- Joined
- Jun 8, 2006
- Messages
- 1,665
- Reaction score
- 0
Most of you know about acne.org and how it has benefited people and their lives. There is a lot of good information there about treatments, etc., and I thought it might be a good idea to put some information here for the ladies (and gentlemen) who aren't visitors to acne.org and would like to learn more about acne treatments.
T = Topical
O = Oral
Adapalene: (under brand name Differin) Slows down the accumulation of skin cells inside the follicle that can clog your pores. (T)
Azalex Acid: Thought to help the skin to renew itself more quickly and prevent the buildup of cells that can plug pores, therefore reducing pimple and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill P. Acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. (T)
Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Also, there is a mild drying and peeling effect which is thought to help prevent breakouts. (T)
Birth control: Notably Ortho Tri-Cyclen decreases testosterone levels, which in turn decreases the severity of acne in women. Studies show about a 50% decrease in total "lesions". (O)
Clindamycin: Clindamycin phosphate is an antibiotic which kills P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. (O & T)
Erythromycin: Is an antibiotic. Antibiotics prevent bacteria from growing. Since acne is a bacterial infection, erythromycin is sometimes used to treat it. (O & T)
Isotretinoin: (under brand name Accutane) Is a derivative of Vitamin A. This reduces the amount of oil produced by oil glands. (O)
Oral antibiotics (Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline): Help stop the growth of P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, from the inside out. Tetracycline also has an anti-inflammatory effect. (O)
Sodium Sulfacetamide: curbs the growth of P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. (T)
Tazorene: How it works in the treatment of acne is not yet understood. However, trials show on average about a 50% improvement in "lesion" counts after 12 weeks. (T)
Tretinoin: It is thought to help unplug follicles and keep pores clear. It also increases the speed at which surface skin cells are replaced. A study done on Retin-A Micro, a particular brand of tretinoin, showed a 32-45% reduction in total "lesions". (T)
-------------------------------
Others treatments:
Beta hydroxy acid, Alpha Hydrox Acid (glycolic & lactic as well). These are awesome exfoliants. Exfoliants can help with the treatment of acne as long as they are used in the right manner. BHA's are usually gentle enough to use on skin that has current breakouts, while Alpha Hydroxy Acid should be used with caution as it can be very irritating to the skin and breakouts, causing much un-needed discomfort. AHA's work well for red marks left from acne.
T = Topical
O = Oral
Adapalene: (under brand name Differin) Slows down the accumulation of skin cells inside the follicle that can clog your pores. (T)
Azalex Acid: Thought to help the skin to renew itself more quickly and prevent the buildup of cells that can plug pores, therefore reducing pimple and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill P. Acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. (T)
Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Also, there is a mild drying and peeling effect which is thought to help prevent breakouts. (T)
Birth control: Notably Ortho Tri-Cyclen decreases testosterone levels, which in turn decreases the severity of acne in women. Studies show about a 50% decrease in total "lesions". (O)
Clindamycin: Clindamycin phosphate is an antibiotic which kills P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. (O & T)
Erythromycin: Is an antibiotic. Antibiotics prevent bacteria from growing. Since acne is a bacterial infection, erythromycin is sometimes used to treat it. (O & T)
Isotretinoin: (under brand name Accutane) Is a derivative of Vitamin A. This reduces the amount of oil produced by oil glands. (O)
Oral antibiotics (Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline): Help stop the growth of P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, from the inside out. Tetracycline also has an anti-inflammatory effect. (O)
Sodium Sulfacetamide: curbs the growth of P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. (T)
Tazorene: How it works in the treatment of acne is not yet understood. However, trials show on average about a 50% improvement in "lesion" counts after 12 weeks. (T)
Tretinoin: It is thought to help unplug follicles and keep pores clear. It also increases the speed at which surface skin cells are replaced. A study done on Retin-A Micro, a particular brand of tretinoin, showed a 32-45% reduction in total "lesions". (T)
-------------------------------
Others treatments:
Beta hydroxy acid, Alpha Hydrox Acid (glycolic & lactic as well). These are awesome exfoliants. Exfoliants can help with the treatment of acne as long as they are used in the right manner. BHA's are usually gentle enough to use on skin that has current breakouts, while Alpha Hydroxy Acid should be used with caution as it can be very irritating to the skin and breakouts, causing much un-needed discomfort. AHA's work well for red marks left from acne.
