Is it possible to treat acne?

Fortunately there are many different treatments for acne, and different types of treatment or treatment combinations suit different people. Many treatments are available over the counter and others are available through your doctor. It is worth mentioning that many treatments take several weeks or months to show significant improvements.

The aims of treatment are to prevent more spots from forming, to improve those already present, and to prevent or treat scarring.

There are a number of treatments that have been proven effective:

Cleansing the skin
It is important to keep clean those areas which are prone to spots. You should wash twice daily with a gentle unperfumed cleanser. The skin does need a certain amount of oil in order to maintain its natural condition so do not aim to strip it of all oil with harsh cleansers or soaps.
Exfoliating the skin.
This can be done mechanically, using a cream or lotion exfoliant or scrub or surgically with a chemical acid exfoliating agent. The way it works is that it encourages the peeling of the top layer of skin at a microscopic level which prevents a build up of dead skin cells which combine with skin oil to block pores. There are many specially formulated moisturizers and anti-acne topical exfoliants on the market.
Topical bactericidals
Again, many of these are available over the counter. Some contain benzyl peroxide which is very often successful in mild to moderate cases of acne. It might come in gel or cream form and is rubbed into the affected areas daily, killing the bacteria which causes inflammation. Often these are used in conjuction with a moisturiser to avoid excessive drying of the skin.
Topical antibiotics
Externally applied antibiotics can also help and these may be available over the counter or through your doctor, who might recommend their use in conjunction with exfoliants or bactericidals.
Oral antibiotics
Such as erythromycin or tetracycline. These are sadly becoming less effective as resistance is developing to their use. Acne quite often reoccurs after treatment has stopped.
Hormonal Treatments
In women, acne can often be improved by hormonal treatments such as the combined oestrogen/progesterone contraceptive pill.
External Retinoids
These work on the life cycle of the skin follicle. For example tretinoin (brand name Retin–A). Retinol, a form of the vitamin A, as similar effects and is found in many over the counter moisturisers and acne preparations.
Oral retinoids
These reduce the secretion of oils from the glands. This is done by a daily oral intake of vitamin A derivatives such as isotretinoin over a period of 4-6 months. This has been proven to be very useful in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients but has some serious side effects and should be used only under the close supervision of a doctor.
Phototherapy
It has long been known that short term improvement to acne is brought about by exposure to the sun. However, studies show that long term sunlight exposure can actually worsen acne, presumably because of UV damage. More recently, visible light has been used to treat acne – in particular intense blue light generated by purpose built fluorescent lights, LEDs or lasers.
Acne scars
More severe acne or larger spots can leave scars on the skin. There are many over the counter treatments which aim to minimise the appearance of scars and treat existing skin conditions to help avoid the formation of scars. In severe cases dermatological or surgical intervention may be necessary.