Acne Treatment

Acne can affect both adults and teenagers. Today, there are many over the counter acne treatments available to the consumer. It is worth understanding how these treatments work and how they may benefit you.

Standard Acne Treatment
Generally speaking, standard acne treatment can be divided into topical and oral medications. Topical acne treatment comes as a first line of defense. Topical acne treatment involves cleaning the skin to keep the oil levels low so that dirt won’t clog the pores, minimizing the chance of acne. In addition, your doctor may also prescribe some antibiotics to clear up moderate or severe acne. As with any antibiotics, side effects may occur and frequent use may render it useless against some bacteria. For severe acne, your doctor may also prescribe additional medication such as Accutane. This oral drug will may take several months before it starts to work and also has side effects that you may want to avoid.

Other Acne Treatments
Described below are a couple of popular over the counter acne treatments in the market today. These include Practiv and Murad.

Proactiv Acne Treatment - Proactiv is one of the most popular acne treatments in the market today. The Proactiv solution is a three-step program for acne treatment. Proactive is made up of a cleanser, toner and repairing lotion. The cleanser is oil-free and has tiny grains that gently exfoliate dead skin cells while allowing the benzoyl peroxide medication to penetrate. The revitalizing toner is alcohol-free and removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores and helps remove excess oil to make your skin looking smooth. Finally, the repairing lotion can heal blackheads and blemishes by allowing the delivery of benzoyl peroxide as well as help prevent future breakouts.

Murad Acne Treatment - Murad Acne Complex is also a three-step program for acne treatment. In step one, the Clarifying Cleanser can reduce 99% of surface bacteria in less than one minute. In step two, the Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel can help heal existing blemishes while preventing future breakouts. The gel gently exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces redness and minimizes irritation with a patented formula. Finally, the Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion can hydrate, soothe and soften irritated skin.

Which Acne Treatment To Choose?
The Proactiv solution contains benzoyl peroxide, which is a widely used medication for the treatment of acne. Proactiv proposes thatits line of products helps to deliver benzoyl peroxide effective while soothing and hydrating your skin. Compared with Proactiv, Murad Acne Complex contains no benzoyl peroxide. Because benzoyl peroxide may irritate your skin, Murad claims it's formula is milder and that it will hydrate your skin while fighting your breakouts with the highest–quality, pharmaceutical–grade ingredients. Every person’s skin is different and may respond differently to various acne treatments. We have only described what the manufacturerers of the various acne treatment solutions have stated. We recommend that you first talk to your doctor about various acne treatments available to you and ask about the Proactiv, Murad and other over the counter treatments that you have looked into to get the proper acne treatment for you.