How can we blitz those zits?
General measures that will help acne include:
- Avoid applying greasy cosmetics, moisturisers or sunscreens to acne prone areas
- Wash the face with warm water and a gentle cleaner to remove oil. If this leaves the face still feeling oily, an over-the-counter acne wash or cleanser that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be helpful
- Avoid abrasive scrubs, toners and cleansers
- Avoid squeezing and picking pimples as this irritates inflamed lesions and is more likely to lead to scarring
- Avoid hot humid areas and tight clothing in acne prone areas
- Follow a well-balanced, low GI diet combined with regular exercise
- Avoid smoking
Non-prescription topical products
These can be used to treat mild acne and include:
- Benzoyl peroxide lotions and creams
- Azelaic acid preparations
- Glycolic acid preparations
Prescription topical products
Prescription products are usually prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist when non-prescription products have not been effective. These include:
- Topical antibiotics (either alone or combined with benzoyl peroxide) to reduce inflammation in pimples or pustules
- Topical retinoids or Vitamin A creams (either alone or combined with benzoyl peroxide) to help remove the skin plugs and prevent the formation of whiteheads and blackheads
All of the above topical treatments may cause irritation and dryness in some people. Reduce the frequency of application if this happens and stop using the product and see your doctor if severe irritation occurs.
Prescription oral preparations
These may be prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist to suppress acne which is either more widespread or more inflammatory. Oral prescription-only medications include antibiotics (such as doxycycline or minocycline), the oral contraceptive pill and anti-androgens (such as aldactone, cyproterone acetate). The latter two are often most effective in women with adult acne. Oral preparations are usually used in combination with topical therapies.
Treatment of severe acne
People who have large, deep acne spots or those who are not responding to standard oral therapies may need a referral to a dermatologist to consider:
- High dose, long term oral antibiotics
- Oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane®, Orotane®)
- Kleresca®: a new alternative to oral therapy (see below)
Other treatments
Light chemical peels or laser and LED light systems may help mild acne. However, these treatments may not be effective long term and may need to be repeated regularly.
New Breakthroughs
Kleresca® Acne Treatment is a breakthrough BioPhotonic treatment that improves moderate to severe acne. BioPhotonic means that the light produces biological reactions in the skin, including killing bacteria, normalising cellular activity and stimulating the skin’s own repair systems to build-up collagen and reduce the signs of scarring. In clinical trials, Kleresca® Acne Treatment showed high efficacy in people with moderate to severe acne, with 9 out of 10 patients showing an improvement in their skin. This treatment is now available at Inner Sydney Dermatology.