By: Chris Simons
In order to treat your acne effectively, it is important that you fully understand the two types of acne treatments that are available today. This article will reveal the serious side effects of some of these treatments while equipping you with the latest information on therapies available to treat acne.
There are two common types of treatments for acne:
a. Topical Treatments
b. Electronic Therapies
Topical Treatments
1. Accutane - Though this treatment was popular, it has been proven to have some connection to birth defects and increases the risk of suicide in young adults.
2. Retin A (Retinoic acid) - Has been linked to skin inflammation and increases the risk of blood clots in women especially women that smoke.
3. Benzoyl peroxide - Effective in controlling excess oil and has an antibiotic that fights the bacteria that causes acne. While this is a good treatment for acne, it can leave the users skin dry and irritated.
4. ProActiv Solution - Uses Benzoyl Peroxide in lower quantities to prevent or reduce the dryness and irritation that is associated with Benzoyl Peroxide. Though ProActiv Solution is endorsed by a lot of stars users of the product have complained that the product works for a while and then stops working. It is also important to note that this product has worked for a lot of people. And one can only say that how effective it will be for you will largely depend on the type of acne you have.
Other effective topical acne treatments are: Oxy Balance, Oxy Maximum, Neutrogena's On The Spot Treatment, and Nicomide-T.
Electronic Treatments:
1. Zeno - Is an electronic device about the size of a small mobile phone that sends controlled heat for about 2 to 3 minutes to a zit to destroy the acne bacteria. If you have the occasional pimple that pops out, then this treatment is ideal. However, if your acne problem is moderate to severe, then this method will not work well for you.
2. Laser treatment - This treatment takes a two-prong approach to treating acne. There is the laser that heats up the acne bacteria to destroy it and the other laser shuts down the production of excess oil. The laser treatment seems to have an anti-aging benefit by prompting the skin to produce more collagen.
The laser treatment is expensive and should only be used when the topical treatments do not work. It is typically used in the treatment of large areas affected by acne, such as the back.
3. Photo Dynamic Therapy (Light Treatment) - This therapy combines the use of laser or and a topical solution called Levulan. The treatment is very effective, but it is highly recommended that you use a very strong sunblock at least 24 hours after treatment and to avoid direct sunlight.
