Acne treatment can be done in different ways. However, did you know that getting rid of acne should not be careless? If done wrong, trying to get rid of acne can actually worsen the condition or leave permanent scars.
Acne occurs when skin pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This condition can appear on the face, back, and chest. Acne can be caused or aggravated by bacteria, hormonal changes, stress, consumption of certain foods, or side effects of medications.
Different types of acne treatment
The goal of acne treatment is to reduce oil production, inhibit bacterial growth, and unclog dead skin cells in the pores.
In general, there are two types of acne treatment, namely:
Free product use
To treat mild acne, you can use a variety of over-the-counter acne-fighting products at the pharmacy. These products are generally available in the form of soaps, cleansers, creams, lotions, and gels that contain anti-acne ingredients such as:
1. Benzoylperoxide
Benzoylperoxide can eradicate acne-causing bacteria in at least 4 weeks. Acne medicines containing this substance must be used continuously for the effect to continue.
Also, be careful when using benzoyl peroxide to clear pimples as it can dry out the skin.
2. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid can help exfoliate skin cells, unclog pores and prevent lesions. Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid must also be used continuously so that acne does not reappear.
3. Sulfur
When used in combination with alcohol, sodium sulfacetamide, and salicylic acid, acne medications containing sulfur can be used to treat acne.
This substance can prevent clogged pores and inhibit the growth of bacteria. However, sulfur usually has an unpleasant odor and causes temporary skin discoloration.
4. Retinol
Retinol can prevent the formation of acne. When applied to pimples that have grown, they will grow bigger before finally disappearing. Retinol has to be used continuously and takes 8-12 weeks to work.
5. Alcohol and acetone
Several over-the-counter acne medications usually contain both substances. Alcohol is antibacterial, while acetone can remove oil from the skin’s surface.
However, many doctors do not recommend these two ingredients because they are less effective in treating acne and can cause acne breakoutsdry skin.
Spices
Apart from that, there are also acne medications that come from herbal, organic or natural ingredients, such astheeboomolie. This ingredient has an antiseptic effect and is believed to relieve inflammation in acne. However, the effectiveness of these products is generally not medically proven.
Drug use by the doctor
If you’ve tried over-the-counter anti-acne products for a few weeks, but your acne isn’t going away or is getting worse, talk to your doctor.
Doctors may prescribe medications to get rid of acne, prevent skin damage, or reduce the formation of scar tissue on the skin. Different types of medications that may be prescribed by a doctor include:
antibiotics
antibiotics to treat acne can be in the form of topical medications and oral medications. This medication works by eradicating acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Antibiotics are often combined with benzoyl peroxide to reduce the potential risk of antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
Oral antibiotics usually shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Retinoid
Like antibiotics, retinoids come in topical and oral forms. Retinoids can treat acne by exfoliating dead skin cells and stimulating the growth of new skin cells.
This medicine should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Another drug
In addition to antibiotics and retinoids, doctors may also prescribe other types of medications to treat acne. These drugs are azeleic acid,dapson, Infamily planning pills.
What to watch out for when using acne medication
Taking medications to get rid of acne can cause side effects or interactions with other medications.
Some of the side effects that can be caused are:
- Dry, red and sensitive skin to sunlight due to the use of acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide and retinoids
- Nausea, skin that is more sensitive to sunlight and prone to fungal infections, especially in women who take it for several weeks, due to the consumption of antibiotics taken by mouth
- Responseallergies severe or severe irritation as a result of using over-the-counter acne medications without a doctor’s prescription
If the above side effects occur, consult a doctor immediately for treatment.
Supportive treatment to get rid of acne
In addition to the use of medicines, appropriate supportive care is also needed to get rid of acne, and good supportive care is also needed, namely:
- Do not wash your acne-prone face too often as this can cause irritation.Clean face at least 2 times a day with warm water and special facial soap made from soft.
- Prevent squeezing pimples, inclcomedian, so as not to aggravate acne conditions and leave scars.
- Choose water-based and labeled cosmetic productsnon comedogenic.
- Avoid using cosmetics orcome up with that is too thick and do not forget to clean the cosmetic until it is completely clean before going to sleep.
- Always keep your hair clean and try not to touch your face.
- Take a shower immediately after activities that make you sweat, such as sports.
Acne can appear occasionally and go away on its own, but it can also appear continuously to the point where it disrupts one’s appearance or self-confidence.How to remove acne the wrong one can actually aggravate the condition of acne and leave scars.
If acne becomes stubborn or gets worse, you should see your doctorarts to get rid of acne with the right way and treatment.
