Acne vulgaris is the medical term for the common acne, as differentiated from other forms of acne such as acne rosacea, acne conglobata, etc. Every acne vulgaris treatment is directed at one or more of the factors contributing to this condition: too much sebum production, abnormal skin shedding causing blocked pores, and inflammation caused by the p. acnes bacteria. Often used in combinations, each of these works in varying degrees of effectiveness on a person-to-person basis:
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- Over the counter acne treatment for mild-to-moderate acne: sulfur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide
- Prescription topicals for mild-to-moderate acne: azelaic acid, tretinoin (retin-A), adapalene (Differin), tazarotene (Tazorac)
- Topical antibiotics for moderate-to-severe acne: Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline
- Oral or systemic antibiotics for moderate-to-severe acne: Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, Cotrimoxazole
- Birth control pills for acne - oral contraceptives, sometimes combined with antiandrogens for hormonal acne
- Tretinoin (Accutane) for severe acne
- Blue and red light phototherapy for mild-to-moderate acne
- Laser treatment – commonly used for acne scar reduction, but may be used for treating acne itself
- Home or “natural” remedies: aloe vera, tea tree oil, vitamin B5, etc.
In addition to using the above medications and procedures, the other type approach to acne vulgaris treatment should be preventive, i.e., trying to treat acne from within. If you’re prone to acne, watch out for these factors that are known or suspected to trigger acne breakouts:
- Stress: Learn to handle stress better. According to WebMD, stress can worsen acne by increasing stress hormones such as cortisol which promotes inflammation. If you suffer from stress, try relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises, or do physical activities and exercise.
- Diet: the role of diet in acne is a controversial one. While many authorities deny a link, several studies do show that certain foods can cause acne flare-ups in susceptible individuals. WebMD says that caffeine, simple carbohydrates, and acid forming foods can worsen your pimples. If you suffer from acne, try to keep a food log and see if you can establish a pattern between your acne flare-ups and the foods that you eat.
- Caffeine: caffeine increases stress hormones which can worsen your acne. Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate, and other drinks containing caffeine.
- Simple carbohydrates such as sugars, white rice, and white bread rapidly increase your blood sugar, triggering a series of events which may lead to increased production of sebum (oil) in your skin glands. Reduce your intake of simple carbs and go for complex carbs instead from high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Acid forming foods may cause digestion problems and produce toxins that cause breakouts. Go slow on cheese, fried foods, and fatty meat products.
- Milk and dairy products have also been implicated in acne vulgaris according to several studies. It is not fully known what’s in dairy that can cause breakouts; theories include its blood sugar raising effect, the hormones contained in milk, or its iodine content.
- Environmental factors: Pollution and high humidity may worsen acne. Also avoid makeup and cosmetics that can block pores. Look for those containing non-comedogenic ingredients.
An effective acne vulgaris treatment consists of appropriate acne medications as well as avoidance of suspected triggers. By focusing on both you should see a dramatic improvement in your skin condition and you can kiss your acne goodbye.