How to tackle Acne with Prescription Acne Treatment?
Over the counter/OTC products that contain:
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Sulfur
- Salicylic Acid
It’s can be used to treat mild to moderate acne. However, if there is no improvement after several weeks and it gets worse, you may need to contact a licensed dermatologist or medical practitioner who can dispense a stronger prescription.
Prescription Acne Medication:
At this point the acne breakout is either progressing from moderate to severe or the OTC medication is not working. Therefore, the skin doctor initiates the necessary evaluation just to be absolutely sure before any prescription acne treatment or medication is put in place.
Azelaic Acid:
Azelaic acid is a prescription acne treatment of gel or cream that can be used to tackle mild to moderate acne.
It is only available on a doctor’s prescription.
- It works by reducing the the development of skin bacteria; propionibacteria acnes/P. acnes – the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
- It helps to stabilize, the shedding off of, the skin cells that are dead.
- Reduces acne by preserving the pores in the skin and keeping it clear. The pores are the tiny openings on the surface of the skin.
- Decreases inflammation.
- Acne victims may suffer from discolouration after the acne lesion recovery, however, it helps to improve the post – inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This medication has brand names like:
- Azelex
- Finacea
- Finacea Plus
Topical Retinoids:
Topical Retinoids (chemical compounds that are chemically related to vitamin A) are popular and effective as it rapidly exfoliates the skin, keeping the skin pores clear and unclogged, hence, reducing the frequency and severity of comedones.
Prescription treatment include:
- Retinoids Adapalene
- Tazarotene
- Tretinoin
are prescribed for those with moderate to severe acne.
Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and is also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA. It unclogs the pores and helps bring about the peeling of the affected skin. It therefore controls acne.
