Monday, June 16, 2008

Acne Medication Creams - How Do They Work to Cure Acne?

Acne medication creams are designed to treat the causes of acne on a molecular level. Often prescribed by a dermatologist, these acne treatments are applied to your clean skin one to three times a day. The results of these treatments can appear as early as one to two weeks, but keep in mind that not all of these products work for everyone.

Choosing the right treatment for you will depend mostly on the exact cause of your acne. For instance, Benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics work by killing acne bacteria. Retin-A and Differin use a form of a compound called a retinoid (vitamin A) to improve skin cell development, control sebum production, and act as an anti-inflammatory and exfoliant.

One popular topical cream acne treatment for common and non-inflammatory acne is known as Differin. This acne treatment product uses a medicinal ingredient known as adapalene to improve the growth and development of skin cells and hair follicles. Generally, this medication is massaged into the skin in the evening after using a soap-free cleanser to clean your face. In severe cases, your dermatologist might recommend to use a Benzoyl peroxide product or Clindamycin in the morning to increase its effectiveness.

Differin is a great option for many acne sufferers. It comes in either a gel or a cream to make it easy for you to use. It also comes in two different strengths to help those dealing with moderate and severe acne. The low risk of serious side effects and quick results are also great benefits of this treatment.

Like most acne medication creams, Differin is not without side effects. After you begin to use the product, your skin can become dry and itchy and you might also experience irritation, peeling, and burning. If the side effects continue or get worse, you might be able to use the product less frequently until your system has had a chance to adapt to the medication. In extreme cases, a rash, shortness of breath or other side effects can indicate that you are experiencing an allergic reaction. Hyper-pigmentation and chemical burns are also rare, but still a possibility.

There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind when using this acne treatment. First, you will want to protect yourself from the sun as much as possible since Differin can thin the surface of your skin and make it sensitive to the sun. Using facial cleansers, cosmetics, scents, and soaps can further irritate your skin. It is also highly recommended that you do not use any other medications or acne treatments unless your doctor has approved them.

So there you have it.

Because of its many different causes, acne can be a difficult condition for many sufferers to cure. Thankfully, acne medication creams have been developed to treat these embarrassing and painful sores successfully. This way, both teenagers and adults have a chance at experiencing clear and healthy-looking skin.

Want to get rid of acne? Then use the acne cream treatment that works. See Matt Anderson's site where the best acne cream products are reviewed as well as find more information on acne medicines and remedies.