Most people experience mild cases of acne breakouts. So, it is not unusual for people to go to their local drugstores and get over-the-counter or OTC medications for acne. They opt for this than go to their doctor and seek prescription medications for acne. This is perfectly alright since this treatment works wonderfully as long as you have a good skin care regimen.

There are actually several OTC acne drugs that are sold in the market. You should know your options before you actually purchase one. If you’re not comfortable with purchasing a popular brand, you could consult with your healthcare provider before you opt for any OTC acne medication.

There are several options that you can consider when choosing your OTC drugs. Here are some of the OTC acne medications:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide – This is one of the most common ingredients for acne treatments. In fact, this is the primary OTC choice of many people suffering from mild acne. This medications works by killing the bacteria which causes the acne. It also helps in shedding off dead skin cells in order to clear blocked pores. The popularity of this medication may be attributed to the fact that it is one of the oldest OTC acne drugs around. Of course, like any other drug, benzoyl peroxide has its side effects which include drying of the skin. This ingredient is also found in a lot of products like soaps, gels, bath washes, lotions and creams. If you’re going to pick out a product, opt for gel formulations because these are non-drying.

2. Salicylic Acid – Aside from benzoyl peroxide, many people also use salicylic acid. It is another common acne medication because it is one of the safest acne treatments around. This compound is also found in aspirin but as an acne treatment medication, it is great in removing blackheads and whiteheads. It also helps in the shedding off of dead skin cells so accumulation of dirt, oil and dead skin cells is less likely.

3. Resorcinol – This medication, if combined with sulphur, is quite effective. It actually wears away hard dead skin cells in order to clear clogged pores. So, this helps in preventing pore clogging and dirt buildup.

4. Alcohol with Acetone – This is one of the mildest antibacterial acne treatments around. This treatment has always been used by many people. This actually helps in removing the dead skin cells and oil from the skin surface. However, the treatment value of alcohol and acetone are limited. It can only treat the problem on the skin surface.

The Drawbacks of OTC Acne Medications

First and foremost, you have to understand that not all of these OTC drugs or medications will work for you. In fact, they might not work for you at all. Even some treatments are not recommended by physicians today like alcohol and acetone combination. This treatment is quite harsh although this is an old-fashion acne treatment method.

There are drawbacks to the various OTC acne treatment medications. For instance, the shortcoming in using benzoyl peroxide is that you cannot use other forms of acne treatment. This treatment should stand alone. Otherwise, you might experience skin allergies or irritation. This also comes in various strength forms. You have to be careful when choosing the dilution strength, otherwise, you could end up aggravating the condition. Another disadvantage to using benzoyl peroxide is that while you attempt to treat your acne by using this medication, you also accelerate your skin aging.

Another product with significant drawback is the salicylic acid combined with sulfur. Although this can be effective and may be less harsh than benzoyl peroxide, it can turn your skin into a shade of brown. So, before making your choice, you should carefully consider all possible side effects.

About the Author

The author is an online medical researcher and webmaster of Best Acne Products and Natural Acne Treatments. Related article: Acne Solutions- 5 Alternative Acne Solutions.

Today, there are a lot of medications, both over the counter and prescription drugs, are used to clear acne. Common acne medications are usually topical or oral. Topical medications or those that are applied to the skin are usually prescribed for those with mild to severe acne. On the other hand, oral medications are usually part of a system of therapies that are used to treat severe and sometimes moderate acne.

These common acne medications usually attack a certain factor that leads to acne. As such, dermatologists usually combine them for a longer lasting effect.

Common acne medications include oral antibiotics. These are usually prescribed to patients with moderate to severe or persistent acne. Oral antibiotics can decrease the inflammation of the skin by killing off the P. acnes that aggravates acne. Antibiotics are used for about six months or less, and begin with higher dosages which are eventually and gradually reduced as the acne clears up. The most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics are erythromycin, tetracycline, and its derivatives doxycycline and minocycline.

Another one of the most common acne medications is the topical antimicrobial. Similar to the oral antibiotics, these topical antimicrobials also work by inhibiting the population of the P. acnes in the skin. As such, they are usually prescribed to treat patients with mild to moderately severe inflammatory acne. These can either be used alone, or combined with other medications that target the other factors that aggravate acne. Typical topical antimicrobials used are azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamid.

Topical retinoids are also common acne medications. Retinoids are one of the fundamentals of acne treatment. They are a derivative of vitamin A, and they unclog pores as well as prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. Topical retinoids are usually prescribed to those who have mild to moderately severe acne. However, retinoids are known to irritate the skin and increase sensitivity to the sun in some cases, so it is typically used with sunscreen. Also, topical retonoids can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The most common topical retinoids include adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin.

Isotretinoin, also a retinoid but taken orally, is another one of the most common acne medications used today. It is very potent, but is not generally prescribed as it has a number of potential side effects. As such, it is only prescribed to those with severe cystic acne that have become resistant to other acne medications.

However, if none of these common acne medications work for you, you can try brand new approaches to treating acne.

Certified nutrition specialist, health consultant, medical researcher and author, Mike Walden, has developed a system that strays away from common acne medications, but is more holistic and effective.

Don’t be discouraged by the relative newness of the approach, as dozens of testimonials can assure you of how effective and useful it is.

To see what the entire buzz is about, check out http://www.acnehealtips.com for user testimonials, tips on how to manage your acne breakouts and for more information on how to take care of your skin.

About the Author

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Acne is one of the most common skin problems and it can become a significant source of embarrassment and stress. Thus, a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) medications were formulated to combat this skin ailment. What are these medications and are they as effective as they claim to be?

OTC Acne Medication that Contain Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can be found in most facial cleansers and creams. The function of benzoyl peroxide is to kill the bacteria that can cause acne break-outs. Aside from this function, benzoyl peroxide also helps clear up the skin by unclogging the pores. Benzoyl peroxide also helps in the reduction of the inflammation caused by acne-causing bacteria; a person using a benzoyl peroxide-based product will usually notice a decrease in redness and puffiness around acne spots.

OTC Acne Medications that Contain Sulfur and Resorcinol

Two other components that can be found in over-the-counter acne medications are sulfur and resorcinol. These two components also work by unclogging the pores and ridding them of comedones. Comedones – which can be blackheads or whiteheads – and sebum clog up the hair follicle, thus, leading to acne break-outs. Sulfur and resorcinol works by preventing the accumulation of comedones and oil, so acne break-outs can be controlled.

OTC Acne Medications that Contain Salicylic Acid

As stated above, one of the causes of acne is the buildup of dead skin cells and the overproduction of skin oil. Salicylic acid also works by removing these buildups of dead skin cells and oils. However, it is different from other over-the-counter medications because it also corrects and helps maintain the normal shedding of skin cells. Once there is a normal cycle of dead skin cell shedding, there will be lesser pore blockages. Ultimately, acne breakouts are reduced.

OTC Acne Medications that Contain Alcohol and Acetone

The combination of alcohol and acetone works best for people whose skin type is oily. The acetone component of this acne medication is the one that reduces oil production, while the alcohol component works by killing the bacteria that causes acne breakouts. With the two combined, the skin will become clearer as the waste materials in the pores are removed.

Appropriate OTC Acne Medication for the Right Skin Type

Before you buy just about any kind of acne medications that can be purchased over the counter, you must first know your skin type. There are medications that work best for oily skin, but there are also those that work wonders for dry skin. Aside from this, you should also take into consideration the strength of the medication that you are going to use for your acne problem.

If you have a mild to moderate acne problem, then it is best if you use mild acne medications. You should only increase your dosage if the lower dosage does not work. Do not use strong medications prematurely or unnecessarily. Doing so can lead to more problems. Strong acne medications can make your skin oilier or drier, depending on your original skin condition. Furthermore, using the wrong acne medication can also lead to skin irritation and even more severe acne problems.

For more OTC acne medication reviews, download my complimentary report on curing acne. Further information can be found in the resource box.

About the Author

Martin Chambers has put together a complimentary report on curing acne that will help you to get acne clear. To download this report instantly visit http://www.b5acnesecrets.com

What should I do? I mean, I know women try to have a baby for months before getting pregnant, so are the chances even that high that I am prego? Should I just lay off the meds for a few weeks until I can do the test and hope that my skin doesn’t break out? I’m also interviewing for jobs, so I want my skin to look as good as possible.

There are acne medications now available to treat this nefarious condition – which if left untreated could cause a bevy of emotional, physical, and psychological problems. Acne can cause low-self-esteem, loss of confidence, and scarring of the facial tissues.

To counter this, one must treat the condition head on, and at its earliest onset. The best way to do this is to visit a dermatologist to get the right treatment and medication. Also, you should learn to adopt a lifestyle that prevents acne.

Acne comes in various grades. Grade one acne signifies slight acne. Grade four acne, on the other hand, is pretty serious. The treatment and medication you receive depends on the severity of your acne. That is why for the more severe cases of acne it would be best to consult with a dermatologist first to get okayed for the more radical treatments for acne.

Here are some of the common medications available for acne.

1. Medicated facial washes and cleansers. As mentioned earlier, one of the steps towards a more acne-free life involves good facial hygiene. There are countless medicated facial wash products that can help you in this regards. Not just any facial wash will do as many ‘normal’ facial washes are ill-suited to those with acne – they could easily exacerbate the condition.

Look for mild, hypoallergenic solutions that are designed for sensitive and oily skin. Most other facial washes are harsh and will only irritate your skin further, causing more rashes and breakouts. Avoid facial scrubs as they could be too harsh for your skin as well.

While there have been countless facial products to bandy the antibacterial logo, it may not be a good idea to bank on that property. Antibacterial products do work. However, they could easily cause the bacteria to become resistant to the antibacterial agent used.

Also, you shouldn’t wash your face too often – as is the habit of some who think that acne is something you can get rid of through vigorous scrubbing. You could dry up your skin and strip it of essential oils (not all oil is bad). This could cause more acne and irritation instead.

2. Ointments and Lotions. Pimple and acne ointments dry pimples so that they heal faster. They also help slough off dead skin cells so that fresher, healthier skin is revealed from beneath.

These products are either creams, or liquids that are applied to the skin. They may also contain astringents to help tighten pores and prevent the production of too much oil. These preparations can kill pimples in as fast as a few days.

3. Antibiotics. A dermatologist may recommend the use of antibiotics for severe cases of acne. This is a systemic approach to attacking the pimples. You should follow the dermatologist’s instructions to a tee since antibiotic treatments are successful depending on how well you follow your doctor’s instructions.

Never skip a dosage or discontinue your regimen just because your acne is clearing up. If you do, then the bacteria could become resistant to the antibiotic and will come back with a vengeance.

Conclusion

You don’t have to suffer through acne anymore. The treatments listed above are only some of the available treatments that have a good success rate against acne. Do visit your dermatologist for a rundown on your situation and appropriate treatment.

The truth is, is that there’s no definite and absolute acne medications that will work for you. That is why you need the advice of a trained health care professional, such as your dermatologist or doctor, in order to prescribe you the best available form of treatment. Your condition could be one of many – do you have cystic acne? Perhaps it’s just a case of blackheads? Or do you have some form of chronic acne that can’t be treated by conventional means?

Since many cases of acne are unique to the individual, one shouldn’t just presume that all acne prescription medications do the same thing, because they don’t. The ingredients within the medications can vary, and sometimes the medications may even go so far as to have bad, unwanted and unneeded side effects within certain individuals. It’s therefore important that you discuss all this with your treating health care professional to ensure that you’re purchasing the right form of medication.

Now, this isn’t to say that most acne prescription medications are so bad that if you use them, something drastic will happen. Indeed there may be one or two medications that you shouldn’t use if you can avoid them, however the vast majority of acne prescription medications have a specific purpose for different conditions. By ensuring that the treatment that you use is prescribed specifically for your condition, then you’ll be more likely to be on your way to overcoming your case of acne.

So remember, seek the advice of health care professionals, discuss with them what risks you’re prepared to take in order to get rid of your acne, and allow them to check over you just in case you need to be diagnosed with a specific form of chronic acne, which can’t easily be treated by regular acne medication.

If you have any questions regarding acne treatment, or acne prescription medications, speak to your doctor. Just remember that like all things, taking the first step begins with a little initiative on your part.

Acne problem is one of the greatest skin problem faced by maximum. Blemishes give you unimpressive looks. It mars your beauty and lowers your confidence level thus some type of complex grow in. If you are among those unfortunate and have tried every method as much as possible for you to get rid of acne and pimples but to no effect then it is recommended to consult a dermatologist who could be able to direct you in the right process. You can also seek the guidance of a trained professional. Tutelage under a trained professional will surely help you to gain flawless skin. As you know that there is no substitute for a healthy skin so do not be reluctant in paying attention to your skin.

There are various treatments that your dermatologist suggests to you. If the treatment suits you then you are fortunate but if does not then you need to skip for another. One of the most common prescriptions that your dermatologist might suggest to you is the use of the product called Accutane. Though Accutane is popular to be very effective in reducing acne and pimples but at the same time you should be aware of the side effects like overly drying skin, nosebleeds, and causing birth defects if taken by a pregnant woman. Such side effects generally prevents dermatologist to take any risk. Even if he prescribes for the same then he/she should keep the regular record of his patient to prevent any mishap. Many also prescribe chemical exfoliating agent. Exfoliating agent keeps your skin free from dead skin. You can also control acne by getting a mild suntan.

Unfortunately there is no single treatment available that can be prescribed worldwide to reduce pimples. Dermatologist has to prescribe differently for different patient as everyone does not possess same type of skin and the reason for acne also differ from person to person.

With many acne treatment products using a lot of marketing slogans like “magic acne pills” or “clear acne in 72 hours”, what works and what does not is difficult knowledge to attain, much less buy an acne treatment option. Most claims, of course are dubious. Many over the counter acne treatments are known to worsen the acne situation, much less cure it.

Proactive is the way to go. Proactive acne treatment is a long term solution to permanently get rid of acne. It also means taking charge of your own health and life style towards better health and drop acne on the way forward.

Although getting acne treatment solution seems to be the first option in getting into the proactive mode, it is no solution to achieve better skin. Easy and cheap chemicals do not work on most people, despite fancy punch lines and tall claims as marketed across the globe.

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An overall life style change is absolutely necessary. An acne free face not only depicts good skin but also represents a good and clean life style with healthy habits.

Life style changes are hard to get used to but not entirely impossible. A little bit of discipline can go a long way in changing life styles, part-by-part. You could begin with a clean, oil free, fat free and nutritious diet that consists of fruits and vegetables in good quantities.

An effective acne treatment is more of an inside-out process.

The more garbage you eat, the more it shows on the outside. Conversely, a healthy diet will depict health on your skin.

However, there are various varieties of acne that require acne treatment. It is important to know the skin type and the cause of acne. Moreover it is important to know and understand the composition of the acne treatment you would be using. Many acne treatments are known to have side effects that could even set you back in your efforts of getting rid of acne.

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Unfortunately, many acne treatments are known to result in creating different complications. Allergic reaction is a primary complication and most prevalent. Many acne victims may have allergic reactions chemicals that make the acne treatment. Very often, it happens that the victims themselves are not informed of such allergies and only come to know once it has happened and the doctor enlightening them about the outcome of using a particular acne treatment.

Apparently, this could cause serious problems to may people who are unfortunate. In a bid to get their acne treated, they may end up with other health complications which may need expensive treatment.

Other allergies that may crop up by use of acne treatments could be redness, flaking or inflammation of the skin. Most acne treatments tend to dry up the skin and over drying could result in such complications like flaking. However redness and inflammation may also be caused due to light allergies.

Research and investigation into any acne treatment as to its compositions and their ill effects on human skin is absolutely necessary before using any acne treatment products, either prescribed or bought over the counter.

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This is where many people fail. It is very important to follow the directions provided with your acne cream. The directions vary quite a bit from one cream to another, and sometimes even from one formulation to another of the same cream. This article will cover some of the general aspects of treating acne that may be of importance to you.

Acne is not just the whiteheads you spot around your face, as it can also appear as blackheads, cysts and a variety of other lesions all over the body. When you apply an acne cream, you apply it on the whole area where the acne is apparent, not just on the spots. Applying the cream on just the spots will make the spots go away but the untreated surrounding areas will still be just as susceptible to acne breakouts as the place where you have the spot. In this case, most people think the acne cream isn’t working, when in fact it is working…only where they apply it.

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When trying out a new acne cream, it is important that you give it adequate time to begin working. Most people recommend that if you are following the directions and you don’t see any improvement after eight weeks, it is time to try something else. The exception to this is of course if you notice side effects. In that case discontinue using the acne cream immediately. Some general symptoms of an adverse reaction to acne cream may include persistent redness, excessive dryness, painful skin irritation and rashes. Many times these symptoms will pass after a few days of using the cream, but it may not be worth it to find out.

Like most medical conditions, acne responds differently to medications in each individual. The creams that work for your friends may not work at all for you. So be prepared for a trial and error process. Make sure you follow the medication’s instructions and your doctor’s instructions perfectly so that the error isn’t in the application process. When you do find the acne cream that works for you, it will be well worth the effort, time, and money you’ve spent.

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Accutane is used to treat a type of severe acne (nodular acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. However, Accutane can cause serious side effects. Before starting Accutane, discuss with your prescriber how bad your acne is, the possible benefits of Accutane, and its possible side effects, to decide if Accutane is right for you. Your prescriber will ask you to read and sign a form or forms indicating you understand some of the serious risks of Accutane.
Possible serious side effects of taking Accutane include birth defects and mental disorders.

Birth defects. Accutane can cause birth defects (deformed babies) if taken by a pregnant woman. It can also cause miscarriage (losing the baby before birth), premature (early) birth, or death of the baby. Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking Accutane. Do not get pregnant for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Also, if you get pregnant while taking Accutane, stop taking it right away and call your prescriber.

All females should read the section in this Medication Guide “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?”

Mental problems and suicide. Some patients, while taking Accutane or soon after stopping Accutane, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of these problems include sad, “anxious” or empty mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating. Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed. No one knows if Accutane caused these behaviors or if they would have happened even if the person did not take Accutane.

All patients should read the section in this Medication Guide “What are the signs of mental problems?”

For other possible serious side effects of Accutane, see “What are the possible side effects of Accutane?” in this Medication Guide.

What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?

You must not become pregnant while taking Accutane, or for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Accutane can cause severe birth defects in babies of women who take it while they are pregnant, even if they take Accutane for only a short time. There is an extremely high risk that your baby will be deformed or will die if you are pregnant while taking Accutane. Taking Accutane also increases the chance of miscarriage and premature births.

Female patients will not get their first prescription for Accutane unless there is proof they have had 2 negative pregnancy tests. The first test must be done when your prescriber decides to prescribe Accutane. The second pregnancy test must be done during the first 5 days of the menstrual period right before starting Accutane therapy, or as instructed by your prescriber. Each month of treatment, you must have a negative result from a urine or serum pregnancy test. Female patients cannot get another prescription for Accutane unless there is proof that they have had a negative pregnancy test.

A yellow self-adhesive Accutane Qualification Sticker on your prescription indicates to the pharmacist that you are qualified by your prescriber to get Accutane.

While you are taking Accutane, you must use effective birth control. You must use 2 separate effective forms of birth control at the same time for at least 1 month before starting Accutane, while you take it, and for 1 month after you stop taking it. You can either discuss effective birth control methods with your prescriber or go for a free visit to discuss birth control with another physician or family planning expert. Your prescriber can arrange this free visit, which will be paid for by the manufacturer.

You must use 2 separate forms of effective birth control because any method, including birth control pills and sterilization, can fail. There are only 2 reasons you would not need to use 2 separate methods of effective birth control:

You have had your womb removed by surgery (a hysterectomy).

You are absolutely certain you will not have genital-to-genital sexual contact with a male before, during, and for 1 month after Accutane treatment.

If you have sex at any time without using 2 forms of effective birth control, get pregnant, or miss your period, stop using Accutane and call your prescriber right away.

All patients should read the rest of this Medication Guide.
What are the signs of mental problems?

Tell your prescriber if, to the best of your knowledge, you or someone in your family has ever had any mental illness, including depression, suicidal behavior, or psychosis. Psychosis means a loss of contact with reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Also, tell your prescriber if you take medicines for any of these problems.

Stop using Accutane and tell your provider right away if you:

? Start to feel sad or have crying spells

? Lose interest in activities you once enjoyed

? Sleep too much or have trouble sleeping

? Become more irritable than usual

? Have a change in your appetite or body weight

? Have trouble concentrating

? Withdraw from your friends or family

? Feel like you have no energy

? Have feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

? Start having thoughts about hurting yourself or taking your own life (suicidal thoughts)
What is Accutane?

Accutane is used to treat the most severe form of acne (nodular acne) that cannot be cleared up by any other acne treatments, including antibiotics. In severe nodular acne, many red, swollen, tender lumps form in the skin. These can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. If untreated, nodular acne can lead to permanent scars. However, because Accutane can have serious side effects, you should talk with your prescriber about all of the possible treatments for your acne, and whether Accutane?s possible benefits outweigh its possible risks.
Who should not take Accutane?

? Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant during Accutane treatment. Accutane causes severe birth defects. All females should read the section “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?” for more information and warnings about Accutane and pregnancy.

? Do not take Accutane unless you completely understand its possible risks and are willing to follow all of the instructions in this Medication Guide.

Tell your prescriber if you or someone in your family has had any kind of mental problems, asthma, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis (bone loss), weak bones, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder where people eat too little), or any other important health problems. Tell your prescriber about any food or drug allergies you have had in the past. These problems do not necessarily mean you cannot take Accutane, but your prescriber needs this information to discuss if Accutane is right for you.
How should I take Accutane?

? You will get no more than a 30-day supply of Accutane at a time, to be sure you check in with your prescriber each month to discuss side effects.

? Your prescription should have a special yellow self-adhesive sticker attached to it. The sticker is YELLOW. If your prescription does not have this yellow self-adhesive sticker, call your prescriber. The pharmacy should not fill your prescription unless it has the yellow self-adhesive sticker.

? The amount of Accutane you take has been specially chosen for you and may change during treatment.

? You will take Accutane 2 times a day with a meal, unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Swallow your Accutane capsules with a full glass of liquid. This will help prevent the medication inside the capsule from irritating the lining of your esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). For the same reason, do not chew or suck on the capsule.

? If you miss a dose, just skip that dose. Do not take 2 doses the next time.

? You should return to your prescriber as directed to make sure you don?t have signs of serious side effects. Because some of Accutane?s serious side effects show up in blood tests, some of these visits may involve blood tests (monthly visits for female patients should always include a urine or serum pregnancy test).
What should I avoid while taking Accutane?

? Do not get pregnant while taking Accutane. See “What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?” and “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?”

? Do not breast feed while taking Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. We do not know if Accutane can pass through your milk and harm the baby.

? Do not give blood while you take Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. If someone who is pregnant gets your donated blood, her baby may be exposed to Accutane and may be born with birth defects.

? Do not take vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A in high doses has many of the same side effects as Accutane. Taking both together may increase your chance of getting side effects.

? Do not have cosmetic procedures to smooth your skin, including waxing, dermabrasion, or laser procedures, while you are using Accutane and for at least 6 months after you stop. Accutane can increase your chance of scarring from these procedures. Check with your prescriber for advice about when you can have cosmetic procedures.

? Avoid sunlight and ultraviolet lights as much as possible. Tanning machines use ultraviolet lights. Accutane may make your skin more sensitive to light.

? Do not use birth control pills that do not contain estrogen (“minipills”). They may not work while you take Accutane. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you are not sure what type you are using.

? Talk with your doctor if you plan to take other drugs or herbal products. This is especially important for patients using birth control pills and other hormonal types of birth control because the birth control may not work as effectively if you are taking certain drugs or herbal products. You should not take the herbal supplement St. John?s Wort because this herbal supplement may make birth control pills not work as effectively.

? Talk with your doctor if you are currently taking an oral or injected corticosteroid or anticonvulsant (seizure) medication prior to using Accutane. These drugs may weaken your bones.

? Do not share Accutane with other people. It can cause birth defects and other serious health problems.

? Do not take Accutane with antibiotics unless you talk to your prescriber. For some antibiotics, you may have to stop taking Accutane until the antibiotic treatment is finished. Use of both drugs together can increase the chances of getting increased pressure in the brain.
What are the possible side effects of Accutane?

Accutane has possible serious side effects

? Accutane can cause birth defects, premature births, and death in babies whose mothers took Accutane while they were pregnant. See “What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?” and “What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?”

? Serious mental health problems. See “What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?”

? Serious brain problems. Accutane can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sight, or in rare cases, death. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you get any of these signs of increased brain pressure: bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Also, some patients taking Accutane have had seizures (convulsions) or stroke.

? Abdomen (stomach area) problems. Certain symptoms may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you get severe stomach, chest or bowel pain, trouble swallowing or painful swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine.

? Bone and muscle problems. Accutane may affect bones, muscles, and ligaments and cause pain in your joints or muscles. Tell your prescriber if you plan vigorous physical activity during treatment with Accutane. Tell your prescriber if you develop pain, particularly back pain or joint pain. There are reports that some patients have had stunted growth after taking Accutane for acne as directed. There are also some reports of broken bones or reduced healing of broken bones after taking Accutane for acne as directed. No one knows if taking Accutane for acne will affect your bones. If you have a broken bone, tell your provider that you are taking Accutane. Muscle weakness with or without pain can be a sign of serious muscle damage. If this happens, stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away.

? Hearing problems. Some people taking Accutane have developed hearing problems. It is possible that hearing loss can be permanent. Stop using Accutane and call your prescriber if your hearing gets worse or if you have ringing in your ears.

? Vision problems. While taking Accutane you may develop a sudden inability to see in the dark, so driving at night can be dangerous. This condition usually clears up after you stop taking Accutane, but it may be permanent. Other serious eye effects can occur. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you have any problems with your vision or dryness of the eyes that is painful or constant.

? Lipid (fats and cholesterol in blood) problems. Many people taking Accutane develop high levels of cholesterol and other fats in their blood. This can be a serious problem. Return to your prescriber for blood tests to check your lipids and to get any needed treatment. These problems generally go away when Accutane treatment is finished.

? Allergic reactions. In some people, Accutane can cause serious allergic reactions. Stop taking Accutane and get emergency care right away if you develop hives, a swollen face or mouth, or have trouble breathing. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you develop a fever, rash, or red patches or bruises on your legs.

? Signs of other possibly serious problems. Accutane may cause other problems. Tell your prescriber if you have trouble breathing (shortness of breath), are fainting, are very thirsty or urinate a lot, feel weak, have leg swelling, convulsions, slurred speech, problems moving, or any other serious or unusual problems. Frequent urination and thirst can be signs of blood sugar problems.

Serious permanent problems do not happen often. However, because the symptoms listed above may be signs of serious problems, if you get these symptoms, stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber. If not treated, they could lead to serious health problems. Even if these problems are treated, they may not clear up after you stop taking Accutane.
Accutane has less serious possible side effects

The common less serious side effects of Accutane are dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds. People who wear contact lenses may have trouble wearing them while taking Accutane and after therapy. Sometimes, people?s acne may get worse for a while. They should continue taking Accutane unless told to stop by their prescriber.

These are not all of Accutane?s possible side effects. Your prescriber or pharmacist can give you more detailed information that is written for health care professionals.

This Medication Guide is only a summary of some important information about Accutane. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. If you have any concerns or questions about Accutane, ask your prescriber. Do not use Accutane for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
Active Ingredient: Isotretinoin.

Inactive Ingredients: beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil. Gelatin capsules contain glycerin and parabens (methyl and propyl), with the following dye systems: 10 mg ? iron oxide (red) and titanium dioxide; 20 mg ? FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Blue No. 1, and titanium dioxide; 40 mg ? FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide.

Kerwin Chang writes for http://www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.

Acne presents itself when the pores of your skin get clogged, than begins at the outermost layer of skin, than leads to bacteria and dirt getting trapped which turns into acne. Knowing this helps us understand that a good choice for a best acne medicine would be an over-the-counter medication that includes a strong anti-inflammatory and an anti-bacterial property. Two examples of this would be the non-prescription Oxy and Clearasil medications that temporarily cure mild to moderate acne conditions.

Next is the Proactiv treatment. With Proactiv’s more complete solution, a cleanser, a toner, and a lotion, it seems to be a good contender for the best acne medicine. Proactiv is designed to prevent acne outbreaks and heal existing acne, but it tends to be too harsh on skin. Frequently is option is more expensive than other products designed to do the same thing.

Another option considered one of the best acne medicines is Retin A, especially for treating severe acne and improving skin texture. It claims to make skin look more attractive and younger. Except you shouldn’t expect immediate results with this product, however you can expect to remain acne free for a while after results do come through. Another option known as one of the best acne medicines is Accutane. This option isn’t recommended for all different cases of acne, and it only should be used as needed for a last resort if other products didn’t give you desired results.

Despite of all the medications mentioned above, the best acne medicine continues to remain a natural method. These methods include tons of minerals and vitamins, also plenty of herbal extracts and antioxidants. These ingredients will resolve acne, working together from the inside out. As an added bonus, natural methods don’t cause side effects! These natural medicines contain plenty of nutrients that improves your skin condition caused from scars and acne, while preventing future outbreaks and ensuring your skin will continue to maintain a healthy balance! What are natural methods? Natural methods are going to use herbs that will provide your body with nutrients for cleansing. They wont use prescription medicines, harsh chemicals (benzoyl peroxide) or any food additives and processed foods. Natural acne medicines should never leave you with doubts in your mind! The will soothe the area and take care of any irritation and inflammation. I highly recommend checking out this natural method review. No matter what type of method you do decide to use, make sure you understand and know what it is going to do for you. Although the best acne medicines is always going to be a natural option, some concoctions actually will make things worse!

But there are realities to consider in taking acne medications. There are two types from which acne medication is subdivided – prescription and over-the-counter. These regimens have steps to follow and could help you achieve lasting results.

Prescription acne medication

This type of acne medication as it name connotes, require prescription from your dermatologist. This is done because these drugs have certain dosages that only your dermatologist has the right to convey to you. Some of these prescriptive drugs include:

· Adapalene. This is a gel applied once a day and is known to slow down accumulation of skin cells inside the follicle that may cause clogging of the pores.

· Clindamycin. This type of acne medication is usually in the form of a solution, gel or a lotion and is applied twice a day. This helps kill the bacteria causing acne.

· Erythromycin. This is an antibiotic which may come in the form of a gel or ointment. The solution is applied twice a day, once in the morning and in the evening. It has a component that helps treat bacterial infection.

· Tretinoin. This is a combined retinoic acid and vitamin A acid. It may come in the form of creams, gels and liquids and should be applied in the skin once daily. Its component keeps pores clear and is capable of increasing the phase at which skin cells are replaced.

Over-the-counter acne medication

Over-the-counter acne medications are readily available in drugstores around any place. You do not have to present any prescription to the pharmacist when you buy these types of acne medication. Included in the list of OTC acne medications are:

· Benzoyl Peroxide. This type of OTC medication may also be a prescriptive drug. Just like clindamycin, it contains an anti-bacterial agent that kills the acne cause hence, preventing acne breakout.

· Salicylic Acid. This is often found in pads and is used to help prevent the clogging of the pores. It strikes both blackheads and whiteheads which are two of the primary causes of acne.

· Sulfur. It has peeling and drying capabilities which aids in targeting acne and is usually found in soaps and creams. Use of the product however is moderated as it may cause cell adhesion.

· Resorcinol. This agent is sometimes combined with other OTC medications. It helps breakdown rough and hard skin.

Using acne medications may sometimes cause redness, itchiness and burning of the skin. It is best to do things in accordance with doctor’s advice and package inserts in order to protect you from the damages of misuse of the product.

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Acne medication is primarily of three types. The first kind of acne medications is the wide array of lotions and creams that can be found in just about any pharmacy of drugstore. While these are sometimes sufficient to treat and cure milder forms of acne, those with more acute acne will have to go in for professional counseling and diagnosis. This leads us to second
type of acne medication which consists of prescription drugs. Prescriptions drugs are highly individualized in nature and are often prescribed by a qualified dermatologist only after having ascertained the nature and cause of individual acne. These could range from simple azelaic acid creams, through Benzoyl Peroxide
to Accutane for severe cases of acne. However, do remember that these acne medications should always be taken only upon the recommendation of a qualified medical professional. They should not be treated like over the counter drugs and treated lightly.

The final kind of acne medication is traditional or home made remedies. While most people believe that this kind of acne medication is of no real use, studies have revealed that homemade acne remedies are sometimes very effective in curing simple cases of acne. Most of these acne medications contain a combination of herbs and
plants which are ground up and applied on the affected area. Maybe it is because of the properties of those plants, or even due to sheer belief, but this sort of acne medications has shown surprising results.
However, no guarantees can be made. Again, it would be a good idea to consult a qualified medical professional before sampling any of this sort of acne medication.

Utilizing an appropriate acne medication can help eliminate some of the stressors surrounding it and assist in achieving healthy skin. But when choosing the right medication, the task can also seem somewhat confusing and overwhelming.

Acne is caused by several aspects. Increased oil production and changing hormone levels can lead to blocked pores, which causes skin to become irritated and inflamed. Skin products, the use of certain sports equipment, environmental pollutants, stress, and excessive touching of the skin can also contribute to the increased development of skin irritation.

The skin can then become reddened and may produce blemishes. But today, the market is flooded with acne medication that can assist in minimizing the excess oil and healing the irritated skin.

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Over-the-counter medication includes ointments, lotions, soaps, and cleansing pads. Some of the more common over-the-counter acne medications include Benzoyl Peroxide, Resorcinol, Salicylic Acid and Sulfur. Over-the-counter solutions are often more effective in treating milder cases, but such medication may also take up to eight weeks to make a marked difference in the skin.

This type of medication should be applied topically to the blemish and also to the entire affected area. The purpose of this treatment is to not only heal the visible blemish but to prevent new outbreaks. In order to maintain healthy skin and prevent any new skin irritations, the utilization should be ongoing.

If the acne problem is severe or does not resolve itself after a period of time, a dermatologist may suggest prescription medication.

Prescription acne medication will be prescribed by a doctor or a dermatologist in either topical or oral form. Prescription medications include Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives), Antibiotics, and prescription strength Benzoyl Peroxide. Some doctors feel that in certain situations, a combination of over-the-counter and prescription strength medication can be of benefit in helping to resolve the skin condition.

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With extremely sensitive skin, over-the-counter or prescription medication may cause irritation including redness, dryness, or tightness. If these types of irritations continue, decrease the utilization to every second or third day or decrease the length of application time. Adding mild facial cleansers or moisturizers may decrease skin dryness.

When using prescription acne medication, the patient should be monitored by the prescribing doctor every four to six weeks to ensure safe and effective usage.

Acne is a condition that can be treated and controlled with the appropriate guidance. When choosing a medication, it is always important to discuss any possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. Also, in order to assure proper dosage and application, it is essential to thoroughly read the information included within the package of acne medication.

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Part of the problem with finding the right acne medication is that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to acne. Different people respond differently to the various medications and treatments. However, there are several acne medications that have been clinically proven to be effective in treating acne, and these are the medications that will stop acne for most people.

Prescription Acne Treatments

Of the prescription medications, Accutane is one of the best. It is a chemical derivative of vitamin A, and is often referred to as the “miracle drug” for acne. Accutane is most effective in the treatment of severe cystic acne, and not to be taken lightly. For some people, the many side effects can be worse than the acne itself. However, this is one treatment that works.

Retin A and Renova are also prescription medications. These are topical derivatives of vitamin A, and are also good at clearing up fine lines, wrinkles, and slight skin discolorations. One of the biggest downsides is sunlight and other topical acne treatments must be avoided while using either of them. However, they are proven to reduce acne.

Birth control pills and antibiotics round out the acne medications most commonly prescribed. Birth control pills are used exclusively by women to help regulate hormones, and therefore lessen the hormonally related acne that many women experience. Antibiotics work by attacking the acne causing p.bateria as it grows deep in skin pores.

Over the Counter Acne Treatments

There are some over the counter acne treatments that work well. The two best are benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.

Benzoyl peroxide works by penetrating the skin pores, and eliminating the acne causing bacteria that grows deep in the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is the most commonly used acne treatment because it is affordable, easily available, and nearly as effective as most prescription medication.

Salicylic acid works by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. This helps the skin renew itself faster, and decreases the chance for pore blockage and a subsequent acne breakout.

Herbal Acne Treatments

The vast majority of acne treatments fall under the heading of “herbal” acne treatments. The reason is because of the lack or regulation for herbal products. This can be very frustrating to the general consumer, because it is impossible to tell which herbal treatment will work to stop acne, and which ones will do very little at all.

Of every herbal treatment available, there are only 2 that are currently proven to stop acne. Tea tree oil will help get rid of acne, and so will green tea cream.

Tea tree oil is an oil derived from one tea tree plant that is unique to Australia. For several hundred years it was touted as a cure all, until penicillin was introduced to fight bacteria. However, tea tree oil has seen a recent revival due in part to study conducted in 1990 that proved it is as effective in treating acne as 5% benzoyl peroxide. Furthermore, it had none of the side effects that benzoyl peroxide does.

Green tea cream has been validated more recently, at the 2003 American Academy of Dermatology conference. It was proven that green tea is as effective in treating acne as a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution. Though the study has not been corroborated yet, it demonstrated that there is another herbal treatment besides tea tree oil.

These are some of the acne medications proven to work. For those who are experiencing acne, any of the aforementioned treatments would be well worth trying.

There are three classes of topical acne products available: The chemical acne products (with antibiotics and hormones), The natural acne products (with sulfur, vitamins and minerals) and the home made acne remedies. All three can work wonders on acne with some exceptions, and we are not talking about the side effects, usually associated with use of harsh chemicals. Every body knows that.

Most of the time, treating the severe acne cases, your doctors prescribe the steroid injections because most of the topical prescription and over-the-counter acne medications fail to stop the inflammation but, no matter what some people say, the use of harsh steroids in acne treatment or any other illness must be avoided as much as possible.

Most topical acne creams or medications fail to do the job right for one reason: they don’t penetrate deep enough into the skin. Have you ever used a cosmetic or anti-acne cream applied it and after let’s say – half hour or so, it was still on your skin as a greasy mask? I have! I am sure you have too. Such creams or medications will not serve their purpose. Instead, they will clog the skin pores, which will multiply the acne bacteria and make the treatment more complicated.

While treating severe or mild acne, it is important to use a anti-acne cream with deep penetrating effect, which will deliver the anti-acne ingredients to where they supposed to be – deep in the skin pore, where the infection is and not on it. Unfortunately, or may be fortunately, most chemical acne medications fail to help with acne for this reason and for this reason only. Please, choose your acne treatment wisely, always check the list of the ingredients in possible acne products, compare chemicals with natural and then make your decision.

Apply benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, and topical retinoids – to the entire acne-prone area, not just the blemishes. Apply several smaller amounts instead of one larger amount. Applying several smaller amounts delivers a stronger concentration of medication to several areas. This increases effectiveness. If you see redness, drying, or peeling after applying a topical acne medication this is an indication that your skin is irritated. If you use topical retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene) to clear acne, you may experience the side effects in question.

Check your cleanser. Use a mild cleanser on your face and other acne-prone areas.
A mild cleanser feels non-abrasive and does not contain alcohol. If your cleanser does not fit this description, switch cleansers.

Stop using over-the-counter medications that contain alpha-hydroxy acids or salicylic acids. While your skin is irritated, stop using over-the-counter products that contain these ingredients, these will irritate your skin causing redness, dryness, and peeling. Avoid rubbing alcohol and all astringents, exfoliators, masks, and toners on your skin. They will irritate acne-prone skin. Make sure you read the instructions before using the medication. If in doubt about a prescription medication, do contact your dermatologist, never take chances.

N/B Acne does not clear overnight. Give acne medication enough time to do its job. Do not stop using a medication if you do not see results in a few weeks. After 6 – 8 weeks, you can expect to see about a 50% improvement. It takes 2 to 6 months to see significant improvement.

http://www.saynotoacne.org/thanks.htm

Now, I was once in the category of the frantic and susceptible, in my desperate attempts to get rid of my acne-both as a teenager and a young adult- but not anymore.

After adopting the use of drug-free methods of curing my acne such as a drastic change in my diet, facial massaging and other basic hygienic steps such as changing my pillow-cases daily, having a towel that was exclusively for my face etc, I have since swore off the use of acne medications as I am of the firm belief that most don’t work and may actually aggravate an already debilitating situation.

Now friends, I tried it all (well everything except plastic surgery) Proactive, Clearasil, Neutrogena, Benzoyl peroxide medications…you name it, I tried it and from my experience, nothing worked.

One product would probably just dry my skin out that I’d literally have to rotate my jaw just to get elasticity back in my face; while the other would so irritate my skin, I’d have to be so careful not to even touch it.

Moreover, thinking about the time I spent and wasted using these products actually makes me laugh.

For one I had to use a cleanser, then the mask (10-15 minutes for this one folks) and afterwards a toner and ‘concealer’? Now, keep in mind, I’m a guy and no, I’m not in show-business.

Let’s take a look at some other popular products like Adapalene gel (Differin), Clindamycin phosphate (Cleocin T), Azelic acid (Azelex), Tretinoin.

Friends, most people-like I did -develop side effects from using prescription topical acne remedy medications. These include stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. Hey, aren’t we trying to get a smoother skin here…?!

In addition, when I was prescribed tetracycline and minocycline, both on different occasions by a dermatologist for oral medication, I had to deal with upset stomach, dizziness and lightheadedness which usually kicked in within minutes after use.

Moreover, I was told I’d have to take oral antibiotics for as long as 4 to 6 months for an effective acne treatment! 4-6 months…?! Now I don’t know about you, but that is an awfully long time to wait for an acne remedy to work, especially when a natural inexpensive alternative for the treatment of acne could give you the same results in less than 7 to 10 days when done properly.

Thankfully my acne has since gone and though I mentioned I wasn’t in show business above, maybe I’d give it a shot eh? That’s how improved my skin condition is and how much more confident I feel and this is from a guy who loathed and cringed to have his picture taken or to even step out from his room.

We all differ, so if you’ve had success from acne medications, by all means feel free to use them, however, if like the majority you have had no success with the wide range of so called acne remedies then why not try alternative methods of clearing up your skin. It worked for me and chances are it can work for you.

Here’s to a clearer skin naturally.