The best acne treatments for various case levels differ in their formulation and in how they work. When it comes to pimple solutions, some medications work by killing the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, while others work by preventing inflammation. Some manipulate the activities of hormones and some normalize the shedding of dead skin cells to prevent pore blockage.
To know the best acne treatments for your kind of acne, take a look at the list below.
1. Non-inflammatory. Acne that is non-inflammatory or comedonal is considered a mild form of the condition. It can be either closed comedo or whitehead, or open comedo, which is also known as whitehead. For such conditions, topical ointments are often the preferred form of treatment. Antibacterials that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be used. Another option that can be explored is topical retinoids. These ointments are typically applied to the affected area to induce the destruction of P. acnes and prevent the pimple from getting inflamed and getting worse.
2. Inflammatory. This is also called mild papules, often characterized by redness on and around the area where the pimple appears. For inflammatory conditions, topical retinoids and antibacterials with benzoyl peroxide are the most commonly used treatment. Topical antibiotics are also common when dealing with this kind of acne. These medications are primarily used to ease the inflammation and kill the bacteria in the skin.
3. Moderate inflammation. This is a level slightly higher than mere inflammatory acne. Like mild inflammation, topical antibacterials with benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids are used. The topical treatments are often combined with oral antibiotics. The use of the combined therapy is usually monitored closely by skin experts since using both might cause the bacteria to build a resistance against the treatment.
4. Severe acne. Severe inflammatory acne is often treated with strongly formulated topical medications like Isotretinoin, a form of retinoid derived from vitamin A. Another option, specifically for women, is the use of oral contraceptives. The use of both options should be discussed first with a dermatologist, since both carry potential adverse effects.
5. Acne resistant to oral and topical treatments. If oral and topical medications do not work, a more advanced procedure might be used, such as laser therapy. Laser therapy burns away the oil-producing sebaceous glands and kills the acne-causing bacteria. Photodynamic therapy, or the use of blue-violet light, is another option being explored by dermatologists. Initial studies have shown that this form of treatment can reduce acne lesion by up to 70 percent. The use of photodynamic procedure, though, is yet to be established as a safe and accepted acne treatment and is rarely suggested by skin experts.
The best acne treatments can only be called "best" if they really work for the patient. Each level of condition requires a different treatment; and making the decision as to what is best for you should be done with the help of a dermatologist.
Related Articles
Acne Doesn't Have To Ruin Your Life
By: Susan Dean | 14/01/2006 | Health
Remember growing up during those up and down teenage years fighting acne and hormone irregularities? Or maybe you are just now experiencing this turmoil. Whether then or now we all agree that acne in particular can have a major effect on our life.
Best Acne Treatments Sorted Out for You
By: Esteri Maina | 01/05/2008 | Acne
Needless to declare, upholding a perfect health status is fundamental to us not only with our contemporary life but also in the imminent days. The distressing reality is that our bodies are exposed to diseases germs particularly so with the bacterial p acnes that live on our skin harmlessly.
Acne : Where Do We Go Wrong ?
By: Susan Dean | 15/01/2006 | Health
We go wrong with acne when we do not get proper help and advice. Too many people think that it is a normal part of growing up to have an acne problem and that it will just eventually go away as you get older. Well I'm here to tell you different because
Best Acne Treatment Sorted for You
By: James Bruce | 09/06/2008 | Acne
Choosing the right type of acne treatment can sometimes be very important to get rid of the acne with the higher success. It is in fact important in shrinking the harshness of the problem and cutting the duration of the acne outbreak. So, to get the right medicines for your acne problems, make the habit of read the ingredient label prior buying any types of acne products or undergoing acne treatments since it will help you identify how effective a particular drug can be for you.
Best Acne Treatments - Some Pointers to Consider
By: Trevor Mulholland | 22/07/2006 | Non-Fiction
When you're looking for acne treatments, you're bound to be keeping an eye out for the best acne treatments out in the market. But keep in mind that people have different kinds of acne problems, and they would each require different solutions.
Best Acne Treatments - Consider These Factors to Find the Best Acne Treatment Quicker!
By: J Jones | 01/07/2008 | Acne
The best acne treatments are the ones that not only treat the outside but also the inside! The best acne treatment for you will depend on several factors not just "my friend had great results with a particular remedy so why won't it do the same job on my acne". Consider these factors to achieve acne free clear skin faster.
How To Treat Your Acne Part 3 - Physical Treatments
By: Nathan James | 05/02/2007 | Medicine
Mild cases of acne can usually be treated by topical creams or ointments. Treatments for more severe cases can include oral antibiotics, ointments and physical treatments like drainage or chemical peels.
Physical treatments must be done by a dermatologist. While popping your pimples does qualify as a physical treatments, it certainly...
Acne Pimple Natural Treatment - Pimples Suck, Do Something About It
By: Ben Levanger | 17/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Acnes and pimples affect most of the teenagers, and sometimes even adults. Most of the conventional treatments that use chemicals and drugs have severe side effects.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Acne Articles
Acne Treatments And Their Potential Side Effects
By: James Briggs | 19/07/2008
This article is about acne treatments and their potential side effects.
Acne- Do Celebrities Get Acne?
By: Andy Smith | 19/07/2008
With all the money at their disposal and the best doctors they can call we may think that
celebrities skin does not show spots. The truth may be otherwise. Acne does not know the owner of the skin and it appears anywhere on anybody if conditions are conductive.
Home Treatment for Acne - Clean is Good
By: Trevor Mulholland | 19/07/2008
Most acne can be treated at home, as only a very small percentage need medical intervention. OTC medications can be effective if used properly and there are also home remedies that will work well.
The Causes Of Acne - Try The Proactive Acne Approach
By: Ray Baker | 18/07/2008
If you are one of the millions who suffer from acne don't despair, by being proactive, acne will improve with the right treatment...
Most Effective Acne Treatment - Clear Skin in 1 Day?
By: Ben Levanger | 18/07/2008
Acne is a very common skin infection caused by excessive sebaceous gland secretion. Acne usually appears on the face, back, chest and shoulders. It is commonly seen in teenagers and adults. Acne is believed to be caused by, youll have to read more to find out.
Basic Health Requirments Make Ayurveda Treatment
By: swornalakshmi | 18/07/2008
These five elements are space, air, fire, water and earth. Balancing these elements is the best method to maintain health and in the treatment of diseases. The term Ayurveda combines two Sanskrit words: ayur, which means life, and veda, which means science or knowledge. Ayurveda means "the science of life."
Prescription Acne Treatment - All They All Scams?
By: Ben Levanger | 18/07/2008
Prescription acne treatment is the treatment recommended by a dermatologist after evaluating the person who is suffering from acne. It mainly involves, well youll have to finish reading the article.
4 Acne Myths You Shouldn't Believe!
By: Michael Jans | 18/07/2008
Myth #1 -- Oily skin doesn't need a moisturizer - Wrong!
All skin, even oily skin, needs a moisturizer. Your body produces oil to keep your skin supple and healthy. If you have very oily skin then the pores in your skin producing the oil are working overtime which can happen for a lot of different reasons.
Health 
