| This article provides useful, detailed information | | | | expected and no cause for alarm. Products |
| about Acne Skin Care Products. | | | | containing tretinoin are available in the form of |
| Most products used medically in acne prevention | | | | gels, lotions and creams for topical application and |
| and treatment contain specific compounds that | | | | their consistent use can produce favorable results |
| address the problem. Their presence in a product | | | | in less than a month. Tretinoin treatment is for a |
| will be mentioned on the packaging. | | | | medically specified time period only, and should not |
| One of these compounds is benzoyl peroxide, | | | | be employed beyond that. |
| sometimes in combination with the antibiotic | | | | Another commonly occurring agent in acne |
| erythromycin. The popular Clearasil contains this | | | | treatment compounds is adapalene gel, which |
| agent. The main disadvantage of using products | | | | works by keeping skin pores clear and |
| containing it is that benzoyl peroxide can be a | | | | unobstructed. Products containing adapalene are |
| MAJOR skin irritant, since peroxide is basically an | | | | available only by medical prescription and must not |
| oxidant which can damage healthy skin tissue. | | | | be used outside close dermatological monitoring. |
| Though they are very effective in many cases, | | | | Though generally beneficial, they can cause |
| the pros and cons of using benzoyl | | | | itchiness, scaling, extreme localized dryness, and |
| peroxide-based products must be carefully | | | | an inflamed appearance. |
| weighed by a dermatologist before they are | | | | Many dermatologists prescribe oral antibiotics such |
| actually employed. | | | | as doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline. Again |
| Tretinoin is another chemical compound which has | | | | the benefits must be medically weighed against |
| found favor with dermatologists, since it has a | | | | possible complications like stomach upsets, vertigo |
| dermabrasive (i.e. skin peeling) effect and allows | | | | and reduced efficacy of birth control pills in |
| pores to decongest. Invariably, tretinoin causes an | | | | women. |
| aggravation of the acne before it begins to work | | | | It is important to note that effective acne |
| beneficially. It can also produce some unpleasant | | | | treatment usually involves lifestyle changes as well |
| side effects like temporary pigment changes and | | | | a medicine. It is wise to consult a dermatologist |
| flushing, stinging, swelling and scaling of skin. This is | | | | before taking any acne medicine. |