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Overview
There is a plethora of acne medications on the market, many making the claim that their type works wonders for your skin. Competitors like to talk about how the "science" of the other companies' acne medications don't work. Some brands cost just a few dollars for a tube or jar, others are quite expensive, and some brands even require you subscribe to their treatment regimen. There are companies that regularly mail the customer of month's supply of product which is not offered in stores. It is overwhelming. And many people are left with the unanswered question, "What acne medicine really works?"
Antibiotics
For severe acne, some doctors will prescribe the antibiotic Tetracycline. Tetracycline fights bacteria in the body and is used to kill bacterial infections other than acne. Tetracycline does work on acne, but it may take four to six weeks for progress to show. As with other antibiotics, use of Tetracycline may cause other complications, such as yeast infections. But if no adverse side effects occur, then Tetracycline may be a good choice. Tetracycline is an effective drug in the treatment of acne, but its use must be discussed with a doctor.
Salicylic Acid
The two most common topical, over-the-counter acne medicine ingredients are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid causes exfoliation--it causes the skin to peel. Salicylic acid is most often used to treat acne, warts and dandruff. Many acne medications found on drugstore shelves contain 2 percent salicylic acid as the active ingredient. These products are good cleansers and, if used regularly, will help with mild to moderate acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne by introducing oxygen into the pores, which acne-causing bacteria do not like. It also cleans away dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide is usually found in either 2.5, 5 or 10 percent strengths. The weaker two solutions work on mild to moderate acne, but for more severe acne, the highest percentage may be called for. Care must be taken with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, as it may irritate the skin. For success, however, it must be used regularly--once or twice per day at the most. Benzoyl peroxide will also bleach clothing and sheets. Cautions aside, benzoyl peroxide works on acne.
Herbal Treatment
Tea tree essential oil has strong anti-bacterial properties, and is used to treat acne. It is found in some soaps and shampoos. Many herbalists will recommend tea tree oil cleansers for acne-prone skin. While there is no scientific data to prove or disprove tea tree oil's effectiveness, there is a large following of users who are convinced that regular use of tea tree oil has helped clear their acne-prone skin.
Expert Insight
Which acne medicine works best has a lot to do with personal preference and other individual criteria. Cleansing the skin three times per day, and using an acne medication once or twice per day is great advice. Most important, the best thing a person with severe acne can do is to consult a professional dermatologist about acne treatment and medicine that will work.
