The Best At-Home and Clinical Treatments for Acne

Acne can plague people from adolescence all the way through adulthood. Fortunately, many strides have been made for acne treatment. Here are some of the best at-home and clinical treatments for acne.

At-Home Acne Treatments

Apple Cider Vinegar: This common household item has been touted as a cure-all for years. Because of its antibacterial properties, it has also been introduced to the skincare world as a toner. A word of caution: vinegar is an acid, which means it will encourage some mild exfoliation on your skin. If you have particularly sensitive skin, make sure you dilute the apple cider vinegar with water before applying.

Zinc: Believe it or not, people living with acne have been found to have low levels of zinc in their blood compared to people with clear skin. In addition, several studies have revealed positive impacts on skin health when subjects took daily zinc supplements. An ideal dosage hasn’t been identified, but this at-home remedy is definitely worth a try.

Tea Tree Oil: Like apple cider vinegar, this oil is well-known for its antibacterial properties. In addition, tea tree oil is effective for reducing inflammation. While studies have shown that this remedy works as well as benzoyl peroxide (albeit over a longer period of time), it is incredibly potent. Make sure tea tree oil is diluted before putting it on your skin.

Exercise: It may seem ridiculous, but regular exercise has a lot of benefits for your skin. Not only does it help reduce stress, but exercise can also help regulate your hormones. Each of these things can help prevent and even heal some acne. If you find that your acne flares up when you’re stressed, increasing the amount of time you spend exercising could help. Just remember to thoroughly cleanse your skin afterward.

Clinical Acne Treatments

Light Therapy: If you’re wondering how to get rid of acne, light doesn’t exactly seem like a logical solution. However, the redness and swelling associated with acne is caused by a specific kind of bacteria that can be killed with exposure to certain kinds of light. It’s important that this treatment be done by a medical professional.

Birth Control: Birth control for acne is a common treatment option. This type of acne treatment primarily assists in the treatment of hormonally-based acne, as birth control is a hormonal medication. That being said, this is a treatment that must be prescribed by a doctor. Together, you and your doctor can determine the root cause of your acne and then find the best birth control option for your skin.

Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent the buildup of acne-causing bacteria under the skin. These are typically prescribed in conjunction with topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide to prevent antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are a short-term treatment option for that same reason.

Isotretinoin: This is another medication that must be prescribed by a doctor. In fact, this medication, while effective at treating particularly stubborn acne, requires close medical supervision as a result of potential side effects. If your acne is resistant to all of the other treatment options above, it may be worth talking to your doctor about isotretinoin.

While there’s no one treatment for all acne, your best acne treatment is out there. If you’re struggling with adolescent or adult acne, contact SE Dermatology Specialists today.