You also don't have to take the word of your doctor that the best or only cure is what he or she suggests.
Of course, your doctor is the one who is most apt to have up-to-date information on the latest treatment for your type of acne but if you ask questions about other treatments, he or she might have another idea triggered by your questions.
There are basically two types of treatment - oral and topical.
Let's take a look at some of the types of topical treatment available.
These are the ones that come as creams, lotions, gels, and other forms that you apply to your skin.
The topical medication that are usually used are retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, antiseborrheic medications, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, azelaic acid, nicotinamide, and keratolytic soaps.
Here is an overview of the more commonly used ones.
The ones that deal with blackheads are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which can be used together.
Benzoyl peroxide is the most common.
Keratolytic treatments peel and remove the top skin layer of the skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids help get rid of blackheads.
Topical retinoids include: oTretinoin or retinoic acid.
This should not be used if you are pregnant.
It is also use in stronger doses as a chemical peel.
oIsotretinoin which is a lot like tretinoin but less irritating and good for people who are in the sun a lot.
Good for light acne.
oTazarotene.
Good for moderate acne.
It can irritate your skin.
Benzoyl peroxide dries, exfoliates, and kills bacteria on your skin.
It also diminishes the secretion of sebum which is the oily substance that is at the heart of acne flare ups.
Antibiotics reduce the bacteria.
The common ones used are clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and meclocycline.
Antiseborrheic drugs include sulfur and alcohol-ether.
Some versions of this smell bad and can stain your clothes.
Salicylic acid was one of the earliest types of treatments used and is often used in skin cleaning pads.
Alpha hydroxy acids is usually glycolic acid, helps moisturize your skin.
It is a controversial treatment.
Azelaic acid can burn and irritate your skin.
Nicotinamide comes from vitamin B3 and acts as an anti-inflammatory action.
It gets rid of pustules.
Keratolytic soaps keep your skin from getting too oily.
There are other forms of treatment such as oral medications but these topical treatments are the ones most frequently used.