Acne Medications - The Best Method to Treat Acne

Acne medications come in many different ways, and it has two distinctive kinds: over-the-counter or prescribed medication and topical or treatment taken by the mouth. Acne medications are designed to control the growth of acne and stop the inflammation. It also targets the bacteria which cause the inflammation and spreading of acne. They usually have scientific and a well-known brand name to reassure the quality of the product.

Benzyl peroxide is one of the common, and the most effective agent used to deal with problems of acne and other skin blemishes. The most famous brand you see on television has benzyl peroxide as their main ingredient to fight acne. It has an anti-bacteria agent which helps search and destroys bacteria from clogging pores of the skin.

Topical medications are usually prescribed and use antibiotics to fight acne. There are various complex antibiotics used to medicate acne in a topical formulation. The downside for topical medication is it does kill the bacteria, but it does nothing for overproduction of skin oil, which is part of the problem with acne growth. This is a quick short-term method provided you consistently keep your skin clean with cleaners to enhance the use of the topical medication.

Retinoid can be taken by the mouth or used topically. It acts similar to Vitamin A but with much more potency, which expedites skin regeneration and decreases the chance of clogging the pores of the skin. The downside to this medication is it tends to create rashes on the skin due to the potency of the drug.

There is oral retinoid that can be taken by the mouth, and it has less strength to cause many side effects to the skin. Oral retinoid take longer time to treat and can last up to six months. The difference in strength will cause the therapy to become inconsistent and further medication may be necessary. For some acne sufferers with sensitive skin may experience same magnitude of side effects as topical retinoid. Some serious side effects are liver problem and danger to the fetus for pregnant women. Most doctors will not prescribe oral retinoid to a pregnant woman instead use an alternative medication or nothing at all.

Oral antibiotics are used as an acne medication where other treatments have not worked. It is intended to be used for a short-term and not for prolonged periods of time. It is potent and not recommended for acne sufferers with sensitive skin. This acne medication can be effective for a severe case.