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Analyzing Acne Treatments |
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Before choosing an acne treatment, it is helpful to
know what causes acne. Acne occurs when a pore in the skin becomes
blocked. The skin produces oil that normally comes to the surface of the
skin. However, when the oil becomes blocked in the pore, bacteria starts
growing, leading to acne.
Many people believe
that frequent washing of the skin will improve its appearance, but this
is not an effective acne treatment. Oil and bacteria beneath the surface
of the skin, not dirt and oil on top of the skin, cause acne. Too much
washing can cause dryness and irritation, which can actually worsen the
acne condition. Washing the area twice a day with a gentle cleanser is
enough to keep it clean without overdoing it.
Acne treatments can
be prescribed by your doctor or purchased over-the-counter at your
corner drugstore. Most treatments take several weeks to work, so don’t
become discouraged if you haven’t seen any improvement after the first
few days.
Benzoyl Peroxide is an acne treatment that can be
purchased over-the-counter. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the
bacteria that causes acne. It can also dry the skin and help shed dead
skin cells, which helps keep pores from becoming blocked. Salicylic acid
is another over-the-counter treatment that works to keep dead skin cells
from shedding and blocking pores. Some oral contraceptives have been
shown to control acne. Antibiotics can kill bacteria, but since they
don’t keep pores clear, they are often used in conjunction with benzoyl
peroxide or salicylic acid. Retinoids are a form of Vitamin A and have
been shown to be effective in combating acne.
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