There are so many acne treatments on the market that it is one of the most overwhelming experiences a person can have when trying to find what works best to heal their acne. There are literally thousands of treatments that claim to get rid of acne once and for all in addition to experts and doctors that recommend their own course of treatments to treat it. We have made this experience easier for you by breaking down the best acne treatments into three categories: Over-the-Counter Treatments, Prescription Treatments, and Natural Homemade Treatments. We will list the best for each category and from there, can decide what is best for your skin.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
This course of treatments is much easier to purchase than prescriptions because you don’t need approval from the doctor before using them. We always do recommend getting doctor’s approval before trying anything new though, to make sure it is right for your skin type. Always test out a small area of skin along the jawline before applying new cleansers, moisturizers, and topical creams to your skin before applying all over to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction to the product. We at Acne Skin Site recommend purchasing a set of products by the same manufacturer to achieve optimal results. For example, don’t just use a cleanser and think your skin will see great results. You also need to use a toner (if your skin is oily) and a moisturizer to balance the pH levels of your skin. If you suffer from acne breakouts, a topical acne cream is recommended to combat this issue. Below we have listed some of our favorite skincare systems for you to choose from. Remember to choose the treatment according to what your skin type is. For example, if your skin is oily, purchase the set for oily skin (to minimize oil). If your skin is dry, purchase the set for dry skin. If combo skin, choose the combo skin set, and so on.
Exposed Skincare – They offer an array of amazing skincare products to heal your acne safely and effectively. Some of the active ingredients found within the exposed skincare products are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, green tea, licorice root, and passion flower. It’s a powerful combo of natural and scientific ingredients to heal your skin.
Murad – This skincare line is incredible. They offer a huge variety of skincare products that can combat any skin issue and is safe enough to use on any skin type, even if you suffer from rosacea. They make it easy to learn what products are best for you and your skin type.
Cetaphil – The cleanser and moisturizer offered are safe to use on any skin type and both products are inexpensive as well. The cleanser safely removes residue and oil buildup on the skin without irritating it. The only negative to this treatment is that they don’t offer an exfoliating system so that has to be purchased separately from another line or you can make your own brown sugar scrub for gently removing dead skin cells!
Neutrogena – It is rare for anyone to never have heard of this line. They offer skincare products for every skin type at a small cost. They even have come out with some pretty incredible topical acne creams to minimize pimples quickly and safely. This is a great line to use if you are new to using skincare products – It truly works!
Prescription Treatments
The only way to snag this kind of treatment is through a doctor’s written prescription. You must make an appointment with your dermatologist first so he or she can determine the best course of action for your skin condition. The medicine they prescribe is of pharmaceutical grade so a prescription IS required. Never borrow your friend’s medicine or take leftover’s – Everyone’s skin type is different and what may work for one person doesn’t mean it will work for another. Below is a list of the most common type of acne medications prescribed to patients.
Benzoyl Peroxide – Benzoyl Peroxide is an active ingredient found in many skincare products and creams. Dermatologists have the authority to prescribe stronger doses of benzoyl peroxide cream to patients that have severe acne problems that won’t seem to go away. It works by attacking and killing acne-causing bacteria but is known to dry out the skin so make sure to use an oil-free moisturizer before applying this topical cream (or any topical cream for that matter). Use caution when using this treatment because it does bleach anything it touches. Avoid the sun when using this treatment because it can cause the skin to burn and become very irritated.
Salicylic Acid – This is found in many creams, gels, and cleansers to safely and effectively remove acne from the skin. It is safer to use than benzoyl peroxide because it is known to be less irritating to the skin. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid which works to exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin, thus unclogging pores removing blackheads. Blackheads are formed when excess oil, dead skin, and acne-causing bacteria become clogged in the pores and become oxidized. This treatment does not bleach the skin or bed sheets or clothing like benzoyl peroxide does.
Clindamycin – This is a topical treatment that can be prescribed as a gel, foam, or lotion and is applied twice daily after cleansing and moisturizing. It safely kills acne-causing bacteria and is also extremely effective to kill back acne. It can cause dryness or redness so use caution with this treatment.
Oral Medications – Oral medications are commonly prescribed to treat acne from within. Oral pills reduce the amount of sebum (oil) released from the sebaceous glands that can clog the pores if excess is produced. There are less potent antibiotics and extremely potent antibiotics like Accutane. Accutane is a very strong form of medication and is only prescribed for extremely severe cases of acne, such as cystic acne where large painful nodules form under the skin.
Natural Homemade Treatments
In our opinion, if you can go the natural route, do so. Before trying the two treatments above, always try natural remedies first. Since natural is made without synthetic “manmade” chemicals, it is the healthiest and safest option for the body. Your skin has little to no chance of having an adverse reaction, unless you are allergic to a specific ingredient or food, and can heal naturally and beautifully. We truly believe in healing the body from the inside out. What you take into your body will exude through your skin. Try one of our delicious recipes or a delicious daily homemade smoothie that is sure to make your body and skin look and feel amazing. We have tons of fabulous homemade facial masks to try that were created to deal with specific skin issues that may arise. Below we have listed a few of our favorite homemade skincare treatments.
Brown Sugar Scrub – This is by far one of our favorite homemade exfoliating scrubs. Simply combine a bit of light brown sugar and water and gently massage the scrub onto your freshly cleansed face – It can also be used on the body. Work the scrub in a circular motion with your fingertips for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Your skin will feel incredibly soft, your pores will be unclogged of impurities, and rejuvenated skin will surface.
Witch Hazel – An incredible essential oil, it can be added to your moisturizer or applied to your skin as a toner after cleansing. It’s a natural astringent and fights pimples, moisturizes the skin and seals in moisture, heals inflammation and irritation, and reduces swelling – all naturally.
DIY Cleanser – Making your own cleanser is super easy. For acne-prone skin, simply combine 3 parts Castor Oil and 1 part extra virgin olive oil and massage onto your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Then take a steaming hot washcloth (make sure not hot enough to burn your skin), lie down, and lay the cloth over your face until the cloth has cooled off. Then take the clean side of the washcloth and rub off the oil and residue from your skin. The steam from the washcloth will pull all the impurities from your pores and your skin will be clean and fresh. Don’t believe us? Try it yourself! Also, these two oils are good oils for your skin so they will not clog your pores, make you more oily, cause you to breakout, etc.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Apply EVOO to your skin at night as a gentle moisturizer after cleansing. All you need is a drop of oil to use on your entire face and neck. A little goes a long way! It will naturally moisturize your skin and balance the pH levels of your skin, minimizing oil and breakouts from appearing on your skin. Feel free to add a drop of EVOO to your daily moisturizer for daytime use as well.
Whatever option you choose, you will eventually find what works best for your skin. It doesn’t happen overnight so be patient with the process. You are not alone in this journey of searching for clear skin…we are here to help you!
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