Acne treatments serve to dry up excess oil and kill bacteria that cause acne. Different acne treatments come in the form of over-the-counter medication, topical creams, oral antibiotics, and other medical procedures. In most cases, acne is best treated with over-the-counter acne medication. People with very mild acne can handle their condition by making simple lifestyle changes. But for more severe cases, more aggressive acne treatment options are available.
For mild cases, a person can take care of the problem at home by following a few basic steps. Cleanse the face at least twice a day to remove dead skin cells. Washing the face with a mild cleanser at least once a day also helps in removing excess oil. Mild acne treatment typically involves washing twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
If the problem is more severe, a consultation with a dermatologist may be necessary. The doctor will assess the severity of the problem and recommend different treatments. Mild to moderate cases of severe acne can often be treated with topical creams. These are lotions or gels that are applied to the skin. There are some effective natural acne scar treatments, as well, which can help reduce the appearance of scarring.
Severe acne often requires acne surgery, laser treatments, or excision of the sebaceous glands. In most cases, doctors remove only the affected oil glands. This leaves the skin smooth and shiny, but usually results in a darker spot on the skin. The spots can be reduced with light skin color or by using an acne scar treatment that reduces the appearance of the discolored area.
Some people develop whiteheads and blackheads. Blackheads are formed when pores become clogged with dead skin cells, hair, or dirt. When the pores of the skin become clogged, they cannot breathe properly, resulting in the formation of a whitehead. A whitehead also remains attached to the skin, allowing bacteria to enter the body through it. These are the most serious type of acne because they are often what causes scarring.
While male hormones aren’t directly responsible for causing acne in women, excess male hormones have been known to increase oil production in the skin. This oil combines with dead skin cells, clogging the pores and causing acne. On the other hand, excess female hormones are associated with increased oil production, which again, clogs the pores and leads to acne.
There are many acne home remedies to treat mild to moderate acne. One effective home remedy for severe acne is a paste made of sandalwood and tea-tree oil. Applying a paste of these two ingredients to the acne-affected area relieves the inflammation. Another effective acne home remedy is to use castor oil after washing your face to open pores. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.
