Acne Treatments

Almost every case of acne can be resolved, thanks to today’s treatments.  There are three things to remember when getting rid of acne lesions and preventing new ones from forming:

1) Finding a cure that works for you takes time.
2) What works for one person does not always work for another.
3) A dermatologist’s help may be required.

Finding an acne cure that works for you takes time. Many treatments on today’s market promise fast, miraculous, or even overnight results just to capture the attention of acne sufferers hoping for quick resolution. However, the fact remains that acne will never clear instantly.  An estimated 6 to 8 weeks are needed to begin to see a significant change in complexion.  Once acne improves or clears, continued treatment is essential in order to keep acne from re-appearing.  If acne does NOT improve in 6 to 8 weeks, adjustments may need to be made to the treatment.

What works for one person may not work for another. Many factors affect acne resolution, such as the cause of the acne, a person’s skin type, and the type of acne lesions present.  These differences will many times prevent a successful treatment for one person from being successful for another.

A dermatologist’s help may be required. With so many factors affecting acne clearance and a multitude of treatment options available on today’s market (some only by prescription), a dermatologist’s help can make a difference.  When prescribing treatment for acne, dermatologists consider several factors, including: acne severity, type of lesions present, co-existing conditions, as well as the patient’s age, skin type, and lifestyle.

The knowledge gained from these considerations allow dermatologists to establish therapy individual to each patient in order to help them resolve their acne and prevent new lesions from forming.
Sometimes a dermatologist may combine two or more treatment options. A patient may be instructed to use one medication in the morning and the other at night. Or, two medications may be combined in one prescription medication. Due to possible side effects, over-the-counter medications should not be combined unless directed by a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.

Acne responds especially well to early treatment. Dermatologists recommend that acne be treated early to maximize effectiveness as well as help prevent scarring.