For decades, doctors have said the "gold standard" for treating mild to moderate acne has been a combination of a deep pore cleanser like benzoyl peroxide (it attacks excess oil) and a topical antibiotic or sulphur drug to combat the bacteria. For some patients, treatment also included the topical prescription medication Retin A to help speed clearing. And it's a combination that is still in use today.
"If a patient has mild to moderate acne, this is still frequently my first recommended treatment. It's the easiest and the most economical, and it works very well for many people," says Jamal.
But while it works well, it can dry and irritate skin. And it was this very complaint that became the impetus for developing one of the first "boutique" acne treatments -- an over-the-counter product known as ProActiv Solution.
Blanketing the nation with celebrity-packed infomercials, product inserts, and direct mail ads, it fast became one of the most popular private-label acne treatments around. But what's in it -- and does it really work?
"It contains a much lower percentage of benzoyl peroxide, in a vehicle that isn't as drying as most prescription medications. And that frequently makes compliance better; so in that respect, yes, it can work better for some people," says Jamal.
The High Price of Treatment
The cost of ProActiv is about $40 for the three-piece starter supply -- about 30 to 60 days worth of treatments, depending on the condition of your skin.
If you aren't overly sensitive to benzyl peroxide, other over-the-counter preparations like Oxy Balance (a 5% solution) and Oxy Maximum (a stronger 10% solution) sell for about $5 for a 30- to 60-day supply. Alternately, Neutrogena's On The Spot Acne Treatment contains the milder 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution in a preparation closer to ProActiv, and it sells for about $6 for a 30- to 60-day supply.
More recently, another over-the-counter treatment emerged known as Nicomide-T. A topical preparation in cream or gel form, it is derived from vitamin B. In clinical trials of 1,000 patients conducted by the manufacturer it was shown to reduce redness and inflammation not only associated with acne, but also many acne treatments -- like Retin A. In other studies conducted by the manufacturer it was found to be more effective than the topical antibiotic treatment clindamycin. Independent studies found it to be equally as effective as clindamycin "without concerns over bacterial resistance," according to research published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Still, some doctors say it works best only on mild acne.
"I've used the oral form of this treatment and not had great results. It seems limited to treating mild acne," says Jamal.
Nicomide-T sells for about $40 for a 30-gram tube -- a 30- to 60-day supply.
Zapping Pimples Away
The newest over-the-counter acne treatment is not a cream or lotion, but a device -- a tiny electronic pimple "zapper" with the high-tech name of "Zeno."
Recently cleared by the FDA, Zeno resembles a tiny cell phone or a large cigarette lighter. It purportedly works by supplying a small amount of controlled heat directly to the acne lesion for two to three minutes, causing the bacteria to self-destruct and ultimately the pimple to clear.
According to the manufacturer, most zits require a single treatment and are completely gone in just hours. Others, they say, may require up to three treatments in 24 hours to see results.
It sounds impressive, but does it work?
"If the lesion is not too large -- and not too severely inflamed -- it can work. But it's not for widespread acne, or moderate to severe breakouts," says Jamal. She says it's best for the occasional pimple and perfect for zit-phobes who want to keep their skin blemish-free without having to run to the dermatologist every week.
Goldberg agrees that it can work, but recommends it only for those with mild, occasional breakouts. "This is not the treatment you want to use for moderate to severe acne," says Goldberg.
The Zeno device sells for about $215, and the company offers a free 30-day trial.
New Laser Treatments
But what if your acne is causing more than just an occasional pimple? Then you may be a candidate for one of several new laser treatments -- professional medical procedures that use laser light to heat up and destroy bacteria, as well as shut down excess oil production.
"One type of laser works to inhibit the growth of 'bugs' -- the bacteria that cause acne; the second type shrinks the oil glands and has an 'Accutane-like' effect, but without the side effects," says Goldberg. Both lasers also have antiaging benefits including encouraging collagen production, making it an excellent treatment for midlife acne.
Although treatment is pretty much painless, it is expensive, costing between $500 and $800 per session, with at least five to seven treatments necessary to see results. Moreover, those results are frequently not permanent.
"The laser that works on the bugs, usually requires five or six treatments, which may need to be repeated in about two months; the lasers that work on the oil glands have a longer-lasting effect, but flare-ups do generally occur again within six months to a year," Goldberg tells WebMD.
He also adds that laser treatments frequently work better after microdermabrasion -- a treatment that helps loosen skin cells and open pores.
Jamal says because they are so costly, lasers should only be used when topical antibiotic preparations aren't enough.
"The lasers don't do a better job than the topical treatments, and they are more expensive. I use them only as an adjunct, when the topicals alone don't work, or to treat large areas such as the back," she says.
New Light Treatment
Shedding yet more new light on acne care is "Photo Dynamic Therapy", a treatment involving either a pulsed light source or a laser, in combination with a topical preparation known as Levulan. This therapy is approved for use in treating a precancerous skin condition associated with sun damage.
According to Bruce Katz, MD, one of the pioneers of this procedure, it has turned into a powerful one-two punch that not only clears acne lesions, but may be one of the first treatments to offer permanent results.
"So far, we are experiencing three years of clear skin. And it may be longer, but three years is the longest study we have thus far," says Katz, director of the JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York City.
Katz tells WebMD the treatment kicks in when the light source activates properties in the Levulan that both destroy the bacteria and shrink the oil gland, returning production back to normal.
"If the long-term results studies prove to be true then this is indeed an excellent advance that may work well for patients not wishing to take Accutane," says Jamal.
Goldberg says the treatment is effective, but it can be problematic if patients do not follow the treatment with sunblock or stay out of the sun.
"Sunblock must be on for at least 24 hours after treatment and direct and indirect sun exposure must be avoided," he says.
And, yes, it too is expensive. Treatment is rendered every two weeks for up to 12 weeks -- at a cost of between $500 and $800 per session. Because skin is extremely sun-sensitive for 24 to 48 hours after each treatment, doctors recommend wearing a superstrong sunblock.
But you are getting a bit more for your money: Katz says not only are the results likely to be very long lasting, the treatment also offers antiaging benefits.
2007-03-06 23:57:39
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Treatments
Common over-the-counter medications for pimples are Benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid. Both medications can be found in many creams and gels used to treat acne through topical application. Both medications help skin slough off easier, which helps to remove bacteria faster. A regimen of keeping the affected skin area clean plus the regular application of these topical medications is usually enough to keep acne under control, if not at bay altogether. 1-2% of the population is allergic to Benzoyl peroxide treatments.
Severe acne usually indicates the necessity of prescription medication to treat pimples. Prescription medications used to treat acne include isotretinoin or Accutane, which is a retinoid. Historically, prescription antibiotics such as tetracyclines and erythromycin were used to treat acne. While they were more effective than topical applications of benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria eventually grew resistant to the antibiotics and the treatments became less and less effective. Also, antibiotics had more side effects than topical applications (erythromycin can cause stomach cramps).
Commercial products include Murad Acne Complex and Proactiv Solution. Both of these products are subscription-based services where you sign up with the company and receive their products (usually on a monthly basis) at various prices.
2007-03-06 23:42:09
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answer #2
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answered by Cfoo_master 4
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here are home remedies
http://www.cosmeticsdiary.com/homeremedy-for-pimples.htm
-Create a paste from ground neem leaves and apply to affected areas
-Make a paste from nutmeg and milk and use as a facial mask. Wash off with warm water and repeat two or three times every day.
-Apply toothpaste - actual paste, not gel - to affected areas before bed. Wash off in the morning.
-put egg whites all over your face (like a mask)..egg whites are driers and will remove all the impurities from your face.leave it on until every spot is dry (depends on the type of skin you have) it works so well. use for 2-3 days or continue use. it works wonders. i swear by it. if you only have 1 day then use it once. it may not disappear but it will bring it way down and remove redness. It makes you skin super soft too!
-Create a paste from ground orange peels and apply to affected areas.
-Create a solution of one part lemon juice and one part rose water. Leave this mixture on the face for 30 minutes to help with pimples and other blemishes
2007-03-09 15:54:36
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answer #3
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answered by Cutie 4
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Wash your face with a mild soap and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Take red chandan and rub on the stone and make a paste . Apply like a foundation on the face at night and let it be.
Wash it in the morning with cold water.
Do this for some days.
This will give a beautiful skin.
2007-03-06 23:55:34
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Every night apply Rakthachandan with little milk added to it, at night before sleep, you get a bar of it which you will have to grind in a stone like chandan it is available outside all big temples, simple grandmas remedy. Avoid oily and junk food which is the major cause of this also spicy food. Drink plenty of cocnut water and pomogranate juice and see the difference.
2007-03-07 03:39:44
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answer #5
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answered by rema e 2
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Try this:
-When u get up in the morning, without brushing ur teeth, drink 1.5 lits of water. Its gonna be difficult in the begining, but within 4-5 days u will get used to. See the result within 10 days !
-Stop oil, spices etc.
-Be on juice, sprouted grains, light healthy home food.
-Breath in and out for 10 minutes every morning. Deep and fast breathing please.
It works !
2007-03-07 02:51:23
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Any external application will not solve your problem permanently. Consult a good homeopath who will cure your pimples forever.
2007-03-07 17:27:02
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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avoid sun raise and moisturiser. Drink lot's of water and take ful rest and don't use any kind's of soap face wash only use lemon juice ,honey,rose water for wash your face and if you have pimple mark apply tomato juice it will reduce your mark
2007-03-07 19:05:48
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answer #8
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answered by ruchi s 3
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eat lots of fruits , drink at least 6-8 glass of water and wash your
face as many times as u can
2007-03-06 23:43:40
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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paste of garlic.
apply on the face twice a week before a shower.
2007-03-06 23:49:27
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answer #10
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answered by babu 1
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There are a number of treatment which are very good. acnezine, zenmed, CP. I personally use cp and its very good.
2007-03-09 09:31:25
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answer #11
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answered by Just a Helper 3
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