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Overview
Before embarking upon a medicinal treatment for acne scars, it is important to understand that even the slightest case of acne will not magically disappear overnight. The main problem associated with medicinal treatment for acne scars is that not every one of them will work for every acne sufferer. For that reason, it is important not to give up hope if one or more of these fail to clear up the affected area of skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide can be purchased both over the counter and as a slightly stronger prescription version. It is an antibacterial medication that comes in either gel or cream form and is topically applied to the acne scars. Benzoyl peroxide does not work in every case, but when it is successful it usually is capable of clearing up all but the most extreme case in about 5 days.
Retinoid Cream
Retinoid creams are available as such well-known brand names as Retin-A and Retinol. These creams work using a synthetic form of vitamin A that unclog the pores through the regulation of the growth of skin cells. The downside of retinoid creams is that they can make the skin sensitive to sunlight for some users.
Oral Retinoids
For case of severe acne scars, many doctors choose to prescribe retinoids in a form that can be taken orally. If your acne scars are not suitably severe enough, a doctor will refuse to prescribe this. Under no circumstances should anyone who has been refused a prescription circumvent the process, even if the acne is severe. Oral retinoids are not available as an over the counter medication in part because the side effects can be quite extreme, including depression, muscle pain, and, for pregnant women, birth defects.
Oral Antibiotics
Topical antibiotic creams will often not be be enough to clear up the acne scars and in these cases your physician may recommend a prescription for a stronger oral dose such as tetracycline or erythromycin. In some cases doctors will even recommend using both the cream and oral versions in tandem.
Azelex
Azelex is a topical cream that is derived from an acid found naturally occurring in rye and wheat. This medicine is highly effective for some people, but there is one important side effect: Many people with dark skin have experienced an unwanted lightening effect.
Brewer's Yeast
A supplement known as brewer's yeast is effective in treating acne scars because it contains a large amount of chromium, a mineral that boosts sensitivity to insulin. So far, few studies have actually been conducted into the specific use of brewer's yeast as a treatment for acne scars, but a highly regarded 1998 German study yielded positive results. This same study warned against using brewer's yeast in anyone susceptible to migraine headaches or who is already taking an MAO inhibitor.
Guggulipid
Guggulipid is a funny named supplement that derives from the resin of the myrrh tree. Although the prime directive of this substance is to lower cholesterol, a 2005 study published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" indicated it works on acne scars and the inflammation of the skin that often accompanies acne. Guggulipid is most effective when taken in conjunction with tetracycline. The bad news is that is usually takes around 3 months to work.
