Choose an acne medicine

When it comes to acne medicines, it can be overwhelming to see just how many different choices there are. 

Stores can have an entire aisle dedicated to nothing but acne medicine and skin care, and this is even without taking herbal, alternative, and Chinese acne medicines into consideration.  Acne is more than just zits on a high school kid, as far too many people tend to believe, but is an outward sign of a hormonal imbalance that affects millions of adults, and severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.

Almost all acne medicines have some percentage of Benzyl Peroxide, which is the main chemical agent that has been proven to fight acne, and therefore finds a home in about every type of acne medication.  While shelves are full of pharmaceutical solutions to acne, there are all types of treatments out there.  Aside from over the counter medicines and products, there are prescription medications, illumination by high intensity light, exotic spa-treatments, herbal remedies, Chinese acupuncture and on and on to seeming infinity.

There are entire companies built on simply treating acne, and many others who make the majority of their profits in that one field.  Accutane and Proactive are two such companies that are well known for treating acne.  There are alternative treatments such as UV rays, Chinese acupuncture, and a whole plethora of herbal supplements and vitamin supplements.  A lot of acne medicine can be bought without a prescription, but what medicine to pick up often depends on which type of acne you have.

Doctors tend to split acne into four separate (mild, moderate, severe, and very severe) distinctive categories:

1)      Mild acne: This is when less than half of the face is infected.  The mild form is characterized by many comedones, as well as many papules and pustules.

2)      Moderate acne: More than half of the face is involved, with numerous comedones, papules and pustules.

3)      Severe acne: This is when the  entire face is affected and absolutely covered with comedones, numerous papules and pustules and a few nodules and cysts.

4)      Very severe acne: This refers to a highly inflammatory acne covering the face with nodules and cysts present, which often leads to severe scarring.

If you have mild or moderate acne, about any medicine that comes off the shelf should be designed to treat your particular outbreak.  If you have severe or very severe acne, then it is best to see a dermatologist to find out what types of medicine might actually be prescribed to you.  If you are an individual who does not like to take medication, there are herbal solutions for acne, and the Chinese acne medicine almost draws exclusively for natural sources.  The other thing you can do is see the doctor and have them recommend an herbal route.

There are nearly countless choices in how to find treatment for almost any acne problem, from mild to very severe.  A little research, a little understanding, and a little luck can go a long way in finding the solution to a recurring problem.