Preparations for acne acne (English)

To get rid of pimples, blackheads and acne, which bring us enormous discomfort, you need to choose the right care product. It must meet the needs of the skin and eliminate a specific problem. However, there are no universal remedies for fighting acne; everyone must find their own remedy - these can be ointments, creams, gels and masks. Let's look at the best.

The main causes of acne

In order for acne treatment to bring maximum results, you need to eliminate the cause that provokes its formation. Skin rashes are caused by:

emotional shocks, stress, nervous strain, worries;
frequent contact with hands or phones that have germs on the surface;
hormonal imbalance, thyroid diseases;
heredity;
use of corticosteroids, birth control pills;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the intestines;
unhealthy diet - content in the diet of fast food, fatty and fried foods, as well as sweets and baked goods;
allergic reaction;
bad habits - nicotine and alcohol provoke metabolic disorders;
wrong choice of cosmetics, use of too oily cosmetics.

A doctor will help determine the true cause of the rash. To do this, you can contact a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist, dermatologist, hematologist. A nutritionist and cosmetologist will also help. By identifying the cause of the rash and eliminating it, you can expect that anti-acne products will be effective.

Popular acne remedies

Anti-acne cosmetics contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components that help get rid of acne. Our review will help you choose the right skin care cosmetics for your face and body.

The rating of remedies for treating acne and pimples is topped by ointments. These are mainly pharmaceutical products. Let's look at the most effective ones:

“Zinerit” is an ointment containing the antibiotic erythromycin, which destroys propionibacteria and streptococcus, as well as zinc, which dries the skin and reduces the intensity of secretion of the sebaceous glands. The product cleanses the surface of the skin, eliminates white pimples and blackheads, even if the area of the rash is very large. People with dry and sensitive skin should use this ointment carefully. The course of treatment is 10-12 weeks.
→ Reviews of the cream “Zinerit” 1, 2
Salicylic ointment is a medicine containing salicylic acid. Its concentration can reach 2%, 5%, or 10% and 60%. It has a pronounced antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Cleanser for purulent acne. It also helps brighten post-acne skin. The maximum duration of continuous use is up to 3 weeks.
→ Reviews of Salicylic ointment 1
"Levomekol" is a medicine intended for the treatment of ulcers, rashes, and promotes rapid healing of the skin. Suitable for teenagers who often develop painful pimples on the forehead and other areas of the face. The active components of the ointment are methyluracil and chloramphenicol. They have a powerful anti-inflammatory and also antimicrobial effect. You need to use the product for 2-4 weeks.
Erythromycin ointment - used in combination with other medications. The active ingredient erythromycin ED effectively fights purulent acne. The ointment should be used continuously for a maximum of a month.
Sulfur ointment – contains precipitated sulfur, which has a drying and antimicrobial effect. As a result of its use, it is possible to quickly get rid of acne and rashes, since the product reduces the intensity of subcutaneous fat production. The product is effective against subcutaneous acne. The sulfides contained in the ointment promote wound healing, which helps even out the skin. You need to apply the product for 2-3 weeks.
Ichthyol ointment is a powerful acne remedy containing ichthyol. Its use provides comprehensive treatment, since the ointment quickly relieves inflammatory processes and minimizes the pain that occurs when internal acne appears. This is a spot treatment that is gently applied to the surface of the pimple to speed up its maturation. Use once a day until the problem is resolved.
Synthomycin ointment is a cleanser that quickly relieves inflammation. Effective against ulcers, acne, rashes, small spots. Contains an antibiotic that destroys germs that cause acne. The duration of treatment with this ointment is a maximum of 5 days. This is an inexpensive remedy.

All anti-acne ointments are applied 1-2 times a day to cleansed skin. They should not be used more often, because pharmaceutical products contain active ingredients. When using them, side effects such as an allergic reaction, redness, swelling are possible, but they occur rarely. Acne ointments fall into the category of inexpensive products.

Acne gels have a light texture and are quickly absorbed. There are cosmetics and medications sold in pharmacies. Let's look at the most effective acne gels:

"Effezel" is an effective gel that helps cure acne and pimples even at the most advanced stage. Contains baziron and differin, which quickly remove rashes, acne, promote healing and smoothing of the skin. It has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, cleanses the skin surface well.
"Dalacin" is a pharmaceutical anti-acne gel that contains the strong antibiotic clindamycin. This is a universal drug that copes with acne, pimples, blackheads, redness and other aesthetic defects. The effect of use appears after 2-4 weeks. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor, but it should not exceed 5 weeks, since the body gets used to the action of this drug.
"Metrogil" is a gel for red acne and rashes that has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. The active ingredient is metronidazole. This gel, in combination with other drugs, can be used to treat skin defects, as well as prevent their occurrence. The product is used for 3-6 weeks.
→ Reviews about “Metrogil” 1
“Oxygel” is a gel that is suitable for the treatment of acne and acne of mild or moderate severity. The active ingredient in this drug is benzoyl peroxide. The product should be used carefully by those with sensitive skin, because when the gel gets on its surface it can cause burning and irritation. The duration of the course of use is a maximum of 2 weeks.
"Skinoren Gel" - its active ingredient azelaic acid provides a bactericidal and drying effect. This remedy normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, helps get rid of acne, pimples, blackheads. The gel effectively copes with even the most advanced stage of rashes, but you can use it for a maximum of 14 days, since it dries out the skin too much.
→ Reviews of “Skinoren Gel” 1, 2, 3

The gel is applied to cleansed skin several times a day.

Creams

Creams are very popular in the fight against acne. Consider the list of the most effective:

“Differin” is a good cream for the face and body, containing adapalene, which fights acne and comedones. It is used for the treatment and prevention of acne and pore contamination.
"Baziron" is the best acne remedy for dry skin. It provides not only an antibacterial effect, but also regulates the process of sebum secretion and well moisturizes the epidermis. The cream is more effective against acne and rashes. Duration of use is 3-3.5 months.
→ Reviews about “Baziron” 1, 2
“Clean Skin” from Garnier is a cosmetic product for daily use that fights blackheads and red spots. Suitable for those with oily skin as it dries it out greatly. Dry skin may begin to peel after using this product for several days.
→ Reviews “Clean skin” from Garnier 1
"Boro Plus" - consists of plant components: sandalwood, turmeric, aloe and other components. Has a good antibacterial and antiseptic effect. Used for the appearance of ulcers and rashes, suitable for teenagers and adults. The cream must be applied three times a day until the aesthetic defect disappears.

There are many acne creams on the market designed for daily skin care. They can be applied continuously for 1.5-2 months, after which you should take a break and start using another cosmetic product. This will help avoid addiction. That is why it is advisable to look for several options at once so that you can alternate them - a review of acne creams for different skin types can be found here.

Other acne remedies

Ducray Keraknil mask has a triple effect: absorbs excess sebum, cleanses pores and prevents them from getting dirty. Consists of clay, polyhydroxy acid, microparticles of wax. The mask is applied twice a week for 5 minutes. Its regular use eliminates acne and ulcers.
Payot cleansing paste is intended for the treatment of subcutaneous acne. Contains lanolin. The product is applied to cleansed skin before bed. You need to attach a patch on top, and in the morning remove it and wash. 3-5 applications are enough for the subcutaneous pimple to disappear. The product may cause peeling of the skin.
→ Reviews of Payot 1 Cleansing Paste
StopProblem healing and concealing corrector is an antibacterial agent containing salicylic acid, which dries out pimples. Flesh-colored concealer is applied over the pimple to disguise the breakout. At the same time, the active components of the drug promote the resorption of the abscess and cleansing of the pores. After 2-4 days of regular application, the pimple disappears.

If you list the most effective remedies for acne, the top 10 will definitely include Differin, salicylic ointment, Skinoren Gel, Baziron, Keraknil Ducray, ichthyol ointment, Zinerit, Boro Plus, StopProblem, "Oxygel".

How to choose the right product for you

To choose a good external remedy for cleansing skin from rashes, you need to consider a number of parameters. The main ones:

Why do acne appear? If their formation is caused by excessive expansion of pores, you need products that narrow them. When the reason is the presence of certain bacteria on the skin, antibacterial creams and ointments will help.
Skin type – it is important that the cosmetic product matches your skin type. Drying products are suitable for oily skin, but for dry skin they will be too aggressive. The use of skin care cosmetics that are not suitable for a specific skin type can aggravate aesthetic problems. You should especially carefully select products for sensitive skin types. They must certainly have a soft effect.
If you have allergies, it is better to give preference to hypoallergenic products.
Good creams do not contain petroleum products, as well as synthetic additives and artificial flavors. Their presence can further irritate the skin, causing new rashes to appear.

It is very important that anti-acne products do not clog pores, otherwise the skin will receive insufficient oxygen, and this worsens its condition, appearance, and contributes to the spread of rashes.

This effective remedy helps against acne because it acts comprehensively. It provides good cleansing, relieves inflammation, has an antibacterial and drying effect. The drugs also reduce sebum production and tighten pores, resulting in the removal of acne. The skin becomes healthy and well-groomed. The main thing is to choose a product that suits your skin type and switch to a balanced diet.

Using topical acne treatments provides only 50-60% of the results. Otherwise, the effectiveness of treatment is determined by the state of health and lifestyle.

The main causes of acne on the face are poor environment, dirty air, poor diet, stress, etc. All these and other factors affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands. As a result of this, they begin to work more intensely, and the body cannot cope with the load. The result appears on the face in the form of pimples.

Rashes on the face must be treated with special means, otherwise even bigger problems may appear in the form of scars. In the future, the skin will begin to deplete and it will be much more difficult to cope with the problem.

It is forbidden to squeeze out pimples yourself, as there is a risk of infection, and this contributes to the formation of even more purulent rashes or can lead to the formation of scars. It is very difficult to cure the consequences of squeezing out rashes.

Types of acne on the face

The appearance of imperfections on the skin may be due to genetic predisposition or bacterial infection. All rashes are divided by specialists into different categories and types, so when choosing treatment, you should focus on the nature of the dermal imperfections that have appeared.

There are the following types of acne:

blackheads, or otherwise comedones;
papules;
pustules;
acne.

Let's take a closer look at each type.

Comedones

Comedones are a type of non-inflammatory acne, which are most often localized on the face. They are formed at the mouth of the hair follicles, which are subsequently clogged with sebum and dead dermal cells. In appearance, comedones look like small elevations above the skin with a white or black center. The growth of such acne can also be triggered by fatty or spicy foods eaten.

Comedones with a black center are also called “blackheads.” They form mainly on the chin, forehead or nose. Their dark color is not due to pollution. Blackheads are actually clogged with colorless sebum and cells, but when light is not reflected correctly from the hair follicles, they appear dark. Also, upon contact with air, gradually accumulations of excess fat begin to darken.

This type of acne does not require special prescription medications for treatment. It is enough to pay increased attention to cleansing the dermis and use cosmetics that do not clog pores.

Papules

Papules are formed as a result of inflammation of comedones. This is due to the fact that bacteria begin to multiply in the sebaceous glands, which subsequently contribute to the inflammatory process and the formation of pus inside.

In appearance, papules look like red growths, are sensitive and may be accompanied by itchy skin.. It should be remembered that squeezing such pimples can provoke an inflammatory process and lead to scarring.

Read about creams for scars and scars on the face here.

If a large accumulation of papules appears on the face, then it is necessary to seek treatment from a dermatologist, as this is a sign of a skin disease.

Treatment of this type of inflammation is more difficult than treatment of comedones. Benzoyl peroxide-based drugs are prescribed, as well as oral and local antibacterial therapy.

Pustules

The formation of pustules is not necessarily due to a bacterial infection. Most often they are formed from comedones, which have white heads. The pustule fills with white or yellow pus and has a red inflammatory rim around the head.

Pustules can merge with each other, forming raised tubercles above the skin with pus inside.

You should avoid squeezing this type of pimple, as there is a risk of intensifying the inflammatory process.

Typically, acne is considered a disease that is caused by inflammation of the hair follicles. The inflammatory process occurs as a result of clogged pores. In other words, acne is called acne.

Acne can appear at any age, but most often appears in adolescence, when the body undergoes restructuring and hormonal imbalance is observed. Acne can appear in the form of comedones, papules, and pustules.

The list of the best acne creams can be found here.

Types of acne remedies

Any type of acne must be treated. For effectiveness, it is better to contact a specialist who will select the necessary drug based on the picture of the disease. There are several types of drugs for the treatment of acne:

Ointments for acne treatment

The most common and effective ointments for treating acne are:

Zenerite. The drug is used to treat pimples, acne or acne. It has established itself as the most effective drug, which contains two active components. First of all, it is the antibiotic erythromycin, which fights germs and bacteria. The second active ingredient in the composition is zinc. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, prevents inflammation from spreading further, and promotes the healing of formed papules.

Salicylic ointment. Used to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. The product contains salicylic acid, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. As a result of using the product, pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed, sebum production is reduced, inflammation is stopped, and dermal regeneration is stimulated. Salicylic ointment is an excellent budget product that has proven its effectiveness. The price of the drug ranges from 20 to 50 rubles in city pharmacies.
Zinc ointment. The zinc contained in the product disinfects, absorbs, dries rashes, and has an astringent and antimicrobial effect. Dermatologists often prescribe this remedy in the fight against dermal imperfections. The drug is suitable for the treatment of acne, anke, inflammatory acne.

Antibiotic ointment

To treat some types of acne, it is necessary to use products that contain antibiotics. The most effective drugs include:

Levomekol. The product contains chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and dioxomethyltetrahydropyrimidine –a component that helps stimulate dermal regeneration. The drug has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The antibiotic included in the composition is active against various microorganisms, including staphylococci. The product is used to treat acne, including the treatment of purulent rashes. Regetsin cream has a similar effect. The product is also used to heal wounds after acne, since dioxomethyltetrahydropyrimidine penetrates deep into the dermis and promotes skin regeneration. Product price – 150 rubles.
Erythromycin ointment. The product contains the antibiotic erythromycin. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of acne that is caused by bacterial microorganisms, as well as for the treatment of chronic forms of acne. As a result of application, purulent inflammations resolve, inflammation decreases, redness disappears. After using this drug, new rashes do not appear.

Instructions for using Radevit ointment can be found in this article.

Syntomycin ointment. The main active substance in the product is the antibiotic chloramphenicol. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of purulent acne, boils, and pustules. The substance is able to penetrate deep into the dermis, thereby achieving the best therapeutic effect. The drug also contains castor oil, which moisturizes the dermis, relieves inflammation, and stimulates the regeneration of dermal cells. The average price is 55 rubles.
Clindamycin. The drug contains the antibiotic clindamycin (it is also the main active ingredient of the Clindovit gel), which is used to treat fungal diseases and to treat acne. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of acne and boils. Klenzit S is also used for such diseases. The active substance penetrates deep into the dermis, accumulates in the pimple, due to which it promotes a speedy recovery and has a long-lasting effect.

The most effective creams

Let's consider the rating of the most popular and effective creams used in the treatment of acne:

Baziron. The active ingredient of the product is benzoyl peroxide. The substance helps reduce sebum production, has an antimicrobial effect, and promotes healing of the dermis. The product is used to treat comedones, blackheads and acne. Benzoyl peroxide is active against staphylococci and other bacteria that cause inflammation. The price of the product is from 600 to 850 rubles.
Sudocrem. The zinc oxide contained in the composition has an astringent effect, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and has an antiseptic effect. The drug promotes wound healing, disinfects and relieves inflammation.

Akriderm. A remedy is prescribed for the treatment of skin diseases, including acne and acne. The drug contains the glucocorticosteroid hormone betamethasone. It is necessary to use this product with caution, since long-term use may lead to addiction and a decrease in the therapeutic effect. Betamethasone has an anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory effect. The approximate price for the product is 400-600 rubles.
Adaklin. It is an effective remedy in the fight against inflammation of the dermis. The therapeutic effect is achieved thanks to the active substance adapalene. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces comedones. The price for a tube of cream is 550 rubles.
Bioderma. The pharmacy series of care cosmetics Bioderma Sebium is aimed at treating imperfections of the dermis. The use of products from this line helps reduce sebum production, cleanse pores, and improve skin condition. The cream relieves inflammation, reduces the activity and proliferation of microorganisms that cause rashes on the face. A drug is prescribed for the treatment of acne.

Differin. A drug that contains adapalene. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the adhesion of epithelial cells, and reduces the formation of comedones. The cream copes well with the treatment of acne of varying severity, and is also active in the treatment of papules, pustules and comedones. The product costs about 900 rubles.
Cynovitis. The drug does not contain hormonal components, but this does not prevent it from coping with inflammation, providing an antimicrobial and antiseptic effect. The use of the cream helps eliminate foci of inflammation, soothe irritated dermis, helps get rid of pimples and blackheads, and has a healing effect. Among other things, the cream can be used to treat subcutaneous acne, stopping the source of inflammation, penetrating deep into the dermis.

Acne treatment gels

The most common acne-fighting gels are:

Metrogil. The gel contains the antibiotic metronidazole, thanks to which it has gained such popularity. The product can be used to treat various skin diseases, as it has an antibacterial effect. The cost of the gel is about 200 rubles.
Effezel. The gel contains two of the most popular components that help fight acne. This is adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, due to which the remedy is used to treat comedones, acne, papules and pustules.

Skinoren. The drug is intended for the treatment of acne, since the active substance is azelaic acid. It has an antimicrobial effect, reduces sebum production, and relieves inflammation. The cost of the gel is 1650 rubles.
Ugrisept 911. It is an inexpensive pharmaceutical product that contains zinc oxide, allatoin, as well as natural plant extracts of chamomile, milk thistle, tea tree oil, etc. The drug has a healing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Zinc oxide dries out acne, fights inflammation, and prevents further growth.

For post-acne and blackheads

Let's consider products that help cope with post-acne and blackheads:

Clotrimazole. This is an antifungal drug that fights various fungi, staphylococci and pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, clotrimazole is an excellent remedy in the fight against age spots and acne marks. To achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect, it is necessary to use the gel for at least one month. The cost of the medicine is from 50 to 200 rubles, depending on the manufacturer.
Mirror. The active substance is an antibiotic, which is able to penetrate into inflammation and accumulate there, thereby promoting rapid healing and treatment of small and large inflammations. The substance penetrates the comedones and can remain there for a long time. A remedy is prescribed for the treatment of acne and post-acne.

Korean Starting Treatment Cream from SECRET KEY. A healing cream that moisturizes and soothes the dermis. The composition includes natural extracts that help in the treatment of acne, relieve inflammation and redness, and reduce age spots. The drug removes acne marks and promotes skin regeneration. Cost 1300 rub.
Faberlic Ultra Clean Green Facial Cream Active 6 in 1. A caring cream that helps moisturize the dermis, relieves redness and inflammation, is used to even out skin tone, removes scars, and soothes the dermis. Suitable for oily and problematic dermis.
Face cream BioAQUA PURESKIN Anti Acne-light Print & Cream. Cream for spot application to affected areas of the skin. The product helps narrow pores, relieves inflammation, dries out acne, and reduces sebum production. Regular use of the product helps in the fight against post-acne.

Read this material on how to use Cetaphil lotion.

Bodyaga from acne and blemishes on the face. As a result of using bodyaga, inflammation is reduced, dermal regeneration processes are launched, and due to the fact that bodyaga has bactericidal properties, comedones and blackheads are removed.
Chinese acne cream ROLANJONA DOCACNE. A product containing bitter cucumber extract, known for its pronounced immediate effect in the fight against rashes. After applying the cream, an immediate effect is observed - acne inflammation is reduced, skin tone is evened out, and sebum production is reduced.

Thai cream Isme Acne Spots Cream with tea tree oil and aloe vera. A product containing natural plant extracts. A spot-action cream, after application of which inflammation decreases, pimples dry out, skin structure is evened out, blackheads and comedones are eliminated, and purulent formations are treated. The price of the product is 300 rubles.
Faberlic anti-acne cream for problem skin with Novaftem-O2. A new caring series of cosmetics that are aimed at combating skin imperfections. The products contain zinc oxide, which regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, dries out rashes, and narrows enlarged pores. Thanks to the patented formula, the active components are able to penetrate deep into the epidermis.

The best facial acne creams for teenagers are described here.

Which cream is better and which one to choose?

To treat acne, it is best to contact a specialist who will help you choose the appropriate remedy based on the clinical picture of the disease.

When choosing from cheap ointments, the best effect is provided by products with antibacterial active substances. These products include Levomekol ointment, Synthomycin ointment or erythromycin ointment. These remedies should be chosen if the cause of acne is associated with bacteria or bacterial infections.

Of the expensive cosmetics, pharmaceutical products are the best for treating acne. Such drugs include cosmetics from Avene, Bioderma, Skinoren gel.

Bepanten has good healing properties, the instructions for use of which are described in this article.

Video

This video presents the best ways to combat post-acne.

Acne is a complex disease with a precisely unknown etiology and mechanism of development. There are many theories about where acne comes from. New discoveries on this topic appear regularly in dermatology, but it is still not entirely clear what exactly causes them to occur. Therefore, for treatment there are many different drugs from various groups. All of them act on different stages of acne development. And all are effective to varying degrees. Our review of the most popular medications will help you figure out how to choose the most effective remedy for facial acne.

Where do acne come from?

Acne can occur at any age in both men and women. Official medicine assigns an important role to hormonal disorders in its occurrence. This is not surprising - most often acne appears in adolescence, during or after pregnancy, with endocrine pathologies; in girls the process worsens before menstruation. That is, the connection between the state of the hormonal system and the appearance of acne is obvious.

Considerable importance is attached to identifying bacterial infections on the skin. It has been established that special bacteria called propionibacterium acnes are responsible for the occurrence of acne. Also, the development of inflammatory phenomena on the skin is facilitated by a large number of demodex mites on it.

In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the study of local immunity of the skin, its protective properties, which very much depend on the pH value and the qualitative composition of the hydrolipid film. Normally, the pH of the skin should be acidic. Bacteria cannot multiply in an acidic environment. And due to improper care, the pH balance shifts to the alkaline side, and harmful flora begins to feel at ease on the skin and actively multiply, causing the appearance of acne.

Thus, many factors are responsible for the appearance of acne. Accordingly, its treatment should be comprehensive, including drugs from different groups that affect certain parts of the pathogenesis.

What types of acne are there?

In the medical community, there is no uniform classification of acne. To make a diagnosis, doctors use the international classification of diseases, but to understand the clinical features, different authors systematize all possible types of acne in different ways.

It is enough for the average person to know that acne is divided into comedones and acne itself.

Comedones can be:

open (so-called blackheads);
closed (or milia).

They are formed as a result of clogging of the pores with dead cells and sebum.

Open comedones are congestion in open pores. Sebum oxidizes under the influence of oxygen, which is why such acne looks like blackheads. When pressed, the contents come out easily.

Milia look like scatterings of white millet grains. These are closed comedones, the fat in them does not oxidize, so they remain “clean” and white. When pressed, the contents do not come out. Such comedones can become inflamed and form pimples.

Acne (blackheads) are inflammatory elements of a skin rash. They occur when there is purulent damage to the hair follicle, sebaceous gland and surrounding tissues. There are acne:

youthful;
children's;
adult acne;
exogenous;
caused by trauma.

Juvenile acne develops in teenagers.

Children's acne is very rare, as is correct, with congenital skin pathology.

Adult acne develops for the first time after 20-25 years. Most often, the disease is triggered by some kind of hormonal changes (for example, pregnancy or endocrine disease), stress, or a change in climate zone for permanent residence. But often the cause of acne cannot be determined.

Exogenous acne occurs due to toxic effects - like an allergic reaction to new cosmetics. Or as a result of contact with household chemicals or caustic substances at work.

As a result of trauma, acne appears when wearing tight clothes or shoes (due to frequent damage to the skin as a result of friction), with increased sweating, as well as with mental disorders (pathomimia), when the patient injures or scratches the skin on his own.

How to treat acne

First of all, you need to try to determine the cause of acne and eliminate it. Thus, in case of endocrine disorders, normalizing hormonal levels helps get rid of acne. But alas, it is not always possible to understand why acne occurs. And this is where local and general medications come to the rescue, helping to clear the face of acne. Of course, such treatment should be prescribed by a dermatologist or cosmetologist. But everyone who is faced with this problem needs to know at least the most popular remedies for acne.

List of the most effective topical acne treatments

Local application involves applying the drug to the skin, that is, the active substances can only act on its surface. Such drugs are extremely poorly absorbed, so they do not have a systemic effect when used correctly. But they help restore the protective properties of the skin, normalize its secretory and excretory functions, cleanse, kill bacteria, which helps get rid of acne.

Differin

This acne remedy belongs to the group of latest generation topical retinoids. Its active ingredient is adapalene. Available in the form of cream and gel.

Adapalene has an anti-inflammatory effect and also helps cleanse pores and remove blackheads. Thanks to the action of this drug, the level of secretion of the sebaceous glands is reduced, the skin becomes less oily, and the process of cell renewal of the stratum corneum is normalized.

Apply this product once a day before bedtime to cleansed skin in a thin layer. The first effect becomes noticeable after 3-4 weeks of regular use. For lasting results, use for several months is required. During the entire course, it is necessary to use sun protection every time you go outside, since vitamin A-based preparations increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

Differin is indicated for all types of acne, including the isolated comedonal form. For those with thick, oily skin, it is better to use gel; for thin and sensitive skin, it is better to use cream. The only absolute contraindication to the use of this product is an allergy to any of its components.

Klenzit S

Gel Klenzit is also a drug based on adapalene, an analogue of Differin. Klenzit C is a combination drug in which adapalene is combined with the antibiotic clindamycin. This is the fundamental difference between these two means with a similar name.

Clenzit without an antibiotic is used for comedones. For acne, it is better to choose Clenzit S.

Due to the antibacterial component, this drug actively affects the bacterial flora, destroying it. Therefore, it helps to cleanse the skin of purulent formations faster.

Apply once a day in the evenings. Apply to cleansed and dried skin. The course is usually long-term, since the first results become noticeable only after a month.

When going out in the sun, be sure to use protective equipment, as topical retinoids increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Skinoren

This drug based on azelaic acid is available in the form of a cream or gel. For local use only.

Azelaic acid has:

antibacterial activity on the skin and sebaceous glands;
anti-inflammatory effect;
whitening effect;
keratolytic effect (accelerates skin renewal, helps remove dead cells and cleanse pores of excess sebum).

Both gel and cream are equally effective, although it is believed that the result appears faster when using the gel. But both of these forms of release have their own indications.

The cream is recommended for use for acne, age spots and seborrheic dermatitis. Gel – for acne and rosacea.

For acne, if the skin is oily, it is better to start treatment with a cream, and after achieving a therapeutic effect, switch to a gel. For dry and sensitive skin, you can immediately start with the gel.

Both cream and gel are applied twice a day, morning and evening, to cleansed and thoroughly dried skin in a thin layer. Some tingling and burning may be felt at first. It is not recommended to apply the product to wounds, cracks and other injuries.

To achieve results, a minimum of 2-4 weeks of regular use is required. A lasting effect develops after 2-4 months of treatment. As a maintenance therapy, it is recommended to use the gel once a day in the morning.

Zenerite

This is a combination remedy for acne on the face (it doesn’t work well in other areas), which is a combination of zinc and the antibiotic erythromycin. It is available in a single form - as a powder for preparing lotion.

Due to the antibiotic in the composition, it has a pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. And zinc helps cleanse comedones, reduce skin oiliness, has an antiseptic effect and anti-inflammatory (due to the stabilization of cell membranes).

Zenerite is effective against both comedones and acne.

For mild cases of the disease, Zinerit can be used as the drug of choice.

If it is moderate, combine it with benzoyl peroxide or adapalene.

For severe acne, it is better to give preference to systemic antibacterial drugs rather than local ones, in combination with benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids.

Baziron AS

This is the best benzoyl peroxide based acne treatment. Available in the form of a gel with varying concentrations of the active substance. The greater the severity of the disease, the higher the concentration should be chosen.

The effectiveness of Baziron AS against acne is due to its action in the skin. He is capable of:

destroy bacteria on the skin and in the sebaceous glands;
reduce inflammation;
reduce the secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands, thereby helping to cleanse existing comedones and preventing the formation of new ones;
reduce skin oiliness;
effectively remove dead and exfoliated skin cells, which leads to the elimination of sebaceous plugs and prevents the formation of new ones.

The gel is applied to cleansed skin on the affected areas. There is no need to apply it to injured areas and one must not forget about sun protection throughout the entire course of treatment, which usually lasts 3-4 months.

Baziron AS can be used as monotherapy for mild to moderate forms of acne. In severe cases - in combination with systemic antibiotics. This drug is approved for use with other local agents, including topical retinoids.

Tsindol

This inexpensive drug based on zinc oxide is used for many inflammatory skin diseases. Available in the form of a suspension (talker).

Tsindol for acne not only relieves inflammation on the skin, but also reduces its oiliness due to its effect on the production of sebum. It has a drying effect, so those with dry and sensitive skin should use it with caution.

For acne on dry skin, it is used as follows: apply it pointwise to the pimples with a cotton swab and leave until peeling appears. After which it is recommended to wash with warm water.

If your skin is oily, you can apply it all over your face in the evening and leave it on until the morning.

Zerkalin

Zerkalin is an alcohol solution of clindamycin (an antibiotic).

It has an antimicrobial effect, including against acne-causing bacteria.

Apply externally in the morning and evening for 4-6 months until a lasting effect is achieved. Apply with caution in the paraorbital area and around the mouth, and also avoid contact with microtraumas and wounds.

Do not use simultaneously with Zenerit and other local erythromycin preparations.

Metrogil

A drug based on metronidazole with a very wide range of applications, as it is active against most known types of bacteria. Available in various forms. For acne, it is used in the form of a gel for topical treatment.

After applying Metrogil:

destroys bacteria in hair follicles;
creates a protective film on the skin, preventing the penetration of new bacteria into the pores;
relieves inflammation well;
normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
provides matte skin (due to a protective film that absorbs sebum).

Metrogyl is used not only as a medicine for facial acne. It is effective for other localizations of acne, and for infectious diseases of various origins of most organs and systems.

Systemic treatment of acne

Topical therapy is effective only for mild to moderate acne. Severe degrees (and often moderate) require systemic treatment with antibiotics or retinoids.

Systemic antibiotics in the treatment of acne

For acne, tetracycline antibiotics are most often used.

In terms of effectiveness and ease of use, doxycycline preparations (Unidox Solutab) have taken first place in the treatment of this pathology. Acne requires long-term therapy with low doses (up to six months).

If for some reason this group of antibacterial agents cannot be used, macrolides or sulfonamides become the drugs of choice. They are also prescribed in low dosages for several months.

There is no need to be afraid of antibiotic treatment for acne, since low doses do not lead to the side effects associated with the traditional use of this group of drugs. In particular, probiotics are not required to protect the intestines.

Systemic retinoids

This is the most effective, but also the most dangerous group of drugs for acne. Includes isotretinoin-based products - Roaccutane, Acnecutane, Sotret.

These medications help achieve very good effects in treating even the most severe forms of acne. But at the same time, they can cause serious side effects. Therefore, they are prescribed only in extreme cases - for cystic, conglobate acne, acne that is difficult to treat, with a tendency to form scars, etc. They are used only under the control of biochemical liver tests. In addition to the negative effect on internal organs, retinoids have a teratogenic effect (cause deformities in the fetus). Therefore, they should absolutely not be used during pregnancy planning, and strict contraceptive measures must be observed throughout the entire course of treatment.

Such drugs are prescribed exclusively by a doctor after a series of tests. Dosages are selected based on the patient’s gender, age, weight and clinical situation, and adjusted if necessary.

It is important to know that in the first month after starting treatment, acne will worsen. There is no need to be alarmed; this is a normal skin response to retinoid treatment. But then the face will cleanse, fat production will decrease, the skin will become matte, and its color will improve. With proper prescription and careful adherence to the doctor’s recommendations, it will be possible to avoid side effects and achieve lasting results in the treatment of acne with retinoids.

Acne concerns almost every person on the planet, as up to 80% of the entire population experiences acne during adolescence, and up to 40% of adults continue to struggle with it. The search for effective acne treatments has been going on for many years and continues today. Today there are many good drugs that will help, if not completely get rid of acne, then significantly clear the skin of it and provide proper care and treatment. It is better to make a choice in favor of one remedy or another with the help of a doctor, as he will help prescribe the correct therapy in each specific case.

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