The Best Acne Treatments Available

Mild Acne

Blackheads are considered to be the first stage of acne and usually occurs across the T zone and cheeks.

They are formed because the oil in the pores is exposed to the air, causing the sebum or oil to turn black.

Once formed in the skin bacteria gets into the pores which then results in inflammation and infection.

Whiteheads are caused by sebum building up in a blocked oil duct, bacteria then gets inside the blocked pore which causes the white appearance. The pore is sealed so oxidization can’t occur.

I do appreciate that its easier said then done, but it is really important that you try to avoid touching or picking the face.

This can lead to scarring and inflammation, exacerbating the problem further and leading to permanent damage in the skins tissues.

Mild Acne Treatment

In my opinion deep cleanse facials are one of the best treatments for acne, promoting natural extraction of the blocked pores without possible re-infection.

This treatment should only be done by a qualified skin care specialist, who will carry out extraction in a clinically controlled environment to prevent reinfection.

When treating mild acne cases, in our medi spa we have had really great success with the little known ingredients sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur used in combination.

These ingredients help to normalize desquamation of the skin cells, which prevents the build up of oil and debris within the pores.

Treatment in the form of benzoyl peroxide that comes in a number of treatment strengths and forms, has also been shown to be a very effective antimicrobial agent, for treating mild acne.

Moderate Acne

Papules: These are best described as lesions on the surface of the skin. They are often small and red in shape and are not always visible to the naked eye.

Pustules: Unlike papules these are raised and dome shaped making them more obvious.

Debris in the form of bacteria, white blood cells and dead skin cells build up at the root of the hair follicle, creating pus which causes the inflammation and redness which we associate with an oily skin.

It is important to note at this stage, that should acne be treated effectively then none of these will turn into nodules or cysts, thus eliminating the chance of scarring in the skin.

Acne Vulgaris: This condition presents itself as irregular shaped lesions and are difficult to eliminate. They reside deep in the dermis layers of the skin.

Cysts are also apparent in this particular skin condition, and are characterized as deep and painful lesions filled with pus.

Often there is a temptation to squeeze cysts, but this should be resisted as it can cause deeper infection and scarring.

Acne Treatment

This type of acne can be improved when the P. acnes bacteria is reduced, which is often achieved through the use of antibiotics.

The only problem with this is trying to deliver antibiotics into an oil rich environment, that has been created by the sebaceous glands.

The best acne treatments in this instance is through the combined use of topical and oral antibiotics.

Benzoyl peroxide is also useful in suppressing P.acnes bacteria, due to its effectiveness in penetrating the oil rich follicle.

However it is important to note that should you be suffering from sensitization, benzoyl peroxide can cause inflammation and irritation in the skin in some instances.

Clindamycin and erythromycin combined also work really well on acne vulgaris and as a hormonal acne treatment, helping to reduce inflammation in the lesions.

Extensive research has been carried out on essential oils and tea tree is considered to be one of the best natural acne treatments and has been found to be very effective.

Studies found that it has exactly the same effect on the skin as benzoyl peroxide but without the irritation. So it may be worth considering this natural route, if your skin is particularly prone to sensitivity.

I often prescribe Azelaic acid to my clients, as I find this is an extremely effective natural topical treatment.

It has great results in helping to reduce P.acnes as well as having mild anti comedogenic and anti inflammatory activity on the skin.

It is also beneficial in helping to suppress any post-hyper pigmentation that may occur in individuals who have a darker complexion.

Chronic Acne

Acne Conglobata: This is a chronic form of acne where a lot appears to be going on within the skin.

This includes large dome shaped lesions, abscesses, painful pus filled cysts that have difficulty healing and black heads and white heads on the the T Zone, making it a difficult and controversial skin condition to treat.

This form of acne can also present itself on the arms, back, chest, neck and upper thighs and can do untold damage in the form of acne scars.

Acne Fulminans: This acne comes on abruptly in the form of acute inflammation that can cause ulceration. It occurs as inflammation and aching of joints, often coupled with a fever.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis: An acne disorder caused by a bacterial infection, that occurs as a result of a complications in clients who have previously been suffering from acne vulgaris or rosacea. One of the causes of this type of acne may also be due to ineffective antibiotic treatment.

Chronic Acne Treatment

I have found that chronic acne rarely responds well to any form of antibiotics or topical treatments.

However as a last resort accutane is going to be the best prescription medication, which is a derivative of Vitamin A.

This treatment has a number of beneficial effects including helping to reduce the amount of oil produced in the skin. Which in turn reduces the amount of P.acnes bacteria that resides in the pores of the skin.

Accutane also slows down cellular turnover, thus preventing the dead skin cells and debris from clogging the pores.

Often severe acne cases of acne don’t respond well to treatment, so an aggressive approach to treatment may be required.

I advise visiting your dermatologist or Doctor who will be able to assess your skin and accurately prescribe the best treatment to suit your particular skin condition.