| Perhaps the best acne treatment is one that is | | | | However, a potent retinoid acne product will |
| the least invasive, especially when it comes to | | | | increase photosensitivity and, therefore, requires |
| cases of mild to moderate acne. Therefore, the | | | | the use of a sunscreen (at least, SPF 15). |
| best acne product for your condition is a topical | | | | Retinoids are best used under the supervision of a |
| one. More invasive procedures, such as injections, | | | | dermatologist or physician. Some examples of |
| should only be pursued when other treatments | | | | topical retinoids are: |
| have been exhausted. | | | | · Adapalene -- synthetic retinoid; side |
| Topical Niacinamide | | | | effects: minor skin irritation and dryness. |
| This is probably the most exceptionally safe, yet | | | | · Tazarotene -- synthetic retinoid; should |
| effective, acne treatment available in the market | | | | not be used by pregnant women because it has |
| today. Niacinamide is derived from water-soluble | | | | produced birth defects in lab animals. |
| Vitamin B3 and, therefore, does not accumulate in | | | | · Tretinoin -- first topical retinoid use; |
| your body. It is available as an over the counter | | | | natural retinoid; gradually unclogs pores and keeps |
| acne product (e.g., Acnessential). | | | | them unplugged; side effects: burning, redness, |
| Since it is flushed out immediately after it does its | | | | dryness, scaling, and itching. |
| work, there is no danger that it will tax your body | | | | One of the benefits of topical retinoids is that |
| with buildup, unlike some of the best acne | | | | they can help lessen the signs of aging (fine lines |
| medications known for their effectiveness. | | | | and wrinkles). |
| Although it has antimicrobial properties (and has | | | | Acne-fighting benefits: |
| proven to be more effective than the antibiotic | | | | · Unclogs pores curing whiteheads, |
| clindamycin in experiments) it is not an antibiotic | | | | blackheads, and pimples |
| and will not create resistant microorganisms in the | | | | · Keeps pores unplugged, preventing the |
| body-a common side effect of antibiotic use. This | | | | formation of new signs of acne |
| makes topical niacinamide safe for prolonged use. | | | | · Has moderate to potent |
| In studies, topical niacinamide has even been | | | | anti-inflammatory properties |
| shown to be beneficial in improving skin cancer, as | | | | Topical Antibiotics |
| well as having anti-aging properties. | | | | Their basic function being to fight bacteria, |
| Acne-fighting benefits: | | | | antibiotics attack bacteria buildup around the |
| · Treats mild to moderately inflammatory | | | | affected pore or follicle where, together with oil |
| comedonal (appearing in papules and pustules) | | | | and dead skin cells, they reside and lead to the |
| acne | | | | infection and inflammation associated with acne. |
| · Reduces amount of sebum (body's | | | | Some examples of topical antibiotics are: |
| natural oil) present in the skin | | | | · Erythromycin -- antimicrobial, |
| · Minimizes redness and swelling | | | | anti-inflammatory; side effects: dryness to |
| · Spares sensitive skin from the drying | | | | possible irritation and decreased bacterial |
| effect of acids (salicylic, azelaic, etc.) and the | | | | resistance |
| redness and irritation of retinoids (tretinoin, | | | | · Clindamycin -- semi-synthetic antibiotic, |
| adapalene, etc.) | | | | decreases inflammation; side effects: dryness, |
| · May be used alone or in conjunction with | | | | irritation, decreased bacterial resistance |
| other acne medications | | | | · Sodium sulfacetamide -- opens clogged |
| Topical Retinoids | | | | pores, anti-inflammatory; older sulfur acne |
| Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids are normally | | | | products include sulfur, which is gritty and has an |
| prescribed for mild to moderately severe acne. | | | | unpleasant smell. |