The Best Treatment Options for Acne

As a teenager, I know all about suffering from acne. Acne can really cause a lot more problems than you'd think. Over time, I've learned that I'm going to have acne to a certain extent, regardless of what I do, and I'll learn to live with it and not worry so much.

However, since I've been suffering from acne, I've come across many legitimate solutions to the problem. I've tried proactive, and other non-prescription medications. Some of these work fine. Some don't work at all. Some persist to make the problem even worse. I'll do my best to help you find what will work best for your acne problem, however you'll need to realize that different medications will work for different people with different skin types, although I'm sure most medications which have worked for me will work for most other people.

Acne is caused by dead skin cells not being able to "slough" off. This means that too many dead skin cells are lying on your skin before they're removed naturally. People who suffer from acne have these cells sitting on their face for a much longer period of time, causing pores to become blocked, and causing acne. The teenage years tend to be very popular for acne because the skin on your face typically thickens. This is caused to an extent by genetics, just be aware that if your parents had acne, you're likely to. If not, it's not likely but still very possible.

On with the treatments.

Accutane
Accutane is about the highest and most serious prescription medication for acne. It's a pill containing isotretinion, and there are many side effects, with the leading and most popular side effect being depression and thoughts of suicide. I personally didn't have any feelings of depression, and the main side effect was the excessive chapping of the lips.

Be aware that a monthly blood check up is required for both males and females on the medication. Females will be required to take birth control due to the birth deffects that will occur if pregnancy occurs while on the medication. Also be aware that the maximum dose for at one time of use is 6 months, and you can only use this medication three times in your life.

Proactiv
Proactiv seems to be a great temporary solution to acne. It works great for a few weeks. After that, your acne will come back to an extent, but probably to a lesser extent than before. This product worked okay for me, it helps out some. I'd prefer to stay on accutane all the time, if the symptoms weren't so severe while taking it for long periods of time.

Proactiv is not prescription, and isn't highly expensive.

Other products I've used include sallicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Shelf-products work best for me if they include benzoyl peroxide. It doesn't dry your face much, and fights acne long after using it.

Out of all of the solutions, I hope you find one that works, but I'd try accutane only as a last resort, It's a long, difficult process to have it prescribed and upkept.