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Get Rid of Acne Get Rid of Acne
 Acne is the world's No 1 beauty problem. Strangely, however, most of us know so little about what causes pimples or how they should be treated. The basic cause of acne is a hormonal imbalance in the body. All of us have both male and female hormones, which vary in proportion depending on a person's gender. The hormones that are involved in causing acne are the male hormones called androgens.
Androgens can:
* Make the oil glands overactive
* Thicken the skin and
* Narrow down or clog the pores of oil glands
Bacteria, which are normally present on everybody's skin, enter the oil glands and create pus, which can cause either red bumps or pus-filled pimples. If the infection goes deeper it can lead to ugly marks, blemishes and scars
TREATING ACNE
Acne can be treated by special formula gels or ointments, medication or hormone treatment. Let's take them one by one.
Gels
Benzoyl peroxide gel: This has been around for nearly 30 years and has proved its efficacy in treating acne. You should start with a 2.5 formulation applied very sparingly on the affected areas every night. If your skin does not experience any dryness after a month of use, move on to a stronger 5 per cent formulation. Benzac AC, Bengel, or Persol are some of the good gels available in the market.
Antibiotic gels:- You can use one during the day and alternate with a benzoyl peroxide ointment in the night. These gels are best for treating red bumps and pus-filled pimples. Clindac A, Clincin or Femcinol gels containing clindamycin; and Eryacne gel or Erytop solution with erythromycin are very effective in treating acne.
Azelaic acid (20 per cent): This is one of the new entrants in the Indian market. It is relatively mild compared to the other creams and is effective in treating dark blemishes as well. You can use it every night or alternate it with either one of the antibiotic gels or benzoyl peroxide-based creams. Aziderm, which contains azelaic acid, is a good cream.
Tretinoin: This is also a very effective cream but it has to be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. If over-used, it can cause allergic reactions like flaking and dryness.
Note: Anti-acne gels or ointments must be tested for any allergic reactions before use. Try and apply a small amount on the hand and keep it on overnight to check for dryness, redness, itching, flaking or burning.
Medication
Antibiotics: These are most commonly used to treat acne. They have to be taken regularly for about two to three months to show any results. Tetracycline-based antibiotics have been in use for the last 50 years and are very effective. Contrary to what is commonly believed, they are not harmful and have no long-term side effects.
Isotretinoin - This is a vitamin A derivative and must be used strictly under a dermatologist's supervision. It is very expensive but gives excellent results.
Hormone treatment
Certain disorders like polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) cause hormonal imbalances, which can cause acne. Acne caused because of this needs to be treated with hormones or OC pills. But hormones can only be prescribed after a sonography and a blood and hormone test.
On a final note, one must stress on the fact that it's best to consult a dermatologist if your acne still persists after two months of using these creams and medication.
Some misconceptions about acne
· Acne is a part of adolescence and the maturing process and does not need to be treated
· Oily and spicy foods aggravate acne
· Eating chocolates and cheese causes break-outs
· Harsh soaps help clear acne
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