Acne Treatments

Acne Treatments
By EXCESS at Anabolic Review

This stuff has been said before, but I thought I’d put it in one post and expand it a bit. Some of the info was stuff I learned by reading posts on this board, so props to anyone that has posted this before.

ACNE TREATMENTS

Tanning Bed
Ultraviolet rays dry excess skin oil very effectively. Best results when used without dark-tanning lotions. Shower after use and apply an aloe-based lotion to noticeably oily areas. Avoid UV exposure while using medications that cause photosensitivity.

Swimming Pool
Chlorine dries skin oil and reduces bacteria. Shower immediately afterwards and apply an aloe-based lotion to reduce oil production.

Panthotenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Large doses of panthotenic acid have proven to reduce acne. Take 2500 mg four (4) times a day (last dose at bedtime) until acne is under control, and then 1500 mg three (3) times a day for maintenance. Also available as a cream which should be applied 4-6 times a day.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide slowly releases oxygen, which has an antibacterial effect. It also causes peeling and drying of skin, which helps to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads. First, wash the affected area of skin with medicated soap and water. Pat dry gently with a towel. Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area and rub in gently once or twice a day. If you have a fair complexion, start with a single daily application at bedtime. Keep the medicine away from eyes, nose, and mouth. Results are noticeable in 1 to several weeks. Side effects: burning, itching, scaling, swelling, or redness. Allergic reactions are not uncommon. Common brands: Clearasil, Noxzema, Oxy, Pan Oxyl.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) - prescription
Isotretinoin is a powerful drug used in the treatment of acne. Isotretinoin decreases the amount of oil produced by the skin's sebaceous (oil) glands. Four to five months of isotretinoin treatment usually leads to clearing of acne for one year or more after the medicine is stopped. Most other acne-controlling medicines are antibacterial agents, which are effective only if the medicine is used daily. Side effects (in order of percent reported): chapped lips, dry skin, mild nosebleeds, eye irritation, joint and muscle pains, temporary hair thinning, rash, intestinal symptoms, urinary symptoms, headache, decreased night vision, depression. Regular blood tests are necessary when you are taking isotretinoin because it can be hard on the liver. Women should not take Isotretinoin while pregnant, and should avoid becoming pregnant while using it. Isotretinoin can cause photosensitivity.

Retin-A - prescription
Unlike many over-the-counter acne treatments, Retin-A has the ability to get beneath the surface of your skin and work where acne begins. Retin-A loosens and expels acne plugs in the skin and prevents new lesions from forming. Apply before bed, about 30 minutes after washing the skin. Side effects: dryness, peeling, redness. Retin-A can cause photosensitivity.

WARNING: Do some extra research on the side effects before starting any of these treatments. I don’t want to be responsible for any medical condition caused by misuse.