In addition to benzoyl peroxide, there are a number of other antibacterial
ointments used to treat mild inflammatory acne. These
ointments contain chemicals such as sulfur that kill bacteria. In addition,
there are a number of stronger antibiotic creams, gels, and
lotions that contain powerful bacteria-killing drugs such as tetracycline
and erythromycin, which are used to treat moderately inflamed
acne.
Although these products do control infection, they have
no effect on clogged hair follicles. Therefore, these products are often
combined with salicylic acid or a more powerful prescriptionstrength
ointment such as Retin A, a popular retinoid.
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, which has a potent effect
on the skin. Scientists have found that when vitamin Ais applied to
the skin, it slows the growth of skin cells. This is important in preventing
acne because when new skin cells form, old skin cells are
shed. Slowing the growth of skin cells keeps dead skin cells from
building up inside the hair follicles. This stops new comedones from
forming.
In addition, for reasons that scientists cannot explain, vitamin
A slows down oil production and stimulates the production
of collagen. This gives the skin a smoother appearance. Therefore,
vitamin Ais often used to help smooth out acne scars. According to
the American Academy of Dermatology: “Vitamin Aproducts can
make a big difference in the appearance of the skin. They speed [collagen]
cell turnover and slow down oil production.
Oral Medication
In addition to topical treatments, many people with moderate to
severe inflammatory acne take oral medication, either alone or in
combination with topical ointments. There are three main types of
oral medications used to treat acne. They are antibiotics, hormones,
and isotretinoin.
