Benzoyl Peroxide:

It is one of the most popular medicines that have been used since long to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide-

Unclogs the closed pores

Reduces the infection causing bacteria P.acnes and

Reduces inflammation.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in the form of cream, gel, liquid etc.

Benzoyl peroxide may cause excessive dryness. Benzoyl peroxide should not be used with tretinoin because it reduces effect of tretinoin.

Salicylic Acid:

Salicylic Acid is an effective medication to treat whiteheads and blackheads. Salicylic acid is effective in correcting the abnormal shedding of skin cells. These skin cells block the pore openings and cause acne. Salicylic acid also removes the dead skin cells.

By opening the pores Salicylic Acid helps the sebum come out on the skin. Salicylic Acid does not kill the bacteria P. acnes. Excess use of Salicylic Acid can irritate the skin.

Azelaic Acid:

Azelaic acid treats acne by

Killing the bacteria P.acnes and

Reduces the abnormal shedding of dead skin cells.

Thus Azelaic Acid reduces infection and opens the clogged pores. Azelaic acid is commonly used to treat mild and moderate acne. As this acid is also skin bleach, it can sometimes lighten the skin. It can also cause dryness.

Topical Antibiotics:

Antibiotics kill the bacteria. In case of infected acne, the antibiotics used are- clindamycin, erythromycin, sodium sulfacetamide and others.

The strength of topical antibiotic used depends upon the inflammation.

Most of the topical antibiotics don't have any side effects except dryness or irritation. By using antibiotics, you can stop the progress of pimples to cysts and nodules. Antibiotics are commonly used with another topical that helps treat acne by reducing sebum and/or reduces the excess shedding of skin cells.

Topical Retinoids:

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and are very effective in treatment of mild to moderate acne. Retinoids that are formulated for topical application are- adapalene, tazarotene and tretinoin.

Topical retinoids

Clear the clogged pores and

Have anti-inflammatory properties.

Another advantage of using topical retinoids is that they help remove fine lines and wrinkles. Topical retinoids may produce skin irritation. They should be strictly used under medical supervision as some of them such as tazarotene have shown birth defects in animal trials.

Nicotinamide:

Nicotinamide is part of Vitamin B complex. It has anti-inflammatory properties and treats acne without any side effects of antibiotics. Nicotinamide is also called Niacinamide.

Sulfur and Resorcinol:

The combination of Sulfur and resorcinol unclogs the blocked pores and reduces excess oil. It is effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads. It is not popular because of smell of sulfur.

Alcohol And Acetone:

Alcohol is an antimicrobial agent and acetone is a solvent that cleanses dirt and oil. This combination is used to treat mild form of acne.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.