Certain Details You Have To Know About Acne Medication

Dermatologists are flooded everyday with frantic calls from people suffering from acne - the nuisance which threatens to make even the most beautiful face ugly. There are various forms of acne medication and dermatologists usually begin the treatment with a combination of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. But these medications have a tendency to dry out the affected area to prevent formation and accumulation of oil and sebum. While absence oil and sebum does indeed reduce acne, it also leaves the skin dry and uncomfortably taut and what is worst is the skin becomes more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun. So, if you are indeed going for these forms of medication, remind your doctor to prescribe a light moisturizer and a sun screen lotion also.

Another important issue that needs to be taken care of while going for acne medication is avoidance of any oily cosmetics as they tend to clog an already clogged skin pore. While choosing cosmetics try to go for those that are "non-comedogenic", that is, those that do not clog skin pores. Also, wash your face twice daily with a mild face wash, but don't try to be 'extra clean' by washing your face at every possible opportunity - you might actually worsen your acne. And, this one is perhaps the most restriction you may find most difficult to adhere to, never ever pick or squeeze your pimples; you may infect them which may cause near permanent scars.

Some doctors prefer antibiotics to tackle acne, but antibiotics can be administered only up to a certain level before the body starts rejecting them and usually they have a myriad of side effects which often become more problematic than the basic problem of acne.

If you suffer from a severe acne problem like cystic acne, you may find benzoyl peroxide having no effect at all. In such acute cases, acne medication also has to be heavier and your doctor may prescribe you accutane. But accutane, though almost works like magic, comes along with a big bag of highly irritating side effects and should be taken only when almost all the other treatments fail.

The other favorite acne medication of dermatologists in tackling moderate to severe acne is a combination of retinoic acid with benzoyl peroxide, zinc and glycolic acid. Sometimes they also add erythromycin in the mixture. If acne has sprouted due to hormonal imbalance and if you happen to be a lady, the dermatologist may prescribe a birth control pill to tide over the problem. But these pills will obviously have the usual side effects which all birth control pills have.