Dealing with acne is not fun. When you have to live with a breakout, it can utterly destroy your social life and damage your self image. Because acne is such a pervasive problem dermatologists, drug companies and cosmetic manufacturers have attempted to provide an answer in the forms of facial wash, medications and acne blemish creams. The million dollar question is "Do these solutions actually help in the fight against acne?"
Because acne is a problem that appears on the surface of your skin, it seems logical that it could be treated topically through a diligent cleansing routine and a good acne blemish cream (one that is proven to reduce breakouts). Depending on the severity of your acne problem, you can seek a prescription or get it over the counter.
Prescription Acne Blemish Cream
There are are a number of prescription acne blemish creams available at your local pharmacy. Retin A and Tazorac are two of the most often prescribed acne blemish creams. Both of these acne blemish creams are incredibly potent and do come with a list of side-effect warnings. When you use a prescription strength acne blemish cream, you should avoid the sun whenever possible by putting on a hat and applying sunblock. It is also not a bad idea to stay inside during the sunniest part of the day
Pregnant are advised not to avoid both of these acne blemish creams. If you are considering a prescription acne medication be sure to discuss all the risk and side-effects with your physician or dermatologist, so that you can make an informed choice as to which treatment is best for you.
Over The Counter Acne Blemish Cream
If your acne is mild, or you suffer from infrequent breakouts, you would probably benefit from using an over the counter acne blemish cream. There are several great brands to choose from, many of which contain a low dose of Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide goes beneath the surface of your skin to dry up the oil that makes you breakout. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has such drying properties, it is best used sparingly. If you observe your skin peeling in areas where you applied a cream containing Benzoyl Peroxide, try to decrease the frequency of that particular cream.
Related Articles
A Guide To The Acne Laser Skin Treatment
By: Del Erben | 09/10/2007 | Medicine
Acne is a skin condition that is defined by pustular eruptions, localized abscessed formations and local inflammatory conditions. It can be damaging to a person's esteem and self-worth, especially in the more intense episodes, and the worst part of all is that it can often be very difficult, or even...
Is Laser Acne Treatment For You
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Medicine
If you have continual battles with acne and blemishes each month, you have probably searched for relief. By now you have probably tried every over the counter cleanser, cream and ointment that you can afford. Maybe you have seen your doctor and you have used medications prescribed to treat acne...
Defeat Blemishes With This Three-step Regimen
By: Angela Kratzert | 12/06/2008 | Acne
Have you ever been getting ready for a big date or an important job interview and discovered an undisguisable pimple on your face? Adult acne can be embarressing, frustrating and very difficult to ignore. The fact is, 30% to 50% of adults, over 70 million people in the United States alone suffer from breakouts but because the condition is accociated with adolecense, it is often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
Wow, There Really Is A Natural Treatment For Acne Scars And Blemishes
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Medicine
Suffering from acne breakouts is very difficult. It is even worse when you finally seem to control your acne only to find out that it has left a painful reminder in the form of acne scarring on your face. When acne leaves scars, it can be traumatizing to a person's...
Stress Leading To Acne And Other Skin Blemishes
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Health
The latest research has shown that stress not only affects your weight and heart but stress can do a number on your skin, too! That's right. Stress can actually cause rashes, acne and many other blemishes as well.
When you feel stress, your body level of cortisol (stress hormone) rises, this...
Acne Removal Diet Systems - a Proven Way to Get Rid of Your Acne
By: Kristen McDonald | 26/05/2008 | Acne
There are many ways to get rid of acne, or atleast so we think. I am going to go more indepth into a proven way to get rid of acne. If you are really serious on getting rid of your acne, then I suggest reading this article.
Learning About The Acne Blemish Laser Treatment
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Health
A person can suffer from quite a few different skin conditions, but acne blemishes are often the worst. Acne is a serious and very common skin condition, one that most people experience at least some point during their teenage years, but which can also follow some into adulthood and often...
How To Fight Acne And Win!
By: Daniel Millions | 16/05/2008 | Medicine
You may feel overwhelmed at times to try to find the most effective treatment for your acne these days. All you have to do is go to your local pharmacy to see the wide array of acne products that are on the market today. Some of these products may be...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Rough and dry
By: bear | 03-07-2008
I have very mild acne, but my skin feels terrible. My forehead is really rough and when i use a scrub my face dries out. I also use a Proativ moisterizer but its not enough. What do i do?
Do you think coco butter will help with my strech ...
By: Sarah | 03-07-2008
Do you think coco butter will help with my strech marks and ance scars? How long do you think it would take to notice a big differance? Thank you
Lanolin Plus
By: noni | 25-06-2008
In the 50's I used a proc\duct "Lanolin Plus." It was a clear golden liquid & worked great. Is it still in production & where can I get it?
I have very shallow scars about 0.6 - 0.7 mm scars ...
By: zoko123 | 24-06-2008
I have very shallow scars about 0.6 - 0.7 mm scars and the r not wide 2 and sum of them were from old injuries but they r really few so I was thinking what kind of surgery would suit me and won't cause my scars 2 get worse ? thanx...
I have dry skin on eyelids...
By: Norma | 19-06-2008
I have dry skin, but extremely dry and sometimes pealing eye lids. i have tried every thing but have been unsuccessful in treating this. i have been to the doctors several times. they say it may be exema, or an allergic reaction to something. either way, have not yet been able to find a cure for it. my eye lids are extremely itchy most of the day, and the creams help to reduce the amount of itching, but doesnt do anything for the dryness of the skin. has anyone had this problem before? what have you done to solve it?
I have little white bumps on my face and they WILL ...
By: k*la | 15-06-2008
i have little white bumps on my face and they WILL NOT go away NO matter what i do!i've tried everything and went to the dermotologist but nothing will make them go away.can you PLEASE give me suggestions that will actually work?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Getting To The Bottom Of Internal Hemorrhoids
By: Jose Rossello | 19/07/2008
Remedies for internal hemorrhoids ranges greatly: from surgery to medication, changes in diet, suppositories, natural herbal remedies or a combination of these. Hemorrhoid medications are designed to soothe the pain of the condition, shrink the swollen tissue and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Dental Cleanings: Why Semi-annual Dental Cleanings are Essential
By: David Siegel | 19/07/2008
Dental cleanings are essential to good dental health.
How To Lose Fat And Gain Muscle
By: Cliff Baker | 19/07/2008
The pace of life is getting faster for most of us. This is one of the reasons why fast food restaurants are popping up like mushrooms wherever you go. It's easy to opt for quicker food stops since no one really has time to cook and fix healthy meals. It may be a quick fix, but done everyday, all the bad stuff in fast food is going to creep up
Mold Exposure and Health Problems
By: Richard Barthallo | 19/07/2008
If you are one of the millions of people that do suffer from allergies, then you know how annoying and painful they can be. A large percentage of visits to the doctor are allergy related. A significant amount of money spent every year for over the counter and prescription remedies that will help to ease allergy sufferer's discomfort.
Twelve Qualities of Spirit - Health
By: Peri Enkin | 19/07/2008
When we think of health only in terms of the physical body we think too small. And when we think small we find ourselves trying to deal with "symptoms" and "conditions" at the surface level and not achieving the results we want.
Free Exercise to Make Your Penis Bigger
By: Tyler Williams | 19/07/2008
Do you know how to make your penis bigger naturally? You'll know once you read this article.
Where to Look for Arthritis Back Pain Relief Products
By: Scott Goodman | 19/07/2008
Arthritis is an illness that is mainly characterized by pain and swelling in the joints. The term arthritis is actually an umbrella term that includes more than 100 different conditions, all which are considered in some way as being a form of arthritis.
What is the Difference Between Fat and Carbohydrates (carbs)?
By: Ronald Godlewski | 19/07/2008
There are three primary macronutrients that are necessary to promote healthy life, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbohydrates and fats are two very different macronutrients, and your body requires different amounts of each in order to promote the right level of health.
More from Del Erben
10 Sure Fire Ways To Get Rid Of An Acne Blemish
By: Del Erben | 14/10/2007 | Health
Instead of going out and spending tons of money on the infomercial products, give these solutions to ridding yourself of an acne blemish a try.
1. Home face wash for an acne blemish: Mix together 1 or 2mls each of the following: witch hazel, tea-tree and sweet fennel essential oils, adding...
5 Easy Ways To Keep Skin Healthy And Avoid Acne Blemish
By: Del Erben | 11/10/2007 | Health
So often, the simplest instructions are overlooked as we jump to the most expensive solutions. If you are suffering from acne and/or other blemishes you may be inclined to go out and purchase Proactive or one of the other pricey acne blemish treatments advertised on late night infomercials. Before you...
Finding An Acne Care Treatment That Works For You
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Medicine
It is a fact of life; we are all unique individuals with our very own special needs and desires. This is true of our own personal style as well as our likes and dislikes. It is also true of our physical needs, such as the best products to care for...
Finding An Acne Blemish Treatment That Works Takes Time
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Medicine
Many people who have suffered from severe outbreaks of acne are well aware of the blemishes it can leave behind. Some blemishes may be more severe than others, but when a person is trying to show off great looking skin, even the tiniest blemish can seem huge. Locating a good...
Learning About The Acne Blemish Laser Treatment
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Health
A person can suffer from quite a few different skin conditions, but acne blemishes are often the worst. Acne is a serious and very common skin condition, one that most people experience at least some point during their teenage years, but which can also follow some into adulthood and often...
Stress Leading To Acne And Other Skin Blemishes
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Health
The latest research has shown that stress not only affects your weight and heart but stress can do a number on your skin, too! That's right. Stress can actually cause rashes, acne and many other blemishes as well.
When you feel stress, your body level of cortisol (stress hormone) rises, this...
Wow, There Really Is A Natural Treatment For Acne Scars And Blemishes
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Medicine
Suffering from acne breakouts is very difficult. It is even worse when you finally seem to control your acne only to find out that it has left a painful reminder in the form of acne scarring on your face. When acne leaves scars, it can be traumatizing to a person's...
Using Acne Scar Laser Treatment To Extinguish Blemishes
By: Del Erben | 10/10/2007 | Health
For those not acquainted with the procedure, acne scar laser treatment may appear to be overkill. It seems that many people have such an opinion of acne scar laser treatment because they themselves have never had to live with the insufferable and unsightly problem of dark red acne blemishes that...