Best Acne Cure

Acne is a skin condition that is encountered by almost everyone at some of point of life, but to different extents. Some people have to cope with only mild or moderate acne, while others have to deal with the problem of severe acne such as nodular or cystic acne. In general, effective acne treatment calls for lots of patience and perseverance. You may come across a lot of skin care products in the market, but all of them may not work for you. What may work for one individual may not work for another, as every individual has a different type of skin and acne. Moreover, many of these so-called acne treatment fail to address its underlying cause. It is very important to know the factors that are more commonly found to be associated with frequent outbreaks.

Causes of Acne

Acne is basically associated with an overactive sebaceous gland, which tends to produce excess oil or 'sebum'. Presence of excess oil or sebum on the skin can clog the skin pores, which in turn can trap bacteria and dead skin cells. This eventually can lead to infection and inflammation, or the appearance of pimples. The secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands can be affected by several factors including the hormone testosterone. An increased production of testosterone can cause excessive secretion of sebum, due to which it is more prevalent among teenagers and adolescents. Apart from this, factors like stress, diets rich in harmful fats, as well as certain allergens can trigger and worsen the problem of acne.

Acne Treatment

A few over the counter and prescription medications can help to get relief from mild to severe acne. The most commonly used and well-known over the counter acne products are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many acne creams and gels, and it works by destroying the acne causing bacteria and exfoliating the dead skin cells. It is suitable for oily skin with moderate to severe acne. Some of the common side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide are skin dryness, flaky skin, redness, minor swelling and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Salicylic acid is milder than benzoyl peroxide and can be used for the treatment of mild acne. It accelerates the process of skin exfoliation, and therefore, can prevent the clogging of skin pores. It too can cause a few side effects such as skin dryness, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Some other over the counter medications are sulfur and resorcinol based products, and retinoid gels and creams. They can also cause a few side effects like skin peeling, dry skin, and redness. Some of the acne skin care products available in the market, which have been found to be very effective are, ProActiv, Acnepril and Pronexin.

However, one may need the help of prescription medications if the outbreak is too severe. Topical and oral antibiotics, and accutane are the prescription medications for this skin problem. Accutane is mostly considered to be the best cystic acne cure. However, it is a very strong medication with potentially serious side effects and hence, used as a last resort. Accutane should never be taken by pregnant women and women trying to conceive. Both accutane and antibiotics should not be used for acne treatment without consulting a physician.

Natural Acne Cure

Natural treatment is the best option for treating mild to moderate acne, as they do not cause any side effects and also improve the skin tone and complexion, while helping to get rid of this skin problem.

• Aloe vera gel can help to heal the lesions due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties.
• Lemon juice has bleaching and exfoliating properties. It can be used for acne scar removal as well.
• Due to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can help to clear up acne lesions by destroying acne causing bacteria.
• Mint, especially peppermint, can cure inflamed acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Honey has antibacterial and disinfectant properties, due to which it can speed up the healing process of the acne lesions. Honey can give you a radiant complexion, if used regularly.
• Sandalwood paste can be used alone or mixed with turmeric paste for acne control.
• You can also use orange peel to treat pimples. Just grind the orange peel and then mix it with water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area of the skin and keep it for 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing off.
• Use multani mitti (fuller's earth) to remove the excess oiliness of your skin, which can help to control breakouts. Mix it with water to make a fine paste and apply on your face. Let it dry, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
• Make a paste of cooked oatmeal and honey, and use it a homemade mask for acne prevention. Keep it for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off.

The right kind of treatment can be determined only after evaluating the condition. The treatment for severe acne can differ considerably from the treatment for mild or moderate acne. Therefore, get your skin condition properly examined with the help of a dermatologist. It is always better to consult a dermatologist or physician before experimenting with the various lotions, creams, ointments and oral medications available in the market.