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Going Beyond Benzoyl Peroxide
Greg Podsakoff



Millions of people suffer from acne in the United States alone,
and many of these acne suffers use Benzoyl Peroxide as the acne
treatment medication of choice.

It is generally safe, has very few side effects, and it has been
proven to be the most effective over the counter acne treatment.

However, there are many more people who have more severe, or
particularly resilient acne that is not susceptible to over the
counter medications such as Benzoyl Peroxide.


Some of the most effective acne medications are available via
prescription only. However, these are truly the “heavy guns” in
the fight against acne, and are well worth looking into for
anyone who has chronic or severe acne breakouts.


The most commonly prescribed acne medications are antibiotics
such as Erythromycin and Trimethroprim. These are generally more
effective than over the counter treatments because they work by
treating the source of acne, the acne causing p.bacteria. Many
acne sufferers find antibiotics work well for them in treating
acne, and have fewer breakouts because of them.


However, one of the big drawbacks from using antibiotics is
developing an immunity to them. This means that over time, the
antibiotics are less effective in treating not only acne, but any
form of bacterial infection including diseases such as strep
throat and even some STD’s. This should be considered before
undergoing an antibiotic regime to treat acne.


Another alternative is Retin A. Retin A is a topical acne
treatment, and a derivative of Vitamin A. Although the exact
mechanism is unknown, Retin A has been proven to be effective in
reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as acne and some acne
scarring. Retin A is generally more effective in treating acne
than antibiotics.


However, Retin A is not without side effects either. The skin
becomes more sensitive to the sun, and exposure to the sun can be
very damaging. Also, people with sensitive skin or a skin
disorder such as eczema can experience severe redness, skin
flaking, and irritation. In spite of this, most people who use
Retin A find they are satisfied with the results, and don’t find
the side effects overwhelming.


The most effective acne treatment currently available is
Accutane. Accutane is also a derivative of Vitamin A, and is
taken orally. It has been referred to as the acne “wonder drug”,
and for good reason. The majority of people who complete a 15-20
week session experience greatly reduced acne for years, and some
never again have acne.


Accutane works by stopping sebum production in the skin. With no
sebum, the acne causing p.bacteria do not have any way to grow.
This results in clear skin, sometimes for life.


However, Accutane is not without side effects. The most severe
are birth defects and mental disorders, such as psychosis and
suicide. Dry skin, severe headaches, and hair loss are also
common side effects. Though accutane is the most effective acne
medication, it should only be used as a last resort, under close
medical supervision.


Though there are other medications that are more effective than
benzoyl peroxide, these are the most commonly prescribed, and are
all worth consideration if one is experiencing severe acne. As
always, a medical doctor should be consulted before trying any
medication.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and editor of
http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com


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