Types of Acne Treatment

Acne is the most common skin disorder and affects almost everyone at some point in their life.

It's most common during the teenage years, but it can rear its ugly head in adults, too, sometimes lasting many months or years.

Acne is caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, which blocks pores and causes redness or pus-filled pimples. Although acne is most commonly found on your face, it can also appear on your neck, back or chest. Severe acne can occur if the pimples become large, deep or infected, and if you have more than 10 pimples on one side of your face. The proper treatment can resolve pimples or lesions and prevent scars, but to do that, you must first decide what treatment you need.

Benzoyl peroxide

The most common way to treat acne is with benzoyl peroxide, which can be found in lotions, gels and creams. Walgreens offers the most popular acne treatment brands, including Clearasil, PanQxl, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Acne Free and Zapzyt, all ranging in strength from 2.5% to 10%. For stronger acne-fighting concentration, try Walgreens acne treatment gel with 10% benzoyl peroxide.

Before using a product containing benzoyl peroxide, clean the affected area of skin with non-medicated soap. Dry and apply a thin layer of product. It may take time for the acne to clear, so maintain this routine for 3 months. Some people are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, so always test the product on a small area first to see if you have a reaction.

Other acne treatment

In addition to benzoyl peroxide, acne-fighting products may contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.

Salicylic acid is commonly found in face cleansers, peels, exfoliants, serums, lotions, gels, creams and even cleansing pads. The anti-inflammatory effects work to minimize and unclog pores and dry facial oil.

Facial products containing sulfur range from masks, exfoliants, lotions and serums. The natural mineral's inclusion in an acne-reducing skin care regimen can produce cleaner, clearer skin while unclogging pores.

Resourcinol is commonly found in acne creams, lotions and gels and works to remove skin cell buildup that causes acne.

If products containing these ingredients don't work to clear acne, see your doctor or dermatologist for alternate treatment. You may be prescribed an antibiotic, such as tetracycline or minocycline, to treat bacterial infections, or you may get a prescription for a stronger topical medication.

Severe acne can leave permanent scars if left untreated. Isotretinoin (Accutane, Claravis) is a retinoid that reduces facial oil production. Avoid pregnancy when taking this medication, as it may cause birth defects.

Acne scars can be treated by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon using dermabrasion or microdermabrasion. The outer layers of your skin may be removed to improve irregularities on the skin's surface.

How to prevent acne

Although nothing is guaranteed, you can take steps to keep acne at bay, including:

Wash face two times a day. Washing too little won't remove pore-clogging dirt, but washing too frequently can irritate the skin and dry it out. Always wash makeup off before you go to sleep, and cleanse after working out or sweating.

Avoid oily facial products. Avoid clogged pores by always choosing oil-free products.

Try not to touch or pick your face. Popping pimples may trigger breakouts.

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