Best Medicine for Pimples

According to data issued by the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects up to 50 million people in the United States annually. Though it is the most common skin disorder in the United States, determining the best antiacne treatment is still difficult for many. Treatment options for acne include prescription medicines such as topical and oral varieties and over-the-counter skin care products. While the first recommendation is to see a dermatologist specialising in dermatology, mild cases can be treated with simple over-the-counter products. For treating moderate to severe acne, prescription strength treatments and a dermatologist’s advice may be necessary. Keep reading to learn what causes acne vulgaris and the best medicines for pimples.

What brings an acne breakout?

One of the major causes of acne is clogged pores, which happens when a mix of sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells is trapped in a hair follicle. Pores on your skin are the opening of a hair follicle, which is made up of hair and an oil gland. When it functions normally, the oil gland releases sebum that travels up the hair and out of the pore. When sebum reaches the skin, it begins its function by keeping the skin lubricated. Sebum produced in excess by the oil gland, a build-up of skin cells, or the accumulation of bacteria can also affect this process and cause clogging or pores, which may contribute to the formation of acne.  

How to determine which treatment works best for you?

Determining the best antiacne treatment for your acne depends on the type of acne and its severity. The best way to determine the right antiacne treatment plan is to consult a doctor. Many types of acne and treatment regimens vary from one person to another. Your dermatologist will closely examine your skin to see which kind of lesions appears. These may be white, black, pap, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

Dermatologist’s best pick for acne treatment: Tretinoin

Tretinoin is one of several different anti-acne treatments available for acne. The first line of defence among women with acne is generally their medical store, where they find over-the-counter antiacne solutions like benzoyl peroxide, which causes excessive dryness. But when this proves ineffective, Tretinoin enters the group of medications available with a prescription.  

Tretinoin is a prescription-strength treatment available in the form of gel and cream. It is a retinoid derived from vitamin A, which works by speeding up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes them to divide and die faster, so newer and healthier skin cells can come to the skin’s surface. The skin care ingredient not only treats acne but also helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is believed Tretinoin helps soften the clog and push it to the surface while exfoliating. The topical retinoid prevents the pore from re-clogging once it’s cleared out. Tretinoin is best suited for comedonal acne. However, the topical formulation is effective in treating all types of acne. To get a prescription for Tretinoin, you will need to visit a dermatologist. Keep in mind that retinoids can be irritating. Even an over-the-counter option may be too strong if you have sensitive skin or have certain skin conditions (like psoriasis, rosacea, or eczema). So, Starting with a low concentration of Tretinoin is important to see how your skin reacts. Consult a dermatologist; they will prescribe you the best strength according to your condition. The topical retinoid is not a quick fix. It may take up to a few months, which you will have to keep using to maintain the desired results.   

Is Tretinoin an effective topical therapy for acne treatment?

In general, retinoid is the mainstay of acne treatment, and this is because it is widely effective and popular for that reason. Although popular, you may wonder what a tretinoin cream/gel does for acne.

According to research studies, Retinoid tretinoin gel is an effective antiacne treatment option, causing a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, unclogging pores, and even reducing skin discolouration and acne scars. Tretinoin may be used with treatments such as antibiotics and birth control pills to treat severe forms of acne.  

Tretinoin side effects: you should know

Tretinoin is available with a dermatologist’s prescription. And while it is effective in treating acne, it has potential side effects—particularly called tretinoin purge. Many users experience skin irritation within the first few weeks or months of use if they are someone with sensitive skin. The irritation may include itching, dryness, and peeling. But these side effects are classified as mild to moderate and limited to the outermost layer of the skin.

Takeaway

Tretinoin can effectively treat acne, according to research reports. It has several benefits, from reducing acne to improving fine lines and skin texture. For best effects, use it under the supervision of a dermatologist.