irritation, redness, crusting, blistering, peeling, change in skin tone, hair discoloration and increased sensitivity to sunlight. The more severe but very rare side effects could be allergic reactions like rash, swelling of mouth and throat, and difficulty in breathing.
If you intend to start using a product that has benzoyl peroxide, start with 2.5% concentration. The prescribed dosage is 1 to 3 times a day. The amount applied should be just enough to create a thin layer over the skin. Don't just apply as a spot treatment over the pimples. Apply it to the entire affected area. These chemicals work on reducing the secretion of sebum by the glands in the skin; so spot treatment is not going to work.
Don't use the high concentrations like over 5% because it could cause some of the listed side effects. 2.5% is just fine. Irritation or dryness could be caused if you apply it more than thrice a day. If that is the case, keep it to once a day. Some people could feel increased sensitivity to sunlight, but it can be easily combated with a good sunblock. Noncomedogenic (oil-free) moisturizers could help too.
Sulfur, in the form of masks, creams and bars is another effective anti-acne agent. Check the content of sulfur in the product you want to use. High sulfur could cause soreness of joints or fever. If you feel any side effects, switch to a product containing lesser sulfur. Typically 3% of sulfur would work for mild to moderate acne. Because of its foul odor, sulfur usually comes in combination with other chemicals. The combination with benzoyl peroxide is usually the most helpful.
Salicylic acid is great for people with sensitive skin. It doesn't penetrate the skin as much as benzoyl peroxide and therefore has lesser side effects. It is gentler and has an anti-inflammatory effect. But high concentrations could lead to hyper-pigmentation in dark skinned people.
Antibiotics
It is most advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist for antibiotic treatment because they are strong and you don't want to get them wrong. In women, all antibiotics can cause Candida vaginal yeast infections, and oral antibiotics can lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills. But your doctor will ensure that your acne is cured rapidly and without side effects.
Having discussed most of the popular acne treatments, it is worth mentioning that the degree of side effects varies from person to person. There is no such thing as 'best remedy' as what suits you may not suit others.
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