This particular ingredient is FDA approved for treating all types of acne. With this type of government backing, you know the product has undergone serious testing to be proven effective, as well as safe. The only real drawback to using an acne product containing benzoyl peroxide is that it will dry out the skin, particularly when used for an extended period. For this reason, its use should be carefully monitored and a specially formulated moisturizer used as well.

Many times, the best prescription medication for acne also includes retinoids. In most cases, these products are a topical type of cream that can greatly reduce the effects of acne and in fact, often reduce or eliminate scarring. Like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids also have side effects in that the skin becomes highly sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, if your doctor chooses to put you on this acne treatment, you should always wear a high SPF sun block, even on cloudy days.

Another option for treating acne is with chemical peels. This type of treatment is prescribed by a doctor and if followed correctly, can have significant results. In this case, the peel removes the top layer of dead skin cells, which exposes new, undamaged skin underneath. The only thing to remember is that while the initial results are excellent, acne can return. The huge advantage is that in most cases, chemical peels have little to no side effects.

For teenager girls, sometimes the best, prescribed acne medication is birth control pills. What happens is that male hormones known as androgens can cause an excessive production of oil. Birth control pills control the hormone level, which results in less oil and fewer acne breakouts. Obviously, this would be used only on women but birth control pills have proven to be successful.

You may also find that in addition to the best prescription acne treatments, your doctor recommends you start some type of antibiotic. Many times, once the acne is under control, the antibiotic will keep the problem at bay. This particular option is exceptionally beneficial for severe cystic type acne. In most cases, the drug would be taken for four to six weeks and then stopped.

Filed under: Acne

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